#1. Daily Brushing
Your dog is only a puppy, which means everything he or she experiences is going to be new—and a tad scary. Brush your dog daily and reward them for their good behavior every time you finish up. This will help them stay comfortable during their grooming session at the groomer. The puppy’s first grooming will then definitely be a smooth one.
#2. Let Them Get Used To Being Handled
It goes without saying, but your dog will be handled by the groomer as part of the first grooming for puppy. Most dogs don’t want their face and feet touched by a stranger, but groomers need to navigate sharp scissors around these areas.
#3. Bathing
Your dog will either love baths or hate them—and there’s no in-between. If you can bathe your puppy at home, you should. This will help them get used to baths and reduce the risk of them dreading that four-letter word. Dry them off with a comforting, absorbent towel that dogs just can’t get enough of.
#4. Dryers
The sound of a blow dryer can be alarming for a puppy, especially when they’re in a new place. Get them used to the sound by running your hair dryer or vacuum at home. Reward them for not running away by dropping treats on the ground.
#5. Separation Anxiety
You are your puppy’s entire world. That being said, many puppies experience separation anxiety. This behavior needs to be nixed early on to avoid future anxiety issues. Try leaving boredom buster toys around your home to keep them occupied, or let them chew on a long-lasting treat while you’re out.
#6. Exercise Before Appointment
Finally, a romp in the yard can do wonders for your puppy’s first grooming appointment. Tiring your puppy out with some healthy exercise can help your puppy relax while the groomer works their magic.
