Bringing home a new puppy is pure joy, and the habits you start in those first weeks shape how your dog feels about grooming for life. A puppy who learns that brushing, paw handling and bath time are calm and rewarding becomes an adult who's easy to groom at home and relaxed at the groomer's. Here's a simple, gentle puppy grooming routine to get you started.
Why start grooming early?
The PDSA recommends introducing grooming while your pet is young, so they get used to it and feel comfortable, and taking things slowly with plenty of treats and praise (PDSA). The aim at this stage isn't a perfect coat; it's a puppy who's happy being handled.
Week one: handling, not grooming
Before you pick up a brush, get your puppy used to being touched all over. A few times a day, during a calm moment:
- Gently stroke their ears and look inside.
- Hold each paw for a second and touch between the toes.
- Lift their lip to peek at their teeth.
- Run your hand down their tail and along their belly.
Reward every step with a tiny treat. Keep sessions to a minute or two and stop before your puppy gets wriggly. If they seem worried, go back a step.
Brushing your puppy
Choose a soft brush or grooming mitt to start with, and once your puppy is comfortable, move on to the tools that suit their adult coat. The PDSA's guidance for adult dogs is a helpful goal to work towards:
- Short coats: about once a week.
- Medium coats: a few times a week.
- Long coats: daily.
- Poodle crosses such as Cockapoos and Cavapoos: a few times a week, as their curly coats tangle easily.
With a puppy, little and often beats long sessions. A few gentle strokes with the brush, a treat, and done. If you're unsure which tools suit your breed, the PDSA suggests asking your vet or a reputable groomer.
Your puppy's first bath
When can you bath a puppy?
Very young puppies can't regulate their body temperature well. RKC Pet Insurance advises waiting until your puppy is at least eight weeks old before their first bath, and cleaning them with a damp cloth before then (RKC Pet Insurance). They also suggest waiting a few days after vaccinations, and checking with your vet.
How often?
The same guide suggests limiting baths to around once a month unless really necessary, as too many baths can strip natural oils and leave skin dry. For the in-between, a damp cloth on muddy legs is usually plenty.
Making bath time a good experience
- Get everything ready first: towel, puppy shampoo and a jug or shower head.
- Use a non-slip mat so your puppy feels secure.
- Use lukewarm water and wet the body first, leaving the head until last. Keep water out of ears and eyes.
- Rinse thoroughly, as leftover shampoo can irritate the skin.
- Towel dry well and keep your puppy warm until completely dry. Choose a warm part of the day, especially in winter.
- Keep treats and praise flowing throughout.
Paws, nails and teeth
Paws
Puppies explore everything with their feet, so make a quick paw wipe part of coming home from every walk once they're allowed out. In winter, wiping paws, legs and tummy after walks is especially important, as grit and rock salt can irritate pads. Our winter paw care guide has more. Once your puppy is relaxed about paw handling, our lick-safe Paw & Nose Balm (vanilla and biscuit scent, in a handy black jar) can help keep pads soft. A few seconds of gentle massage makes paw handling feel like a treat.
Nails
Use dog nail clippers, never human ones, as the PDSA advises. Start by simply touching the clippers to a nail and rewarding. If you're nervous, ask your vet or groomer to show you how.
Teeth
The PDSA recommends brushing dogs' teeth ideally every day and warns never to use human toothpaste, as it can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Start by letting your puppy lick dog toothpaste from your finger, then progress slowly to a brush.
Keeping your puppy smelling sweet
Puppies can get whiffy fast: they roll, they dribble and they don't always get to the garden in time. Between monthly baths:
- Spot-clean with a damp cloth and dry well.
- Wash their bedding and blankets every week or so.
- For a quick refresh, our no-rinse Silver Spray with aloe vera can be used on paws and coat. Simply spray and let it dry, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.
- If you'd like a light finishing scent, our dog perfumes are made for pets of all ages. Start with a single mist on the back, sprayed from 20–30cm and well away from the face, then brush through.
A sample weekly puppy routine
- Daily: a minute of handling (ears, paws, mouth) with treats; wipe paws after walks.
- Every few days: a short, gentle brush.
- Weekly: check ears, look at nails, practise toothbrushing; wash bedding.
- Around monthly, or when dirty: a warm, calm bath with puppy shampoo.
FAQs
When should I take my puppy to a groomer?
Ask your vet when your puppy is ready, usually once vaccinations are complete. Some groomers offer short "puppy introduction" sessions, which are a great way to build confidence.
Can I use dog perfume on a puppy?
Yes, ours are made for dogs of all ages, but keep it to a single light mist on the back, away from the face, once your puppy is comfortable being handled.
My puppy hates being brushed. What should I do?
Go back a step. Use a softer brush, keep sessions very short and pair every stroke with a treat. If your puppy seems stressed, stop and try again later.
Puppy starter kit: put together the Silver Spray, Paw & Nose Balm and a scent in a Pet Spa set and save 30% on three, with free UK delivery and next-day dispatch.