Puppy's First Trip to the Groomer

[Chelsie]

I finally scheduled an appointment for the groomer. He is getting neutered soon and I wanted him fresh and clean before he goes in. I am however nervous! I don't want him to traumatized. We are just doing a bath, blow dry, brushing, and trim around eyes, feet, and sanitation areas. Sam will let me brush him, but I have tried to trim his hair around his eyes and feet and he barely lets me. I bought a small electic trimmer and he runs from it. Any advice on how to calm nerves, both mine and Sam's?

[Evelyn Sorensen]

Let me know how it went as I have been thinking I should get our pup in for her first  grooming . good luck and I hope all goes well.

[Julie and Charlie]

I had mine groomed for the first time (he was about 4 months old) a few weeks ago. It was just a "bath and tidy" and when I gave the groomer instructions beforehand, I made sure to tell her that I didn't want to overwhelm him, and gave priorities in case he wasn't comfortable- sanitary areas, paws, and nails were my big ones! The whole purpose of the visit was to get him comfortable in their area, and I left his treats as well as he's quite food motivated. Afterwards, she said he did fine-- I think dogs behave better for the groomers than they do for us!

[Ann & Penny]

I totally second that! I definitely think our dogs behave better for groomers than for us. I can't get Penny to sit still to be brushed to save my life, but whenever I take her to the groomers the only issue they tell me that they have with her is the dryer. 

To help you with the first time groom - reiterated the fact that 

1) it needs to be done for the health of our doods

2) the groomer will have had years and years of experience dealing with all kind of dogs in all shapes and sizes. don't worry about your pup. he's in capable hands. 

3) the end result will be well worth the hours of anxiety. 

I think the most important thing is to ensure that the groomer you decide on is reputable and that YOU'RE comfortable with the establishment. if they show a genuine interest in your pup, if the dogs come bounding out happy (like mine did) then I think you're safe.