FAQs for Puppies

When should I start taking my pup to the groomers?

I recommend starting taking your puppies to the groomers as soon as they are fully vaccinated. Puppies go through different “learning" stages and it is very important to desensitize to the grooming process. Some people hear that you must weait a year to groom your dog (Ex. doodle) but I highly recommend against that based on research and proven facts. The longer you wait to expose your puppy to different scenarios, the more likely your dog is to fear those experiences.

Do I have to do anything at home to help prepare my dog for their grooming appointment?

In general, it is very important to teach puppies “calm” and “settle", which many puppy trainers are very well-versed in training. I always teach puppy parents to get their dog used to having their chin hairs held. This helps to control their head while trimming their eyes, and it doesn't hurt them. Touch is also a very good command (Having them boop their nose to your hand). Get them used to having their paws touched, and even “fake trim" their nails to desensitize them to it. If your dog struggles with nail trims, use a lollipop and place under their paws and cut the lollipop stick to get them accustomed to the sensation of nail trims.

How to I maintain my puppies coat at home between appointments?

It is important to start brushing your puppy early on, even if they dont have tangles to get them used to the feel of it. I always recommend 3 tools to pet parents- a pin or slicker brush, a comb and a dematting tool. Wetting the fur sligtly also helps with brushing. Once your puppy starts getting tangles, I recommend using the line brushing method (Search it on youtube!), and check it over with a comb. Many owners dont realize when their dog has matting as it often occurs right against the skin.

When will my puppy get their adult coat, and what can I expect?

Puppies go through coat change typically between 4 months and a year, depending on factors such as breeds, size, and coat type. Once the puppy goes through this change, they shed a lot of their puppy fur. This process will cause very significant matting if the pup is not properly brushed. A good bath and puppy deshed is important, using products and tools that are safe for the puppies skin. This kind of matting also happens right against the skin and you really have to part the hair in order to see it. Double coated breeds are not likely to get matted, but dogs with longer fur or hair are.