Bringing a new puppy home—or welcoming one into the grooming salon—is an instant joy. Those bright, curious eyes, the adorable little face, and that unmistakable puppy-fresh scent—who can resist? But before getting caught up in the cuteness, let’s start at the beginning: ensuring a smooth transition for your new puppy into their home and grooming routine.
The Fundamentals of New Puppy Care
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions—especially for professional groomers and pet owners who want to start off on the right paw. From coat care to first grooming sessions, here are five essential tips to help your new puppy settle in and stay healthy.
1. Establish a Grooming Routine Early
A new puppy’s first experiences with grooming set the tone for the future. Introduce gentle brushing sessions, light bathing, and handling their paws to prepare them for nail trims.
2. Choose New Puppy-Friendly Grooming Products
Not all grooming products are suitable for puppies. Look for mild, hypoallergenic shampoos and gentle sprays that nourish their delicate skin and coat. Especially at the early stages. Some customer's also choose to trial a new puppy friendly kit like the Chris Christensen set that is gentle on puppy skin and coats.
3. Make Bath Time Stress-Free For Your New Puppy
A new puppy may be nervous about water, so introduce baths gradually with lukewarm water and positive reinforcement. Using a non-slip bath mat and soft microfiber towel helps keep them comfortable.
4. Keep Their Coat Healthy from Day One
Whether your new puppy has a fluffy or smooth coat, regular brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps their skin healthy. Use a soft brush or gentle comb suited to their breed.
5. Introduce the Grooming Salon at the Right Time
For professional groomers, a new puppy’s first visit should be a gentle introduction, focusing on short, positive sessions rather than a full groom. Encourage owners to bring them in early to build confidence. A puppy’s first full groom typically happens around 12-16 weeks old, once they’ve had their vaccinations. However, introducing them to short, gentle grooming sessions much earlier—between 8-12 weeks—helps them get used to the process. These early visits should focus on positive reinforcement, short handling sessions, and plenty of treats.
What Should a New Puppy's First Grooming Visit Include?
For the first appointment, keep it simple:
✔️ Brushing and light combing to familiarize them with the feeling.
✔️ A quick bath with a puppy-friendly shampoo (avoid high-powered blasters at this stage).
✔️ Gentle paw handling to prepare them for nail trims.
✔️ Low-noise clippers or scissors for a light trim, if needed.
✔️ Positive reinforcement—treats, praise, and a calm environment to make grooming enjoyable.
Do You Need New Puppy Care Support?
If you need support as a breeder, groomer, or owner and want to disucss the most suitable puppy care products for your dog. Please reach out to our customer support team:
028 2766 6879
[email protected]
