Puppy Grooming

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting, joyful time – but with all the fun and cuddles comes the responsibility of introducing them to good habits, including puppy grooming. Starting early is the secret to a dog who enjoys their pampering sessions for life, and at The Hair of the Hound, we’re here to make that journey as smooth and positive as possible.

Puppy Grooming Service

Our puppy grooming sessions are designed to gently introduce your little one to the world of grooming, ensuring a stress-free, confidence-building experience. Whether you’ve got a bouncy Cockapoo, a fluffy Retriever, or a tiny Terrier, we tailor each session to suit their coat type, temperament, and needs.

When Should a Puppy Have Their First Groom?

Many new puppy parents wonder: When should I start grooming my pup? The answer? As soon as possible!

We recommend booking a gentle introduction to grooming from around 12 weeks old, once they’ve had their vaccinations. This helps puppies get used to the sights, sounds, and sensations of a grooming salon while they’re still in their formative stage. By six months old, they’ll be ready for a full groom, having already built positive associations with the process.

What’s Included in Our Puppy Groom?

Puppies need a gentle, step-by-step introduction to grooming. Here’s what they can expect:

  • A Calm & Positive Welcome – We start with lots of cuddles and play to help them settle in and feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
  • Mini Bath & Coat Conditioning – Using ultra-gentle, puppy-friendly shampoo to cleanse their delicate coat and skin without irritation.
  • Low-Noise Blow Dry – Gradually introducing them to warm air at a low setting to get them used to the sensation.
  • Brushing & Light De-Matting – Teaching them to stay calm while we brush out knots, which is essential for long-haired and curly-coated breeds.
  • Face, Paw & Hygiene Trim – A little tidy-up around the face, paws, and hygiene areas to keep them fresh and comfortable.
  • Nail Clipping – A quick, painless trim to prevent discomfort and scratching.
  • Ear Cleaning & Health Check – Checking their ears, eyes, and skin for any early signs of irritation or infection.

Throughout the session, we work at your puppy’s pace, using plenty of praise, treats, and encouragement to ensure they enjoy the experience.

How to Prepare Your Puppy for Grooming

Want to make grooming as easy as possible for your pup? Here’s how you can help at home:

  • Practice Handling – Get them used to having their paws, ears, and face gently touched.
  • Introduce Brushing – Start with a soft brush and keep sessions short and positive.
  • Expose Them to Sounds – Let them hear a hairdryer at a distance to reduce fear.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement – Praise, treats, and calm reassurance go a long way!

By doing this, you’ll help them feel comfortable and confident when they visit us.

Why Is Early Grooming Important?

Starting grooming early is about more than just looking cute – it sets your pup up for a lifetime of stress-free, enjoyable grooming experiences. Benefits include:

  • Socialisation Skills – Teaches them that handling, brushing, and washing are normal parts of life.
  • Coat & Skin Health – Helps prevent matting, shedding issues, and skin problems.
  • Reduced Anxiety – The earlier they start, the less likely they are to develop fear or stress around grooming.
  • Overall Wellbeing – Regular checks help spot potential health concerns early.

How Often Should Puppies Be Groomed?

This depends on their breed and coat type:

🐾 Short-haired breeds (Labradors, French Bulldogs) – Every 8-12 weeks.  🐾 Long-haired breeds (Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers) – Every 4-6 weeks.

🐾 Curly-coated breeds (Cockapoos, Poodles, Doodles) – Every 4 weeks to prevent matting.

Not sure what’s best for your puppy? We’re happy to guide you based on their specific needs!

Why Choose The Hair of the Hound for Puppy Grooming?

  • 5 years of experience

  • One-on-One Attention – We never rush and always prioritise your puppy’s comfort.
  • Calm & Relaxed Environment – No crowded salons, just a peaceful, stress-free experience.
  • Luxury, Puppy-Safe Products – Gentle, high-quality shampoos and conditioners.
  • Tailored to Each Puppy – Every pup is different, and we adapt to their personality and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

We keep it short and sweet – usually around 1 hour to 1.5 hours

We take everything at their pace. If they need extra time to settle, we give it to them. Building trust is our priority.

Most puppies settle better without their owner present, but we’re happy to discuss what works best for you and your pup.

Yes! Many breeds go through a coat transition, which is why early grooming helps manage changes and prevents matting.

Book Your Puppy’s First Groom Today!

Puppy grooming should be a fun, happy experience, and we’re here to make sure your little one has the best start possible.

📍 The Hair of the Hound – Expert Puppy Grooming Near Chipperfield, Hertfordshire