• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College

Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers

Feefo logo
Live chat
Live chat
800-795-3294
  • Alumni Login
    • Dog Obedience Program Alumni
    • Cat Training Program Alumni
    • Grooming Instruction Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program Alumni
  • Student Login
    • Cat Training Program
    • Dog Obedience Program
    • Grooming Instruction Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
MENUMENU
  • Programs
    • Dog Training School
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Certification
      • Success Stories
      • Students Saving Lives
      • Find A Dog Trainer
    • Veterinary Assistant School
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Success Stories
    • Dog Grooming School
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Success Stories
      • Find A Pet Groomer
    • On Campus Dog Trainer
      • Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California
    • Continuing Education
      • Short Term Programs
    • Cat Training School
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
    • Aquarium Maintenance School
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
    • Zookeeper Assistant School
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
  • Military Benefits
  • GI Bill® Benefits
  • Locations
  • About ABC
        • About Animal Behavior College
        • Our Expert Faculty
        • Press, News & Info
        • Press Releases
        • BPPE Disclosures
        • Contact Us
        • Why ABC?
        • Students Saving Lives
        • Licensure, Ratings & Approvals
        • Sponsors & Associates
        • Post a Job
        • Search for a Job
  • Blog
  • Alumni Login
    • Dog Obedience Program Alumni
    • Cat Training Program Alumni
    • Grooming Instruction Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program Alumni
  • Student Login
    • Cat Training Program
    • Dog Obedience Program
    • Grooming Instruction Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program
Home » Grooming » Puppy’s First Grooming Experience

Puppy’s First Grooming Experience

Puppy Grooming

By Shelley Williams

With Christmas just past, many of you may have a new puppy. As such, it is very important to go over some key points regarding your puppy’s grooming regime. His first experience—positive or negative—will remain with him forever.

A new puppy’s first groom is very important and should be a pleasant and pleasurable experience. You can help your puppy get used to the grooming procedures at home by teaching him the basics. Gently touch him all over every day; don’t forget his paws and toes. When your puppy is comfortable being handled, you are ready to begin brushing and combing. Puppies should be introduced to professional grooming when they are about 10 to 12-weeks-old or have had their second round of vaccines. Most dogs will require grooming every four to eight weeks.

The first grooming appointment might be quite lengthy, as you want the puppy to feel comfortable and trust the groomer. With a gentle touch, he will learn that grooming is an enjoyable experience and not something to fear. What happens during your puppy’s groom? He will be thoroughly brushed to remove any knots or tangles. Next, the groomer might trim the nails, clean the ears and even brush your puppy’s teeth. Now it is time for a warm bath, where the puppy is shampooed and conditioned, followed by towel drying and a warm blow dryer to prevent any chills.

RELATED: Best Dog Shampoos for all Coat and Skin Types

Once your puppy is thoroughly dried, it is time for the groomer to start the haircut. This can be the most difficult task of all and I always recommend starting slowly for a puppy’s first haircut. Instead of doing an all-over haircut, have the groomer do a face trim, feet trim and sanitary cut. This allows the puppy to get used to the sights and sounds of a grooming salon without overwhelming him. You can then bring your puppy back in three to four weeks for a body trim.

You should also wait for the groomer to call you when your puppy is ready for pickup. If you show up too early or the puppy hears your voice, he might become overexcited and the groomer may not be able to complete his groom. Remember to always follow your groomer’s guidance and recommendations, as she is working closely with your pet and could notice things you may have missed.

Another important reminder is that groomers are not miracle workers; it is up to you to brush and comb in between grooming appointments to avoid matting. If you do not have time to brush your puppy at home, talk with your groomer about a shorter haircut for maintenance purposes or setting up brush-out appointments.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Johnny McCarron says

    February 21, 2017

    I like that you talked about when your puppy should be introduced to things like grooming. I think that a lot of people get their dog groomed a little too early or a little too late. However, if you get them groomed at the time you suggested, you will likely see a lot of success in your dog’s willingness to get groomed. Do you have any other tips about how to find a good groomer?

    Reply
  2. Alice Tipton says

    May 22, 2017

    Could you recommend a gentle groomer for a Maltese/Shitzsu puppy in Palm Springs, CA. I have a 3 year old Silky Cocker which I take to Bath and Brush but she has many dogs underfoot and barking and I’m afraid to take this one there because there is too much confusion!

    Reply
  3. Donna Gibbon says

    October 23, 2017

    What age should you give a Bichon freeze its first grooming

    Reply
  4. All Critters Petcare says

    February 25, 2018

    Great article with great info!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Main
    • Locations
    • Find A Dog Trainer
    • Find A Pet Groomer
    • Post a Job
    • Evolution of ABC
  • Dog Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Dog Groomer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Cat Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login

Footer

Apex Career School - A subsidiary of Animal Behavior College


Interested in a career outside of the animal industry?
Visit our subsidiary school!

bbb logo

Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs.

STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College ("ABC") is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student's completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC's behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
GI BILL® TRADEMARK ATTRIBUTION
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Click here to view Animal Behavior College’s Annual Reports
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Animal Behavior College, 27509 Avenue Hopkins, First Floor, Valencia CA 91355-3910 Contact Us
© 2000 - 2021 Animal Behavior College. Questions? email@animalbehaviorcollege.com