Puppy Grooming 101: When to Start and What to Expect

Welcoming a new puppy into your life is an exciting and joyful time. Alongside training, socialisation, and vet visits, it’s important to think about grooming from an early age. Many owners aren’t sure when to book their puppy’s first appointment, or how to prepare them, so here’s our guide to getting it right.

When Should Puppies Start Grooming?

We recommend introducing puppies to grooming once they’ve had all their vaccinations. At this stage, they are learning how to be handled. Early, positive experiences in the salon build confidence and reduce anxiety toward the grooming process later in life.

What Happens at a Puppy’s First Groom?

At George’s Dog Boutique, our Puppy Taster Appointments are designed to be gentle and stress-free. Depending on the puppy's breed and temperament, a typical first visit might include:

• A warm bath and gentle blow dry

• Brushing and combing

• Nail trim if needed

• A tidy around the eyes, feet, and hygiene areas

The aim isn’t a full haircut but rather to help your puppy get used to the sights, sounds, and handling of a grooming salon.

How to Prepare Your Puppy at Home

You can make grooming easier for your puppy by starting small routines at home:

• Handle their paws regularly so they’re used to having them touched.

• Brush often to build tolerance.

• Introduce hairdryers or gentle noise at a distance so they aren’t startled by the salon dryer later.

• Keep sessions short, calm, and always positive.

How Often Should Puppies Be Groomed?

Once your puppy has had their first appointment, we recommend visits every 2-3 weeks for the first few months depending on breed and coat type. Regular grooming prevents mats and tangles and helps your puppy build lifelong confidence with the process. We offer puppy packages of 5 visits. 

Why Early Grooming Matters

Starting young makes grooming a normal part of life rather than something scary. Puppies who are introduced gradually are calmer, safer, and easier to groom as adults. It’s a small investment now that will pay off with a lifetime of stress-free visits.

Final Word

Your puppy’s first groom is an exciting milestone and it sets the tone for every appointment to come. At George’s Dog Boutique, our team loves welcoming new puppies and making their first experience a positive one.

If you’d like to book a Puppy Taster or get advice on the best brushes for your dog’s coat, pop into the salon or browse our online boutique. We’re here to help your puppy look and feel their best from day one.