This page is for information on getting the best out of your puppy. The first section is about how and when to start grooming your puppy, the second deals with socialisation and common puppy problems.
In an ideal world, all puppies that are going to require regular grooming should come to us as soon as they have had their second vaccination, even if they do not require anything doing! This lets us get to know your puppy and vice versa. Even though most dogs find grooming to be fun, it is still a little scary for a puppy, so we like to get them in and show them round. We let them play, sniff about and explore this strange new place. Depending on how settled the puppy is, we may or may not give him a bath and blow dry. This may require a second visit. When your puppy next comes for his full groom, he will not be scared and, hopefully, remember the fun he had last time. That will make it easier and more enjoyable for him.
If you leave your dog's grooming until he starts to get tatty (6 months onwards), then grooming can become extremely difficult, especially if the he becomes frightened. Remember that no matter how careful we are, clippers and scissors are extremely sharp tools and a fidgety, fearful dog could prove a danger to both itself and the groomer.
Please note – If you have a poodle puppy, it is especially important to get him groomed as early as possible, to get used to the clippers on his feet and face.
Recommended Puppy steps:-
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As soon as the puppy has had a second vaccination he can be brought in for twenty minutes for a look round, play and treats (no charge).
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1-2 weeks later, puppy brought in for puppy groom. If your puppy is still scared, this will just be a brush and toe nails.
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Regular puppy grooms, until a full groom is needed.
In the grooming business, we have heard many reasons why people do not get their puppy groomed, or do not brush their own puppy. These include that the breeder told them not to, a friend told them not to, they were told to brush the puppy with a baby brush or they were told not to bath the puppy until he was x months old. All of these are old wives tales. The sooner you get your puppy groomed, the happier and more relaxed he will be.
Jack after his first puppy groom 
Puddle after her first full groom
Puppy problems coming soon!
