Puppies
Your Puppy's First Groom: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Your puppy does not need a full haircut before they can benefit from visiting a groomer. In fact, a gentle introduction before their coat becomes difficult to manage can make future appointments far easier. Early visits are about confidence: learning that the salon, equipment and handling are normal parts of life.
5 min read · Mojo's Bath House, Longwick
When Can a Puppy Go to the Groomer?
Many puppies can begin introductory grooming at around 12–16 weeks, provided they have followed the vaccination or health advice given by their vet. Requirements vary, so check with your vet and the salon before booking.
Puppies with long, curly or continuously growing coats should not wait until they are heavily overgrown. A short, positive appointment every three to four weeks up to six months can help build familiarity while their adult coat develops.
What Happens at an Introduction Groom?
At Mojo's Bath House, the puppy introduction may include a bath, towel or gentle blow-dry, brush-out and nail trim, alongside time to explore the salon and become comfortable with handling. What is completed depends on the puppy in front of us. Confidence is more important than forcing every step.
Practise the Small Things
At home, spend a few calm seconds touching paws, lifting ears, stroking legs and gently holding the chin. Introduce the sound of a hairdryer from a comfortable distance without aiming it at your puppy. Let them see and sniff a brush, then make one or two gentle strokes before rewarding them.
Practise on a non-slip surface and finish while your puppy is still comfortable. Several tiny positive sessions are more useful than one long struggle.
Brush the Coat Properly
Use tools suited to your puppy's coat and learn how to check down to the skin. Tangles often hide behind the ears, under collars and harnesses, in the armpits, around the legs and near the tail. Amber can recommend tools and demonstrate a manageable routine.
On the Day
Give your puppy time to toilet before arrival and avoid a rushed journey. Bring information about their health, vaccination status, handling sensitivities and home routine. Arrive at the agreed time so the appointment can begin calmly, and collect promptly when contacted.
Build a Routine for Life
A puppy who visits regularly learns that grooming is predictable. As they grow, their appointments can develop into full grooms, maintenance grooms or smooth-coat care depending on breed and coat — you can see all of these on the grooming services page. That early investment supports a lifetime of more comfortable coat, nail and hygiene care.