Introducing your puppy to grooming at an early stage can positively shape their attitude toward grooming for life. Whether you're planning to groom them at home or visit a professional, laying the foundation early makes all the difference.
Start with Touch and Familiarity
From the first week your puppy arrives, begin by gently handling their paws, ears, and face during bonding moments. This helps them become comfortable with physical contact, which is essential when grooming delicate areas in the future. Let them observe and sniff grooming tools, such as a nail clipper, while you open and close it nearby. This builds recognition without fear. When they relax, hold their paw while repeating the sound. Over time, you can gradually introduce nail trimming once they show no signs of stress.
Daily Brushing Is More Than Coat Care
Use a soft-bristle or puppy-friendly brush each day, even if your dog has a short coat. In the beginning, brushing is more about routine-building than hair maintenance. As their coat matures, transitioning to a slicker brush or pin brush will help avoid tangles and mats. Be gentle and consistent to help your puppy associate grooming with calm experiences.
Prepare for Face Grooming with Patience
Getting a puppy used to facial grooming requires gradual exposure. Regularly touch their head, ears, and chin, and hold their muzzle gently during brushing. This trains them to stay still and feel secure when tools are near their face. Never pull back if they resist—just hold your position calmly. Let them realize that cooperation brings praise and comfort. To familiarize them with grooming tools, you can open and close scissors at a safe distance while holding their chin, ensuring no risk of injury if they move.
Introduce Bathing and Drying Early
You don’t need to wait for your puppy to get dirty—start introducing bathing as a part of their routine. Choose a mild, puppy-specific shampoo that won’t irritate their skin or eyes. Even if you're just washing their feet or body lightly, this helps them feel relaxed during bath time. Blow dryers can be intimidating, so begin desensitization by letting them be in the room when you use your own hair dryer. After a bath, use a low heat, quiet dryer setting, or a Happy Hoodie to reduce noise and protect their ears.
Wait for the Right Time to Clip Their Coat
Puppies grow into their adult coat over time, usually between 6–8 months. Before this stage, they mostly have a soft undercoat. Clipping too early can disrupt the development of guard hairs and affect future coat quality. While waiting, continue letting them feel the vibration of the clipper on their back without the blade, so they’re ready when the time comes. Once their coat matures and they’re comfortable with the equipment, a full-body groom can be safely introduced.
Tip from LILIPROPET
Take the time to prepare your puppy step-by-step. A calm and trusting grooming foundation ensures smoother sessions as they grow older. With gentle tools and patience, every grooming experience can be a bonding moment.
