Helping Your Puppy With Their First Grooming Experience

A pup's first visit to the grooming salon is considered a milestone by many dog parents. However, for a puppy who is not yet used to the process of getting groomed, the experience can make them feel stressed and anxious. A distressed pup could challenge even the most patient and experienced groomer.

As pet owners, there are ways in which you can help your fur baby get comfy with grooming. The first grooming session will set the tone for future grooming sessions, thus it is important to make your puppy at ease with the process. Here are simple ways you can make your puppy's first grooming experience a positive one.


Before Grooming

The key to making any puppy comfortable with grooming is acclimatization or getting them familiar with the whole process. Every part of the grooming process is new to your puppy, so it is natural for them to feel anxious and scared.

For the puppy to become familiar, groomers suggest the following techniques:

• Play and touch their ears often so that they would feel comfortable getting their ears cleaned.
• Massage their paws often so they wouldn't resist getting their nails trimmed.
• Brush their coat regularly so that puppy will get comfortable with getting groomed. Brushing their coat also relaxes them and ensures that their coat is shiny and free from tangles and matting.

It is also important to give your dog some exercise before the grooming session to let them shake off all their anxious energy. Prepare their favorite toys and blankets in advance, too, to help them calm down.


During Grooming

In order to make their first grooming experience a positive one, using treats can help them associate getting groomed with something good. Use treats as often as possible, especially after following an instruction or remaining calm. 

For a puppy, groomers don't recommend getting a full service immediately. What they do is an abbreviated session to avoid the pup getting stressed. In the first session, the groomer can give the puppy a quick wash first. Then in the following session, the groomer can trim some of their hair. By doing shorter grooming sessions more often, your puppy can become more familiar with the entire grooming process.


After the session

End the session by showering your pup with lots of hugs, cuddles, and more treats. According to dog experts, it takes about three to four sessions before your pup can get used to the process, so a lot of patience and love would really be needed. It is also recommended to bring your pup to the same groomer at least for their first few sessions just to lessen their anxiety.


As they say, first impressions always last, and that could not be more true with your puppy and his first time at the grooming table. Make the experience truly a memorable one so that your pup would see grooming as a fun experience.

Skip the hassle of driving your pup to the grooming salon and book a session with us. Car rides are another source of anxiety for any dog, but with Mobile Dog Wash Logan, we bring the grooming table right at your doorstep! So give us a call or leave a message and we'll make sure that your pup's first grooming experience is a pleasant and enjoyable one.
​