When should my dog start going to the groomer?

If you have a puppy you should start bringing your dog to the groomer as soon as they complete their first two sets of shots. It is important for grooming to be a normalized part of your dog’s life. Gone are the days of your dog dreading the grooming salon. A majority of salons truly pamper your dog and make it the best experience possible.

Go with your gut! If you feel rushed or put off by your groomer try someone else. Some salons aren't the right fit, and that's okay. It can be an awkward moment, but it is okay to say, "I don't think I am ready to leave my dog just yet. I will call to reschedule."

Finding the right groomer can take some time. But yelp and google speak loudly! I always tell people it’s not Petco or PetSmart… or Private Salon A versus Private Salon B, it is about the team that works there, not the company itself. Google reviews and Yelp reviews are a pretty good snapshot of what you can expect at a salon.

Don’t forget mobile grooming is an option as well. It may seem pricey, but it typically breaks down to be not much more expensive than going to a salon, when you consider your time saved. Time is not a renewable resource!

If you have a puppy a lot of salons offer introductory grooms. These usually include the basics: bath, nail trimming & ear cleaning but depending on your dog’s breed it may also include a face, foot, and sanitary trim. These visits are amazing to help your dog acclimate to being groomed. Be sure to keep going to the same groomer to create more familiarity for your dog.

If you rescued an older dog, hope is not lost! Your dog may or may not have a history with grooming, but bringing them to the shop consistently (every 6-8 weeks) will help them get used to going.

As always if you have any questions please email me!