Puppy’s First Groom
A puppy's first grooming session is a most very significant event, similar to a human child getting their first haircut. Working with pups can also try the patience of the most skilled pet groomers.
And the groomers initial approach can have a lifelong effect on a pup, be it positive or negative.
So here are some important tips for dealing with the little bundles of fluff, for the benefit of all involved.
Preparing Puppies for the First Pet Grooming Session
During the first grooming sessions, the main idea is to familiarise puppies with the process.
As mentioned previously (and this cannot be overemphasised) a pup's initial experiences at the grooming salon can set the stage for how he or she responds to being groomed for the rest of their life. So it's important to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
The more socialized and used to being handled a puppy is the better.
New puppy owners should prepare their pup to be handled in ways they might not be used to. For example, pup parents should regularly tickle their paws (including between their toes), and ears, which are some of the areas your groomer will be working on.
Before Puppies Are Groomed
It is very important to start by slowly introducing the little one to grooming and the staff. Always speaking to in a soft, soothing voice, petting and cuddling and playing for a bit, to gain trust, and to enable your pup to regard grooming as a fun, enjoyable experience.
Above, all, patience is key.
We will also stick to an abbreviated session, to avoid stressing the pups out and enabling them to get used to being handled. Plus, bear in mind that pups may be frightened when they are first exposed to such devices and tools as clippers, noisy dryers, and grooming tables.
We don’t do a lot during the first sessions; we want the puppy to become used to being handled. The first experience must be a good experience, with lots of love and treats. This is their special place away from home. If you push them through the experience and restrain them, then you ruin that dog for the rest of their life.
Getting Started
Many puppy parents make the mistake of waiting until their pups are 6 months of age or older before taking them for grooming. But the general rule of thumb is that they should be no more than 16 weeks old, as younger pups are easier to train. They should also have had all of their vaccinations before being groomed for the first time.
The grooming sessions initially should be kept short and sweet. Here at Rosie's Pet Parlour we offer 2 free 10-15 minute visits to help you puppy get used the grooming environment before coming in for their first full groom. We recommend initially sticking with the following services the first couple of times:
Bathing
Light brush out
Nail trim
Ear cleaning
Light trim where especially needed, such as around the face
Starting slowly will enable us to build up to a full cut and other more elaborate services.
Puppies will be loosely restrained during grooming. Everything should be loose, never tight. We will be with the puppy at all times; it has to be a loving experience. It’s just like with a baby; you help them through it so that bath time becomes a fun time. We just lavish them with love. It’s through that regularity that they come to accept the grooming experience.
If approached the right way, we establish a lifelong happy relationship with our new pup clients, which will ensure their long-term health and happiness.
We provide a pleasant experience, so that they will see the grooming salon as their loving place away from home, and will be happy to come here.
Lovely Little Lilly's - First Groom
