One of the many questions I have been asked repeatedly over 15 years of grooming is ”When should the new puppy have their first groom?” Not only is this a super important question for breeds and mixes with hair that will eventually need cut, but also dogs with smooth and double coats.
The simple answer is, as long as your groomer has a safe and secure area to do puppies one on one, sanitizing before and after, the earlier the better. A great breeder will often start introducing and desensitizing puppies as early as 4 weeks.
I often recommend starting puppies at a professional groomer as young as 10 weeks. For all breeds this is important as it helps set up the building blocks with the socialization and desensitization that is needed for this puppy to mature into a well adjusted adult.
Regular grooming for all dogs often shows issues going on that need veterinarian attention as the stylist’s hands are all over the dog, and I always make notes of anything out of the norm to followup with you on.
First grooms, regardless of the breed, are mini grooms, bath/nails/ears/getting used to the dryer and learning that each salon visit is a normal part of life vs a once or twice a year session that induces stress.
Depending on how each individual puppy responds, I recommend a grooming schedule that gradually has more time between as puppies continue to improve and relax for their Spa day. This way, when it’s time for that first haircut, the puppy is much more relaxed and aware that the groom will end with kisses and playtime. And when that 40lb puppy turns into a giant 150+ couch potato, they are confident in any situation, even if they just need nail trims.
Puppyhood socialization and training for all parts of life is the foundation to having a well adjusted adult, regardless of breed(s).
