When should my puppy get their first groom?

Most puppies benefit from their first grooming session around 12 weeks, once they’ve had their first round of vaccines.

How often should puppies be groomed?

Every 4–6 weeks is ideal to build comfort and maintain a healthy coat.

Can you groom Doodles or curly coats?

Yes! We gently introduce brushing and coat care for Doodles and other high-maintenance breeds early on.

How long does the discount last?

Our puppy pricing discount extends through 18 months of age to encourage consistency and make early grooming more affordable.

Puppy’s First Groom—Done Right

Looking for a gentle, positive introduction to grooming for your new puppy?

At The Woof Wash in Melrose, MA, we specialize in puppy grooming that builds confidence and trust, right from the start.

What Is a Puppy Groom?

A puppy groom is a beginner-friendly grooming session designed for dogs under 6 months (or up to 12 months for first-timers). We introduce your pup to grooming tools, new smells, and being gently handled by someone other than their pet parent.

Our priority is to make sure your puppy’s first grooming experience is safe, calm, and stress-free.

Why Early Grooming Is Important

Starting grooming early helps your puppy:

Feel safe and relaxed in new environments
Get used to clippers, brushes, dryers, and nail trims
Avoid fear or anxiety later in life
Learn that grooming can be fun, not scary!

Dogs that receive gentle grooming as puppies tend to be easier to groom long-term and enjoy the experience more.

What’s Included in a First Puppy Groom:

Bath with gentle, puppy-safe shampoo
Low-force dryer and towel dry
Nail trim and ear cleaning
Face, paw, and sanitary tidy-up (if needed)
Treats, breaks, and lots of positive reinforcement

Every dog is different—we always go at your puppy’s pace.

We Don’t Force It—And That’s Okay

Especially during your puppy’s first groom, we prioritize emotional safety over completing every step. If your pup becomes overwhelmed, we take breaks or stop altogether. Our goal is to create a positive association with grooming, not push them through a full service before they’re ready.

Because of this, and to help pet parents build a strong foundation, we offer 25% off our regular grooming rates for puppies up to 18 months old. This discount applies to any puppy groom in the same weight or coat category as their adult groom would be.

We’d rather build trust slowly than rush the process—and this extended pricing supports you in returning regularly without pressure.

How To Prepare For Your Puppy's First Grooming Appointment

Bring your pup in a bit hungry so treats work better
Exercise them before the appointment to help them settle
Bring a favorite toy or blanket for comfort
Stay calm and confident—your energy helps them relax

Our Gentle Grooming Philosophy

We believe in ethical, stress-free dog grooming, especially for puppies. Our experienced team creates a calm environment and works with your dog using positive reinforcement, patience, and love.

Our goal? To help your dog look great, feel safe, and build positive grooming habits for life.