A puppy’s first groom

A first groom should be a short, calm introduction, not a test of endurance. The aim is that your puppy leaves thinking tables, dryers and gentle handling are ordinary, so later visits are easier for everyone.

At home, practise standing on a non-slip mat, touching paws, ears and tail, and running a soft brush over the body for a few seconds at a time. Pair each step with a treat and stop before the puppy gets fed up. Vaccination timing is a question for your vet, not for a website, and you should ask them when it is sensible for a puppy to visit new indoor places.

Tell the salon if your puppy is very shy, very bouncy, or has never heard a dryer. A first appointment may not include a full, finished haircut, and that is often a good thing. It is better to do less and book again than to push on until the puppy is frightened.

We don’t offer home-visit puppy grooming. If you would like that first experience to be at our Banbury salon, call us to ask what a first visit usually involves and to book when you and your vet are happy to go ahead. Our longer note on preparing for a first groom covers the same ground for older dogs who are new to salons as well.