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 30% 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.

What if my senior dog can’t tolerate a full groom?

That’s okay. We can split services over multiple sessions or keep it simple with just a bath and tidy.
Is grooming safe for senior dogs?

Yes—with the right modifications. We tailor everything to your dog’s age, health, and comfort level.
Do you use vet-approved products for older dogs?

Yes. We only use gentle, high-quality products that are safe for sensitive or aging skin.
How often should senior dogs be groomed?

Every 6–8 weeks is ideal to avoid matting, nail overgrowth, and skin issues, though we’re happy to work with your dog’s tolerance.
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 often should puppies be groomed?

Every 4–6 weeks is ideal to build comfort and maintain a healthy coat.
How long does the 30% discount last?

Our puppy pricing discount extends through 18 months of age to encourage consistency and make early grooming more affordable.
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.
Is Calm Care only for small or older dogs?

Not at all. Dogs of any size, age, or breed can benefit from Calm Care if they struggle with the grooming process. We have techniques tailored for all types of dogs and sensitivities.
What is Calm Care at The Woof Wash?

Calm Care is our specialized approach to grooming dogs who are nervous, fearful, or have had negative experiences in the past. It’s designed to build trust, reduce stress, and help your dog feel safe—at their own pace.
Do I need to book Calm Care in advance?

Yes. Calm Care appointments are limited so we can give each dog the time and attention they need. Please call or request Calm Care when booking.
Can Calm Care help my dog get better with grooming over time?

That’s the goal! With consistency and trust-building, many dogs gradually become more tolerant—even happy—about grooming. We’ll keep notes, adjust our approach, and cheer your pup on every step of the way.
How do I know if my dog needs Calm Care?

If your dog shows signs of fear, stress, or resistance during grooming—like shaking, panting, hiding, or snapping—Calm Care might be a better fit. We’re happy to help you decide during your intake.
Is Calm Care sedation-based?

Nope! Calm Care relies on patience, gentle handling, clear communication, and low-stress techniques to help dogs feel more comfortable. We go at their pace—not the clock’s.
What if my dog is anxious or scared?

We specialize in low-stress grooming and take as much time as needed to create a calm, safe experience. We also offer a Calm Care service as an alternative grooming approach for dogs who struggle with traditional grooming.
How do you determine pricing?

Our pricing is based on your dog’s breed, size, coat condition, and the services requested. We’ll always provide a quote before we get started. In some cases, additional charges may apply for things like heavy matting, extra baths, or behavioral challenges that require more time or care.
How long does a grooming appointment take?

Most grooms take between 1.5–3 hours, depending on size, coat condition, and temperament.
Do you groom puppies or senior dogs?

Yes! We offer gentle intro groom packages for puppies and comfort grooms for senior dogs. Visit our services page to learn more!