age for first grooming?

[Susan Medlin]

How old would you suggest a puppy be before his first grooming? I mean haircut, not bathing. His nails need clipping now (he's 13 weeks old) but I'm not sure I'm ready to have him groomed. He is a Scottie.

[Amber]

I had Precious, my toy poodle, groomed at 8 weeks old. She was a fuzzy moppit! The earlier the grooming process starts, the easier they will take to the groomer and the grooming process. Precious LOVES to be groomed now...all except her feet. lol

[Jesse Cruz]

hi susan, your baby is more than ready to get his first grooming. like mentioned before the earlier the better because the sooner they get accustomed to be groomed.

[Hee Yung Lee]

I agree! Your puppy needs to have the experience of being handled (especially his paws), so in the future as he gets bigger, it won't be as traumatic.

[Jesse Cruz]

one more thing, play with your poochies paws, that's what the groomer will recommend so that he gets use to having them handled for nail trimming time.

[TimberWolf]

I agree with everyone. The more you get your puppy used to being handled by a groomer, the easier it will be in the future. My suggestion also is to brush your puppy everyday with a soft brush. Even if there aren't any knots, your puppy will get used to the brush but may learn to love it. Not to mention as the hair gets more adult, it may knot more so with daily brushings, your puppy (eventually adult) will already know what to expect and have very little to no knots. When your puppy gets his adult fur you may need a stronger brush, but by that time your dog won't mind because brushing feels good! ;)

[Susan Medlin]

Thanks, everyone!
The puppy class we've been attending encourages handling, so I've been massaging him and his paws since day one! Hopefully, he'll be fine at the groomers, since he's looing a little fuzzy!
I'll try and send before and after shots!
Susan