25/01/2026
When should my puppy start grooming and why does it matter?
5 minute read ☕
Welcoming a puppy into your family is an exciting and full stage of life. Alongside routines, training and bonding, grooming is one of the early experiences that shapes how your dog feels about care as they grow.
At Doggy Furdoos, grooming is introduced as a learning process rather than something to rush. The puppy months are about familiarity, confidence and trust, built gradually and thoughtfully.
When is the right time to begin grooming?
The ideal time to introduce your puppy to professional grooming is as close as possible to their final vaccination, once your vet has confirmed it is appropriate for them to attend.
At this stage, puppies are naturally learning about the world around them. Gentle exposure allows grooming to feel familiar and predictable, supporting comfort and confidence as your puppy develops. These early experiences create a strong foundation for lifelong care.
Our Puppy Package at Doggy Furdoos.
Our Puppy Package is designed to support learning at a puppy’s pace, with no expectation to rush or achieve everything at once.
The package includes four structured sessions.
Session one Meet and Treat.
A calm introduction to the salon environment, gentle handling and positive interaction. This visit focuses on curiosity, reassurance and helping your puppy feel settled.
Sessions two to four set Gentle grooming foundations.
These sessions may include:
Bath
Dry
Nails
Pads
Eyes and hygiene trim
Each appointment is guided by what your puppy is comfortable with on the day. Some puppies progress quickly while others prefer to take things more slowly. Both are completely normal and supported.
This approach reflects modern grooming education that prioritises emotional wellbeing, thoughtful handling and clear communication.
Why gentle introductions matter.
Grooming involves close contact and learning to pause while being handled. When introduced gradually, puppies learn that grooming is calm, familiar and safe.
By allowing puppies to build comfort step by step, grooming becomes part of their routine rather than something unfamiliar. Our focus is on long term ease and cooperation, supporting dogs well beyond the puppy stage.
Understanding the puppy stage from birth to six months.
The first six months of a dog’s life are a period of rapid development. Puppies are learning how to be handled, how to process new experiences and how to regulate their emotions.
During this stage, progress is measured by how settled and comfortable a puppy feels. Allowing learning to happen without pressure supports emotional development and positive associations that carry forward into adulthood.
What if my dog is older and has never been groomed?
Dogs between six and eighteen months are often in the adolescent stage. This is a normal phase where dogs are physically bigger and still emotionally developing. Adolescent dogs may need more time to understand new routines.
With thoughtful handling and clear planning, they can still learn to feel comfortable with grooming. Progress may look gradual and that is entirely appropriate. At Doggy Furdoos, we assess each dog carefully and create an approach that supports learning with clarity and care.
Planning ahead.
Welfare focused grooming salons keep puppy spaces limited so each dog can be supported properly. Planning ahead helps you secure a space during this early stage. We recommend getting in touch early, even before vaccinations are complete, so grooming can be planned as part of your puppy’s overall care.
Extra support during the puppy phase.
Families joining us during the puppy phase receive additional guidance, including a practical preparation book to support gentle handling at home. Small, consistent steps between visits help puppies feel familiar and confident in the salon.
Next steps.
If you have a puppy on the way, or a young dog who would benefit from a gentle introduction to grooming, the next step is to get in touch with the salon to chat through availability and suitability.
You can call us on 07942 027992 and we will be happy to guide you.
At Doggy Furdoos, we take the time to support puppies thoughtfully, helping them build calm and positive experiences that last well into the future.
