Puppy's first groom

How to Prepare Your Puppy at Home for Grooming

There are a few simple things you can do at home to help prepare your new puppy for a lifetime of comfortable, positive grooming experiences. The key is to keep everything casual, short, and pressure-free so the puppy’s first groom is a happy one.

It’s important not to push your puppy. Always reward calm, positive behavior, and stay relaxed if your puppy feels nervous or restless. If a session isn’t going well, it’s better to stop and try again another day. Incorrect or forced training can create fear and make grooming more difficult long-term.

Standing Still

Standing calmly is one of the biggest challenges for dogs that were not introduced to grooming early.

• Have your puppy stand on a stable surface (table, bench, or non-slip mat)

• Reward your puppy for staying still, even if it’s just a few seconds

• Gradually work up to about one minute

• Always stop before your puppy becomes restless

Short, successful sessions build confidence and make standing for grooming much easier over time.

Paw Desensitization

Once your puppy is comfortable standing, begin gently touching the paws.

• While the puppy is standing, lightly touch or hold a paw

• Reward calm acceptance

• Only continue if your puppy is relaxed

Paw desensitization is especially helpful for nail trimming, trimming paw pads, and scissoring around the legs.

Dryer Sound Introduction

Dryers can be intimidating if a puppy has never heard one before.

• Start with the dryer off and allow your puppy to sniff it

• Reward calm behavior

• Later, turn the dryer on from a distance and reward again

• Keep sessions brief and positive

The goal is familiarity, not tolerance. Always stop before your puppy becomes stressed.