Puppy Grooming & First Grooms
A puppy's first few grooms decide how they feel about grooming for the rest of their life. If the first one is loud, crowded and confusing, that sticks. If it happens in the driveway at their own house with one person handling them the whole time, that sticks too.
Courtney recommends starting at around 6 months old.
Why 6 months
By six months a puppy has generally had time to finish their vaccination series, has settled a little, and can handle standing for a full appointment. Starting earlier than that usually means a puppy who is too wiggly to groom safely and who doesn't get much out of it.
If you're not sure whether your puppy is ready, just text and ask. It's a quick conversation.
What the first appointment is really for
The first groom is as much about the introduction as the haircut. Your puppy needs to learn that the van is fine, the table is fine, the dryer is loud but harmless, and that having their feet held is normal.
Courtney takes that at the puppy's speed. A first appointment sometimes runs a little longer than the times listed, and that's the appointment doing its job.
Which appointment to book
If your puppy has a coat that grows, like a doodle, poodle, shih tzu, schnauzer or Yorkie, book a Full Groom. Doodle puppies especially: the soft puppy coat changes into the adult coat somewhere between about 8 and 12 months, and that transition is when doodles mat badly. Getting on a schedule before it starts is much easier than dealing with it after.
If your puppy has a short coat, like a lab, beagle, pit mix or shepherd, book a Bath & Brush.
What helps at home
Between appointments, handle your puppy's feet, ears and mouth for a few seconds at a time so none of it is new. Brush them even when they don't need it. Both of those make every future groom easier, for your puppy and for whoever is grooming them.
Which appointment to book
Puppies book the same two appointments as adult dogs. Which one depends on the coat.
Questions about this
How old should my puppy be for their first groom?
Around 6 months. By then most puppies have finished their vaccination series and can handle standing for a full appointment. If you're not sure whether yours is ready, text and ask.
Do you need to use my water or electricity?
No. The van carries its own water and runs on its own power, so nothing is plugged into your house and no hose is needed. All you have to provide is a place to park. Your driveway or the curb out front is fine.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments run between one and two hours. A Bath & Brush sits at the shorter end and a Full Groom at the longer end, and bigger dogs take more time than small ones. Matted coats, heavy double coats and puppies on their first visit can run past that, and Courtney will tell you if she expects yours to.
Do I need to be home the whole time?
You need to be there to hand your dog over and to take them back at the end, but you don't need to stand outside in between. Most people go back inside and get on with their day. If you'd rather stay and watch, that's fine too. If your dog settles better knowing you're nearby, say so when you book.
Where we do this
Anywhere in the service area, at the same price.
Ready to book?
Booking takes about a minute and it’s confirmed on the spot. Prefer to ask a question first? Text is usually fastest.