Tips From Your Dog's Groomer: How to Prepare Your Pup For Grooming

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 Tips From Your Dog's Groomer: How to Prepare Your Pup For Grooming

Black Labradoodle puppy after first groom sitting with green bandana at Spokane grooming salon

Pet Stylist: Gabi Mickelson
Photo by: Alyus Vasquez 


A gentle, humane approach to grooming—starting with trust, preparation, and positive early experiences 

Written by Jessie Vasquez 
Professional Dog Groomer | Humane Grooming Advocate 

While grooming is a recurring part of a dog’s upkeep, most dogs won’t sit still on a table like a show dog. It’s not unusual for dogs to shift and wiggle, or to investigate the humans handling them and the tools those humans are using. But for dogs who have not been desensitized to handling, particularly in sensitive areas like their feet, their ears, their tails, and around their muzzles, healthy curiosity can shift into fear and aggression, making the grooming process unsafe for both the dog and the groomer.

Most professional groomers strive for a safe and compassionate connection with both the dogs in their care and the humans who care for them. There are several training exercises you can do with your dog that can help them tolerate the grooming process—and possibly even enjoy it.

The first step you should take is to familiarize yourself with your dog’s body language. If during the training session they show signs of stress or fear, such as yawning and licking or puckering their lips, give them space and go back a step. Once you understand your dog’s body language, you can introduce them to equipment that will be used, such as brushes, towels, nail clippers, and cotton balls. For the training process, find a special treat your dog loves and begin with the activity your dog is most comfortable with. This might mean massaging those sensitive areas when your dog is relaxed, and then working up to applying some pressure. Stop while your dog is still happy and enjoying themselves, and begin with only short sessions. For some dogs that might mean only 15-second sessions. As your dog becomes more comfortable with this handling over time, you can add things like moving their paws in different angles (within natural range of motion), lifting and holding the ears, and touching the equipment to them. Reward your dog throughout the process.

For puppies, this process can begin early at home and makes a significant difference later. Most puppies complete their full set of vaccinations around 4–5 months of age, which is typically when they can safely begin visiting a professional groomer. Early exposure helps them build confidence with handling, tools, and new environments before fear has a chance to develop.

✨🐶 A little glimpse of Winston’s first big boy groom 🐶✨

Simple Ways to Prep Your Pup For Grooming

Whether you’re working with a young puppy or an older dog new to grooming, these small, consistent practices can help build comfort and trust:

  • Learn your dog’s body language and pause when they show signs of stress

  • Keep sessions short and positive, even just a few seconds at a time

  • Use high-value treats to create positive associations

  • Gently handle sensitive areas like paws, ears, tail, and muzzle

  • Play with your dog’s paws regularly to prepare for nail trims

  • Practice holding the face gently to mimic grooming handling

  • Introduce tools gradually, including brushes, nail clippers, and towels

  • Expose them to soft buzzing sounds (electric toothbrush, clippers at a distance, blow dryer on low)

  • Stop while your dog is still comfortable, building confidence over time

Finding the Right Groomer For Your Needs

When searching for a professional groomer to partner with, take the time to find the one who is right for you and your dog. Every dog is different and every groomer has their own approach and style. Once you find one that is a good fit, discuss your goals with your groomer to create a plan that works for your dog. It may be a slow process in the beginning. The first few appointments may take longer than average and you may not get all the services you want done as your dog and stylist get to know each other. If your dog becomes stressed or fearful, it is better to stop a grooming session before it is complete and come back another day so your dog can learn to trust their stylist.

It’s normal for a dog to be shy or nervous when first being introduced to new people and environments, and your dog may never love being groomed. But through intentional cooperative care, the process can become a normal part of your dog’s routine.

About the Author

Jessie Vasquez humane dog groomer standing in Spokane grooming salon workspace

Jessie Vasquez began her dog grooming career in 2011, but her love for animals started long before that. Growing up, she spent school breaks on her grandfather's ranch and became active in her local FFA chapter as a young adult.

Her love for dogs deepened when she took in a stray retriever mix she named Dallas. Shortly after, Jessie found her calling in the pet care community.

With compassion at the heart of her work, she focuses on building trusting relationships to ensure a positive grooming experience for both dogs and their owners.

Jessie serves the Spokane dog community with a focus on humane, low-stress grooming practices.

Disclaimer

Lilac City Pet Care LLC is the parent company of Penny’s Paw Spa. This page is intended for educational purposes and reflects our commitment to humane, compassionate grooming practices. We encourage pet parents to find the grooming professional who best fits their dog’s individual needs.

Location: 321 W Hastings Rd #103, Spokane, WA 99218, USA

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