Puppy Care Guide: Your Puppy’s First Groom (A Groomer’s Honest Guide)

Your puppy care guide starts here – with the one appointment most new owners worry about more than the vet. Your puppy’s first groom shapes how they feel about being handled for the rest of their life. After grooming over 16,000 dogs in our salon, I can tell you this: the first visit matters more than any groom that follows.

In this puppy care guide, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from thousands of puppy first grooms. I’ll be honest about what most groomers get wrong, what you should expect, and how to set your pup up for success. This isn’t a generic list of tips you could find anywhere. It’s my real experience from the grooming table.

Why Your Puppy’s First Groom Changes Everything

Here’s what most people don’t realise. A bad first groom can create a dog who fights the grooming table for years. But a good first groom creates a dog who walks into the salon happy, relaxed, and ready.

I see this pattern every single week. The dogs who are hard to groom at age two or three usually had a rushed or stressful first visit. Often, it wasn’t even the groomer’s fault. Nobody told the owner what to expect. The puppy arrived scared. Then everyone just pushed through.

That’s not how we do things. We treat first grooms as the most important groom your dog will ever have. The haircut is secondary. Building trust comes first.

According to the RSPCA, early positive experiences during the critical period (roughly 3 to 14 weeks) shape a dog’s behaviour into adulthood. So the timing of that first groom isn’t random. It’s tied to your puppy’s brain growth.

Puppy Care Guide: When to Book the First Groom

This is the question I answer most often. And the answer changes depending on your breed. Here’s a quick guide.

Most puppies should have their first groom between 12 and 16 weeks. But some breeds need to start earlier with home handling, and others can wait a little longer before the first salon visit.

Breed	Best Age for First Groom	Home Prep Start	Why This Timing
Cavoodle	12-14 weeks	8 weeks	Coat mats early; needs regular grooming for life
Groodle	12-14 weeks	8 weeks	Large breed; early comfort with handling is key
Labradoodle	12-16 weeks	8 weeks	Coat type varies; early assessment helps plan care
Shih Tzu	12-14 weeks	8 weeks	Long coat needs early grooming habits
Maltese	12-14 weeks	8 weeks	Fine coat tangles fast; start brushing young
Spoodle	12-14 weeks	8 weeks	Curly coat needs early grooming routine
Golden Retriever	14-16 weeks	10 weeks	Double coat; less urgent but still benefits from early exposure
French Bulldog	14-16 weeks	10 weeks	Short coat; focus is on nail, ear, and skin fold care
Border Collie	14-16 weeks	10 weeks	Double coat with seasonal shed; early comfort helps
Bernedoodle	12-14 weeks	8 weeks	Large, curly coat; needs regular professional care

Notice a pattern? Any breed with a curly, wavy, or long coat should start earlier. These dogs will need professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks for their entire life. So, the sooner they learn to enjoy it, the better for everyone.

The Owner’s Anxiety Problem (Yes, Yours)

Here’s something I rarely see other groomers talk about. First groom anxiety isn’t just a puppy problem. It’s an owner problem too.

About 40% of our five-star reviews mention the owner’s anxiety being put at ease. One client wrote, “I was a little anxious” about the first visit. Another told us about their “first time with 4mth groodle” and how nervous they felt dropping off.

I get it. You’re handing your baby to a stranger with scissors. Of course you’re nervous. But here’s what I need you to understand: your puppy reads your energy. If you’re stressed at drop-off, your puppy picks up on it.

So, this puppy care guide is for you as much as it’s for your dog.

What to Do at Drop-Off

Keep it brief and upbeat. Don’t hover. Don’t linger at the door looking worried. The best drop-offs I see take about 60 seconds.

• Walk in with confidence. Your puppy is watching your body language.
• Hand them over calmly. A quick pat and a cheerful “see you soon” is perfect.
• Trust the groomer. If you have chosen well (more on that below), your puppy is in good hands.
• Don’t sneak back. Puppies settle faster once you leave. Peeking through the window undoes the calm.

One of our regular clients told us, “I know he is safe in their care.” That trust didn’t happen on the first visit. But it started there, because we earned it.

Puppy Care Guide: What a Good First Groom Looks Like

Here’s what I want you to know. A good first groom is NOT about the haircut. I know that sounds strange coming from a groomer. But hear me out.

The goal of a first groom is simple: your puppy leaves feeling safe. That’s it. If they also get a nice trim, great. But if I have to choose between a perfect haircut and a puppy who trusts me, I’ll choose trust every time.

What We Do Differently for First Grooms

At WoofSpark, first grooms are handled differently from every other booking. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

Extra time. We book first grooms with 30 to 60 minutes of extra time. There’s no rushing. If the puppy needs a break, they get a break.

The explore phase. Before any grooming starts, the puppy explores the salon. They sniff the table. They meet the dryer from a distance. They get treats. Often, they meet other calm dogs too. This isn’t wasted time. This is the foundation.

Gentle tools first. We start with the softest brush. Then we introduce water slowly. Finally, we use the dryer on the lowest setting. Everything is step by step.

Baby steps. If a puppy is scared of the dryer, we stop. We try again gently. If they’re still scared, we towel dry instead. There’s always a next visit. But there’s only one first impression.

No full haircuts on nervous puppies. Sometimes the first groom is just a wash and blow dry, a nail clip, and a sanitary trim. That’s enough. And that’s a win.

Puppy Care Guide: Home Prep Before the First Groom

The work starts at home, weeks before that first appointment. The more handling your puppy is used to, the easier the salon visit will be.

The Four-Week Home Prep Plan

Start this as soon as you bring your puppy home. Ideally, begin at 8 weeks and book the first groom at 12 to 14 weeks.

Week 1-2: Touching. Touch your puppy’s paws, ears, muzzle, tail, and belly every day. Use treats. Keep sessions under 2 minutes. Gently lift their lips to touch their teeth too.

Week 2-3: Tools. Introduce a soft brush. Let them sniff it. Brush gently for 30 seconds, then increase to 2 minutes over the week. Run your fingers between their toes too.

Week 3-4: Sounds. Play dryer sounds on your phone at low volume during treat time. Gradually increase the volume over several days. Run the tap near them and let them hear clippers from a distance.

Week 4: Surfaces. Place your puppy on a raised surface like a table (with you holding them securely). This mimics the grooming table. Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.

For a complete guide to early socialisation, including grooming exposure, see our puppy socialisation guide.

Puppy Care Guide: What to Bring to the First Groom

Keep it simple. Here’s what helps.

• Vaccination records. A good groomer will ask for these. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
• A favourite treat. We use treats throughout the groom for positive reinforcement.
• No toys or blankets. These get wet, dirty, or lost. Your puppy will be fine without them.
• Notes about your puppy. Tell us if they’re scared of noise, have sensitive ears, or haven’t had their paws touched much.

How to Choose a Groomer for Your Puppy’s First Groom

This matters more than you think. Not every groomer handles puppies well. Some groomers are brilliant with adult dogs but don’t have the patience for first-timers. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid.

Green Flags: What a Good Puppy Groomer Does

• Asks questions before booking. A good groomer wants to know your puppy’s age, breed, vaccination status, and temperament. At WoofSpark, we always ask: has the dog been groomed before? How did they go? Any health issues or allergies?
• Allows extra time for first grooms. If they’re squeezing your puppy into a 30-minute slot between adult dogs, they’re not set up for success.
• Lets you see the salon. Transparency is key. A groomer who hides the workspace is a groomer you should question.
• Talks about your puppy’s comfort first. “What haircut do you want?” shouldn’t be the first question. Well-being and health come first, always.
• Has reviews that mention puppies or first grooms. Real client feedback tells you more than any website claim.
• Uses crates with comfortable bedding. Not bare cages. At our salon, crates have fluffy beds in them. Dogs rest between steps, not stand on cold metal.

Red Flags: When a Groomer Is Not Right for First Grooms

I’m going to be honest here. Some groomers might disagree with me. That’s fine.

Red Flag	Why It Matters	Expert Verdict
No questions about the puppy	They don’t know what they’re working with	Walk away. A groomer who doesn’t ask is a groomer who doesn’t care.
No extra time for first-timers	Rushing a first groom causes lasting fear	Ask directly: “Do you allow extra time for puppy first grooms?”
Pushes for a full haircut on the first visit	The goal is trust, not a perfect trim	A good groomer will suggest a gentle intro groom instead.
Uses harsh language about dogs	If they call dogs “difficult” or “naughty,” they lack patience	Your puppy isn’t naughty. They’re learning.
No reviews or all reviews are vague	Real clients leave specific feedback	Look for reviews that mention names, breeds, and experiences.
Does not ask for vaccination records	Unvaccinated puppies in a salon is a health risk	Non-negotiable. If they don’t ask, they’re not safe.
Will not let you see the workspace	Hiding the salon suggests something to hide	Transparency builds trust. A good salon is proud of their space.

Remember, you’re not being difficult by asking these questions. You’re being a good dog owner. Any groomer worth their salt will welcome them.

What to Expect During the First Groom

Every salon is different. But here’s what a typical first groom looks like at our salon – and what you should expect from any groomer who takes puppies seriously.

Step 1: The Welcome

We meet your puppy on their level. Literally. I sit on the floor if I need to. Towering over a 3kg puppy isn’t a great way to start a relationship. Treats come out. Gentle pats happen. We let the puppy set the pace.

Step 2: The Explore

Your puppy checks out the salon. They smell the table, the bath, the dryers. Often, they meet other dogs who are calm and settled. This is socialisation in action. It also tells me a lot about your puppy’s nature. Are they bold? Shy? Curious? That changes how I approach the groom.

Step 3: The Gentle Wash

We use warm water and puppy-safe shampoo. The water pressure is low. We start on their back, not their face. The face comes last and we’re very gentle around the eyes and ears. Some puppies love water straight away. Others need a minute. Both responses are normal.

Step 4: The Blow Dry

This is usually the scariest part for puppies. The dryer is loud and blows air. But we use hoods and cotton balls in their ears to keep them comfortable. We start on the lowest setting, from a distance. Then we move closer as the puppy relaxes. If they don’t relax, we towel dry instead. No drama.

Step 5: The Basics

Nail clipping, sanitary and paw pad trim, ear cleaning. These are the essentials. And these are the things your puppy needs to get used to because they will happen at every groom for their entire life.

Step 6: The Trim (Maybe)

If your puppy is calm and happy, we do a light trim. Usually this is a face tidy, paw shaping, and a body even-up. Nothing dramatic. But if the puppy is stressed or tired, we skip the trim entirely. There’s always next time.

Step 7: The Happy Finish

Treats, cuddles, and a calm handover. We tell you everything about how the groom went: what your puppy loved, what they found tricky, and what to work on at home before the next visit.

One of our clients told us their dog “came back very happy” after the first groom. That’s the goal. Every single time.

Puppy Care Guide: Common First Groom Mistakes

After thousands of first grooms, I’ve seen the same mistakes come up again and again. Here’s what to avoid.

Mistake	Why It Happens	The Fix
Waiting too long	Owners think puppies need to be older	Book between 12-16 weeks. The longer you wait, the harder it gets.
No home prep	Owners don’t know they should prepare	Follow the four-week plan above. Daily handling makes a huge difference.
Expecting a perfect haircut	Owners compare to adult groom photos	The first groom is about trust, not style. A tidy puppy is a win.
Long, emotional drop-offs	Owners are anxious and transfer it	Quick and cheerful. 60 seconds max. Your puppy takes cues from you.
Choosing the cheapest groomer	Price seems like the main factor	For the first groom, choose experience over price. This one visit matters most.
Not telling the groomer it is a first groom	Owners assume the groomer will know	Always mention it when booking. A good groomer adjusts their entire approach.
Booking right after vaccinations	Owners want to tick it off the list fast	Wait at least 7 days after vaccines. Puppies can feel off and groggy.

Puppy Care Guide: Breed-Specific First Groom Tips

Not all puppies are the same. Your breed matters. I handle a Cavoodle’s first groom differently from a Golden Retriever’s. Here’s what to know for the most common breeds we see.

Cavoodles and Small Oodles

They look like teddy bears. They’re adorable. And their coats are the most demanding of any breed group. Cavoodles are our number one breed, making up nearly 12% of all dogs we groom. We have groomed over 450 of them.

For Cavoodle first grooms: start early (12 weeks), focus on brushing at home (fleece and wool coats mat fast), and understand that this dog will need grooming every 4 to 6 weeks for life. The earlier you start, the easier every future visit becomes.

For our complete Cavoodle grooming guide, including coat types and styles, check out our detailed breed page. Also, our Cavoodle puppy kit has the essential tools for home grooming from day one.

Groodles and Large Oodles

Big, bouncy, and full of energy. Groodles and Labradoodles are wonderful dogs. But they grow fast. A 4kg puppy at 12 weeks can be 25kg by 6 months. So, getting them comfortable with grooming while they’re still small enough to manage easily is critical.

For large oodle first grooms: start at 12 to 14 weeks. Focus on standing still and being handled. Trust me – a 30kg Groodle who’s never been on a grooming table is a challenge for everyone involved.

Shih Tzus and Long-Coated Breeds

Shih Tzus, Maltese, and similar breeds have coats that need daily attention. Their first groom should focus on face care (they will need their face trimmed regularly), ear cleaning, and getting used to the brush. Often, these breeds are calmer on the table than oodles. But they can be sensitive around their face and feet.

Short-Coated Breeds

French Bulldogs, Staffies, and other short-coated breeds don’t need haircuts. But they still need grooming. Nail trims, ear cleaning, skin fold care, and a good wash and blow dry are all part of their routine. Their first groom is usually easier because there are fewer steps. Still, the same rules apply: gentle, patient, positive.

Double-Coated Breeds

Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and other double-coated breeds have a different grooming profile. They don’t need haircuts (and shouldn’t be shaved – see our deshedding guide for why). But they need regular professional deshedding, nail trims, and ear care. Their first groom introduces them to these essentials.

The Puppy Coat Transition: What Nobody Tells You

Here’s something that catches almost every oodle owner off guard. Your puppy’s coat will change between 6 and 12 months of age. The soft, easy-to-manage puppy fluff is replaced by a denser adult coat. During this transition, matting goes from occasional to constant if you’re not prepared.

This is exactly why early grooming matters. If your puppy is already comfortable with brushing and salon visits before the coat change hits, you’re ahead of the game. If they have never been groomed and the coat transition hits, you’re dealing with a matted, stressed dog who now needs to be shaved and is scared of the groomer.

I’ve seen this hundreds of times. Owners bring in an 8-month-old who has never been groomed. The coat is matted to the skin. We have to shave them right down. The dog is upset. The owner is upset. And it could have been avoided with a simple first groom at 12 weeks.

So, long haircuts are high maintenance because the coat mats very easily. That’s not a scare tactic. It’s just how curly and wavy coats work. The sooner you start brushing and grooming, the easier it is for everyone.

After the First Groom: Building the Routine

The first groom is just the beginning. What comes next matters just as much. Here’s your puppy care guide to building a lifetime of easy grooms.

The Follow-Up Schedule

Puppy Age	Grooming Action	At Home
12-16 weeks	First groom (gentle intro)	Daily handling, 2-3 min brushing
16-20 weeks	Second groom (a bit more)	5-10 min brushing, introduce bath
5-6 months	Third groom (full groom if ready)	Daily brushing, especially behind ears and armpits
6-9 months	Groom every 4-6 weeks (coat transition)	Daily line brushing, check for mats
9-12 months	Groom every 4-6 weeks	Regular maintenance brushing
12+ months	Regular schedule (4-8 weeks depending on style)	Consistent brushing between grooms

Home Brushing Between Grooms

Here’s the truth about home brushing: most people do it wrong. They brush the top layer and miss the undercoat. That’s how mats form.

The technique you need is called line brushing. Start at the bottom of the coat and work up in sections, brushing all the way to the skin. Use a slicker brush first, then follow with a metal comb to check for tangles you missed.

Focus on the hot spots for matting:

• Behind the ears – this is mat central for every oodle
• Armpits – friction from walking causes tangles
• Under the collar – remove the collar before brushing
• Hocks – the back of the legs, often forgotten
• Belly and chest – especially if your dog lies on carpet

If you feel a lump while brushing, that’s a mat. Don’t pull it. Use a metal comb or your fingers to gently tease it apart. If it’s tight to the skin, leave it for the groomer. Pulling mats hurts and teaches your puppy that brushing means pain.

Puppy Care Guide: What a Full Groom Includes

Once your puppy graduates from intro grooms to full grooms, here is what a proper session involves. When you go to the hairdresser, you only get your hair done. We do way more.

• Wash and blow dry – warm water, breed-appropriate shampoo, and a proper dry (not air drying, which causes tangles)
• Nail clipping – keeping nails short prevents joint problems and scratched floors
• Sanitary and paw pad trim – shaving the hygiene areas for cleanliness
• Ear cleaning and treatment – checking for infections and removing excess hair
• Full body haircut – style of your choice, or our recommendation based on coat type
• Health check – we always let you know about lumps, sore legs, teeth issues, or anything we notice

A full groom at WoofSpark typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the breed and coat condition. For more about our grooming services, check out our services page.

Puppy Care Guide: Anxious Puppies and What Really Helps

Some puppies are naturally nervous. That’s okay. Having a shy puppy doesn’t mean grooming will be a lifelong struggle. It just means you need to be more thoughtful about the process.

Signs Your Puppy Is Anxious

• Trembling or shaking
• Tucked tail
• Trying to hide or climb off the table
• Excessive panting when it’s not hot
• Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes)
• Refusing treats (too stressed to eat)

What Helps Anxious Puppies

Go slower. Reduce the scope of the first groom. A wash, dry, and nail clip might be plenty.

Visit before the groom. Ask if you can bring your puppy in for a quick “meet and greet” a few days before the actual appointment. Just 10 minutes of treats and exploring can make a big difference.

Choose a calm salon. Look for a groomer who limits the number of dogs in the salon at once. A busy, noisy environment is hard for anxious puppies.

Don’t medicate without vet advice. Some owners ask about calming tablets or sprays. Talk to your vet first. Often, a patient groomer and proper preparation work better than any supplement.

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, early positive experiences are the most effective way to prevent behaviour problems in adult dogs. So, investing time in a gentle first groom pays off for years.

Puppy Care Guide: The Cost Question

Let’s talk money. Grooming costs are one of the biggest surprises for new puppy owners. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect in Australia.

Service Type	Typical Cost (AUD)	Notes
Puppy intro groom	$40-$70	Shorter session, gentle approach
Full puppy groom (small breed)	$60-$90	Under 10kg, e.g. Cavoodle, Maltese
Full puppy groom (medium breed)	$80-$120	10-25kg, e.g. Spoodle, small Labradoodle
Full puppy groom (large breed)	$100-$150+	25kg+, e.g. Groodle, Standard Poodle
Wash and blow dry only	$40-$70	No haircut, includes nails and ears

Remember, the cheapest option is rarely the best for a first groom. A groomer who charges slightly more but gives your puppy 30 extra minutes of gentle handling is worth every cent. You’re not paying for a haircut. You’re paying for an experience that shapes your dog’s attitude toward grooming for years.

Puppy Care Guide: Real Stories from Our Salon

Numbers and tips are helpful. But real stories tell you what this actually looks like in practice.

The nervous Groodle owner. She booked her 4-month-old Groodle’s first groom and told us upfront: “I was a little anxious.” Her pup was bouncy, curious, and had never been on a grooming table. We spent the first 15 minutes just letting him explore. Then a gentle wash. A slow dry. A very light trim. He left wagging his tail. On the second visit, he walked straight to the grooming table like he owned the place.

The matted Cavoodle. An owner brought in a 9-month-old Cavoodle who had never been groomed. The coat was matted all the way to the skin. We had no choice but to shave. The owner was upset, but we told her: “We’re starting fresh today. Let’s book you in every 6 weeks and this won’t happen again.” Six months later, that Cavoodle has a beautiful, fluffy coat and loves coming in.

The scared Shih Tzu. This little one trembled for the entire first groom. We only did a wash and nail clip. The second visit, she trembled less. By the fourth visit, she was falling asleep on the table. Now her owner says, “She was happy when I picked her up.” That’s what patience looks like.

Puppy Care Guide: Questions to Ask Your Groomer

Before booking, call or message the salon with these questions. A good groomer will answer them gladly. If they seem annoyed or dismissive, keep looking.

1. “Do you have experience with puppy first grooms?” You want a “yes” with specifics, not a vague “sure.”
2. “How much extra time do you allow?” Look for 30 to 60 minutes above a standard groom time.
3. “What happens if my puppy is scared?” The right answer involves stopping, adjusting, and prioritising comfort.
4. “Can I see the salon?” A confident groomer says “absolutely.”
5. “What do you include in a first groom?” It should be flexible based on the puppy’s response, not a fixed list.
6. “How will you update me?” A good groomer sends a photo or calls if anything comes up.

The Long-Term View: Why This Investment Pays Off

Your dog will be groomed roughly every 6 to 8 weeks for their entire life. For a dog that lives 12 to 15 years, that’s 100 to 130 grooming appointments. The quality of every single one of those grooms is influenced by what happens at the first one.

A dog who trusts the groomer sits still, stays calm, and leaves happy. Their groom takes less time, costs less, and produces better results. Everyone wins.

A dog who fears the groomer struggles, stresses, and sometimes needs to be muzzled for safety. Their groom takes longer, is harder on the groomer, and the dog goes home exhausted from anxiety. Nobody wins.

The difference between these two dogs? Often, it’s one appointment. The first one.

That’s why this puppy care guide exists. Not to sell you a grooming appointment (though we’d love to see you). It’s because I genuinely believe the first groom is the most under-valued moment in your puppy’s life. Get it right, and everything else gets easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should a puppy have their first groom?

Book between 12 and 16 weeks, after the second round of vaccinations. For curly-coated breeds like Cavoodles and Groodles, aim for 12 to 14 weeks. The earlier your puppy starts, the more comfortable they will be with grooming for life.

How long does a puppy’s first groom take?

A first groom typically takes 1 to 2 hours, including the time to let the puppy settle in. But a good groomer won’t rush it. At our salon, we allow 30 to 60 minutes of extra time for first-timers so nobody feels pressured.

Should I stay with my puppy during the first groom?

Usually, no. Most puppies settle faster once the owner leaves. Your presence can make them look to you for reassurance instead of learning to trust the groomer. A quick, cheerful drop-off works best. But ask your groomer – some allow a brief stay during the settle-in phase.

What if my puppy cries at the groomer?

Some crying is normal, especially during the first visit. It’s a new environment with new sounds and smells. But a good groomer knows the difference between “this is new” crying and genuine distress. If your puppy is truly distressed, a professional groomer will stop, adjust their approach, or end the session early. Pushing through distress causes lasting negative memories.

How often should a puppy be groomed after the first visit?

For curly and wavy-coated breeds, every 4 to 6 weeks during the coat transition period (6 to 12 months). After that, every 6 to 8 weeks is typical. Short-coated breeds can go 8 to 12 weeks between professional grooms. And regular home brushing between visits is essential for coat health.

Can I groom my puppy at home instead of going to a salon?

Home brushing and basic care are important between salon visits. But professional grooming involves tools, techniques, and safety knowledge that most owners don’t have. Salon visits also provide socialisation and handling experience your puppy can’t get at home. Think of it as a team effort: you do the daily care, and we handle the professional sessions.

What should I look for in a groomer for my puppy’s first appointment?

Look for a groomer who asks about your puppy before booking, allows extra time for first grooms, and prioritises comfort over the haircut. Good reviews that mention puppies and first grooms are the best indicator. Avoid groomers who rush, don’t ask for vaccination records, or won’t let you see the salon.