Congrats! You have a new puppy! There are a lot of milestones you two will face together. One that you may not think of at first is their first grooming. There comes a point when your new friend no longer looks like a cute and fluffy.  It will begin to resemble a walking, furry mop. Similar to when a child gets their first haircut, a puppy’s first grooming is a momentous occasion. Their first session can have a lasting effect on your pup, be it positive or negative. Here are some tips for when it’s time for your puppy’s first grooming.

What Age Can I Start Getting My Puppy Groomed?

When a puppy is introduced to their new home, it is best that they establish relations with you and get used to the place. Usually, puppies are ready to leave their mother at around 8 weeks of age. Many parents make the mistake of waiting until their pups are 6 months of age or older. It is recommended to start grooming at around 12-16 weeks. They should also have had all of their shots before being groomed for the first time. This first grooming appointment introduces your puppy to a bath, blow drying, nail clipping, and slight trimming. Depending on how they react to the first grooming, they may need a few light trims before their first full haircut. The more comfortable the puppy becomes with grooming, the better they will become as they grow up.

What Can You Do to Help?

It is more difficult to groom a 6-month-old puppy than it is to groom a 12 week old. At 6 months, puppies have already established fears and aggression. This is akin to taking a 5-year-old child and putting them in kindergarten without any prior discipline. At 6 months, if the owner has not prepped them with any type of grooming, brushing, combing, or nail trimming, the groomer’s job is nearly impossible. To help at home, there are a few things you can do to get them used to grooming. Different types of fur require different tools, so ask your groomer and they will show you the best tools to use for your puppy. One of the biggest misconceptions about puppies and grooming is when they will change from puppy coat to adult coat. This time in a puppy’s life is essential to maintain so the coat does not mat. Puppies get their adult coat around six months of age. In some breeds, the puppy coat will not shed and instead becomes tangled in the adult coat if not brushed regularly.