As a groomer, you’re not just providing a haircut—you’re guiding pet parents through one of the most important phases of their dog’s life. Puppy grooming is about acclimation, trust, and creating positive habits that will last a lifetime. When you pair education with the right products, you set both the pet and the client up for success, while also creating valuable retail opportunities in your salon.
Encourage Early Acclimation at Home
Teach pet parents to start brushing and combing right away, even before their puppy’s first professional visit. Regular brushing prevents tangles and mats, but more importantly, it teaches the puppy that grooming is part of daily life.
Recommended Starter Products:
- Safari by Coastal Soft Slicker Brush – gentle on puppy coats while keeping them tangle-free.
- Safari by Coastal Dog Grooming Comb –smooth rounded teeth prevent damage to coat and the 7 ½ inch length will work on small to large dogs
- ✨ Retail Tip: Teaching the client how to properly brush and comb the coat will build trust and loyalty and create retail opportunities for your salon. This set is great for young puppies that have soft coats, when the pet has adult coat encourage to upgrade tools to professional grade products.
Recommend a 4–8 Week Schedule
Consistency is key. Advise your clients to book every 4–6 weeks, even if it’s just for a bath and tidy. For pets that are very timid or scared, book a weekly session in the salon to start, even if it is just a brush out, nail trim or simple ear cleaning. Getting the puppy used to the sounds, sights, and people is key. These “practice sessions” help puppies adapt to the salon environment and your handling.
Recommended Products for Salon Use:
- TrachSaver Grooming Loop or Groomers Helper – essential for safely working with wiggly puppies while keeping stress low.
- Variable Speed Dryer – start on the lowest setting for timid pups, then gradually build confidence.
Use Treats to Reinforce Positive Behavior
Puppies thrive on positive reinforcement. Treats help build trust and make each visit something to look forward to. Treats should be provided or approved by the pet owner prior to the visit.
Retail Products to Stock:
- Bocce’s Training Bites – small, soft, and ideal for rewarding good behavior.
- Etta Says Sit! Training Treats – highly palatable and great for puppy training both in and out of the salon.
✨ Retail Tip: Create a puppy “first groom package” that includes a bag of treats to take home, encouraging repeat retail visits.
Stress Safe, Puppy-Friendly Tools and Products
Working with puppies requires extra patience—and the right equipment and products. Choosing safe, quiet, and gentle tools will keep the experience positive for the puppy and make handling easier for you.
Recommended Tools and Products for Groomers:
- Artero Spektra Clipper or Andis Envision – both are quiet-running clippers ideal for sensitive puppies. They’re perfect for sanitary trims and paw pad work, where noise and vibration can otherwise spook a young dog.
- Artero Ear Wipes or Zymox Ear Wipes – gentle and effective for salon use, while also introducing puppies to the sensation of ear cleaning from the start. Using wipes in the salon also creates an easy opportunity to recommend and retail them to pet parents for at-home maintenance.
- ThoozyPet Puppy Tearless Shampoo – gentle, tearless formula specifically designed for puppies and dogs with sensitivities. Pleasant Apple Grove Scent
✨ Pro Tip: By starting puppies with calm, quiet tools, you reduce their stress level and set them up for a lifetime of cooperative grooming.
Educate on Timing for First Professional Visit
Make sure your clients know puppies should complete their vaccinations before their first professional groom. Once cleared, invite them in for a gentle, introductory session to build comfort and confidence.
Salon Add-On Ideas:
- Offer a “Puppy Intro Groom” that includes a gentle bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, paw tidy, and a small toy or treat bag to go home.
- Stock small plush toys or chew toys and bundle them with training treats as part of a puppy take-home package.
✨ Retail Tip: By offering curated retail items as part of the puppy’s first visit, you’re not just grooming—you’re building a loyal retail customer who will come back for refills.
Set the Stage for Lifelong Success
Grooming is a lifelong commitment, and the habits you help clients establish now will last. By pairing professional expertise with the right retail products, you become a trusted partner in their puppy’s journey.
Final Thought for Groomers:
Puppy grooming isn’t just about a bath or haircut—it’s about creating confidence, comfort, and consistency. Stocking and recommending the right products not only helps puppies thrive but also creates ongoing retail revenue for your salon. From brushes and gentle shampoos to training treats and toys, you can provide everything a pet parent needs to set their puppy up for success.