Preparing Your Puppy for Grooming

Puppies are full of energy and a lot of fun, but they also come with important responsibilities. One of those is grooming. Whether you have a new puppy at home or are planning to bring one home soon, now is the perfect time to start preparing them for a lifetime of care.

Why Grooming Is Important for All Dogs

Grooming is more than keeping your dog looking good. It plays a key role in your dog’s comfort, health, and well-being.

Even short-haired dogs need regular grooming for ear cleaning, nail trimming, and coat and skin care. Long-coated breeds like poodles, doodles, and Shih Tzus require consistent trimming and maintenance to prevent matting. Heavy shedders like Golden Retrievers benefit from professional brush-outs and blowouts.

Regardless of breed, all dogs must be handled and groomed throughout their lives. Starting early prevents fear and stress later.

Why Early Grooming Prep Matters

Puppies go through important developmental stages. What they learn now shapes how they respond to grooming, vet visits, and everyday handling in the future. Genetics, early experiences, and training all play a role in how your dog feels about grooming.

That’s why we recommend starting handling and grooming exposure right away even before your puppy needs a full haircut.

Easy At-Home Prep Activities

Here are some simple things you can do now to help your puppy feel comfortable at the grooming salon and vet.

Sound Desensitization

• Use a recording or video of a high-velocity dryer at low volume or buy a small force air dryer to practice at home.

• Pair the sound with treats to create positive associations

• Ask your puppy class instructor to introduce a dryer in class!

Vacuum Sensitivity

If your puppy is afraid of the vacuum, try:

• Putting them in another room when vacuuming

• Never approaching them with it.

It is important to be very careful not to scare a puppy with a vacuum. The sound is similar to a dryer used in the salon.

Clipper-Like Sounds

• Use an electric toothbrush to mimic clipper sounds

• Turn it on near your puppy while feeding treats

• Don't move it toward them until they are comfortable

Handling & Brushing

• Gently handle your puppy’s paws, ears, and tail daily

• Practice brushing their coat, even if it's short. Use a soft brush for the coat type and not too harsh for a puppy. Any pulling or discomfort can cause a negative association.

• Teach a "stand" stay to mimic grooming table behavior

Preparing for Vet Visits Too

• Teach your puppy to step onto and stay on a scale. In Puppy class we use a platform to work on this.

• Practice "settle" for the waiting room.

• Bring a lick mat to the vet for calm behavior.

• Get your puppy used to gentle handling such as brushing their teeth and holding their face.

Booking the First Grooming Appointment

Don't wait until your puppy desperately needs a full groom. Once they are up to date on vaccinations, bring them in for an introductory visit.

Contact us to learn about required vaccines.

If your puppy is going through a fear period, let us know. We’ll help determine if it’s best to wait or move forward with a short visit focused on positive exposure. Fear periods are a part of puppy development. Your trainer can answer questions about these stages.

The first grooming should not be a full haircut. It should focus on helping your puppy learn the process, build trust, and leave feeling confident.

Tips for That First Visit

• Bring your puppy’s food or treats for reward-based handling

• Keep early visits short and positive

• Schedule the next visit within a few weeks to build comfort

Frequent, low-pressure grooming visits early on set your puppy up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.

We’re Here to Help

At MJ’s Pet Training Academy, we’re happy to support you in preparing your puppy for grooming:

• Ask us during class for grooming practice or during a Puppy Q and A session.

• Let us help you pick the right brushes and tools

• Schedule a free "cookie visit" to the salon just for positive exposure

We love seeing confident pups walk into the salon ready for their spa day—and it all starts with a little preparation and a lot of love.

Have questions about your puppy’s grooming routine? Reach out anytime or leave a comment over on the blog where you will find more puppy grooming tips.

We can’t wait to meet your stylish pup!

Ready for more tips? Get your free ebook about brushing your puppy here.