🐾 What to Expect When You’re Welcoming…a Fluffy Tornado on Four Paws?

Welcoming a puppy into your life is pure joy—and a little bit of chaos. Between potty training and midnight snuggles, grooming might not be top of mind. But starting early sets the stage for a lifetime of comfort, health, and stress-free spa days.

Here’s what new puppy parents should know from a groomer’s perspective:

🧼 Grooming Starts Before the First Haircut

Even if your pup won’t need a full groom for months, early exposure matters. Think of it like socialization for the senses.

• Gently touch their paws, ears, and tail during cuddle time.

• Brush regularly, even if their coat is short or still growing.

• Introduce sounds like hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, or the vibration of clippers using treats and praise to help your pup feel safe and confident.

• Practice standing still on a towel or mat—this builds confidence for the grooming table.

These little rituals help your pup feel safe and familiar with the process long before their first appointment.

🐶 The First Grooming Visit: Puppy Introduction

You’ll want to schedule your puppy’s first groom after their first or second round of shots—typically around 12 weeks old. But don’t expect a full haircut just yet.

At Jess’s Pampered Pups, we start with a Puppy Introduction, also known as a Bath & Tidy. It’s a gentle, trust-building session designed to slowly and positively introduce your puppy to the grooming process.

Here’s what that includes:

• A warm bath with skin-safe products.

• Low-noise dryer exposure—just a few seconds to start.

• Gentle brushing and nail trimming.

• Clippers and grooming tools are introduced with patience and praise.

• Tidy trims around the eyes (because that hair grows fast!), feet, and sanitary areas.

Most puppies benefit from one or two Puppy Introductions before they’re ready for their first “big kid” haircut. We recommend scheduling their second Puppy Introduction or first full groom 3-4 weeks after their first appointment. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s comfort. I’ll go at your pup’s pace and keep you informed every step of the way.

Louie Koerwitz

His first full “big boy” spa day — September 2021

💬 Final Thoughts
Grooming isn’t just about looking cute—it’s about feeling safe, staying healthy, and building trust. Starting early helps your pup grow into a confident, happy companion who actually enjoys spa days. A truly relaxed puppy might even nap between their grooming steps—and trust me, as a groomer, that’s the best feeling in the world.

Zoe Rhodes

Trust looks like this. When a puppy naps mid-groom, you know you’ve earned it—and there’s no better feeling.

If you’re bringing home a puppy soon, I’d love to help you plan their grooming journey. Reach out anytime—I’m here to support you both with heart, humor, and a whole lot of fluff.