FURology Puppies
When a new puppy visits our salon (after plenty of cuddles, of course!), our foremost concern is to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable grooming experiences. For puppies, grooming can be overwhelming; they're introduced to new people, sights, sounds, smells, and sensations. Grooming isn't natural for pets; it's a skill they must acquire. Our puppy grooming policies are crafted to help you and your pup establish a strong foundation for their grooming journey!
Policies for Puppies:
- Initial puppy appointments do not include haircuts.
- The puppy introduction process comprises "Bath & Tidy" services for the first 2-3 appointments.
- These initial appointments should be spaced no more than 3 weeks apart. Puppies have short-term memory, so clustering appointments helps reinforce learning.
- The Bath & Tidy service includes: two shampoos, conditioner, blow dry, brush and comb out, nail trimming/filing, ear cleaning, and trimming around the paws, eyes, and sanitary areas.
- We postpone full grooming until your puppy can handle a Bath & Tidy appointment with minimal stress. We never push puppies beyond their comfort limits.
- Depending on your puppy's progress, we may require more than 3 Bath & Tidy appointments to acclimatize them to grooming.
- We'll evaluate your puppy's progress at each appointment and provide recommendations on when they're ready for a haircut.
- Puppies over 7 months old without prior grooming experience may not be accepted.
To ensure your puppy's success:
- Begin handling your puppy's face, paws, ears, and body as soon as they come home. Introduce grooming tools gradually, using treats and praise.
- Practice grooming on an elevated surface like a table or counter, using treats to reinforce positive behavior.
- Familiarize your puppy with grooming sounds and sensations using tools like electric toothbrushes or grooming apps.
- Schedule a grooming appointment once your vet confirms it's safe, ideally by 3 months old.
- Understand that achieving your desired grooming style may take several appointments, prioritizing your pet's comfort and safety.
- We'll provide home practice recommendations at each appointment, recognizing that dogs learn situationally and may need time to adjust to the salon environment.
- Enroll in a puppy training and socialization class for additional support.
By following these guidelines, you'll help your puppy adapt to grooming with confidence and ease!
