Visiting the groomer should be part of your socialisation process (check out my puppy socialisation blog). Ideally you need to start working with a groomer as early as possible so your pup can build positive associations.
You can start going to the groomer as young as 12 weeks of age or after their second vaccination. This doesn’t mean the groomer will give your puppy a full groom but they can start to help your puppy become familiar with the sounds, sights and smells of the parlor.
The groomer may offer puppy packages with a set number of short sessions to help build trust and familiarity for your pup.
There are lots of things involved in the grooming process that your pup needs to get used to which include being able to stand still, being washed, being handled, the hair dryer etc. So to expect a dog to do all this in one sitting for the first time is asking for trouble. So you are better off starting young, build it over time and gain advice from the groomer of what you can be doing at home to make their lives and your pups experience better.
It’s a good idea to reach out to a groomer when you are thinking about getting a puppy to get to know them, how they work and gain an understanding of how much they charge. If you feel comfortable with what they are saying you can book in with them as they do get booked up.
During puppy classes we cover grooming and how to introduce this to them. During the Junior class we build upon this and focus on working on a solid stand position which will really help both your puppy and your groomer. If you’d like to come and join us in class please get in touch.
I work closely with Lucy at SassyPaws who is newly qualified. Her website is www.sassypawsgrooming.co.uk and her telephone number is 07596 609195
If you are struggling with grooming your pup please do get in contact with me.
Happy Training
Leah
info@positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk
0777 131 4947