Puppies that require regular grooming should be introduced to brushing and bathing as early as possible. After the second set of shots, they are ready for their first professional grooming appointment.
When a puppy comes to Head to Tail for its first visit, we prefer not having to perform a heavy duty haircut. Let me explain the ideal situation where a puppy is allowed to come for a professional grooming with a puppy coat that is mat(tangle) free. This allows us groomers to familiarize the dog with the different tools such as the dryers, combs, brushes, clippers, without having to worry about uncomfortable de-matting or close-clipping to get rid of mats.
However, we do welcome fuzzy (read-matted) puppies and are happy to help them get rid of those painful mats. After a short haircut, owners can begin anew with the puppy's coat and establish a grooming schedule that will keep the dog's coat in good condition and suit the activity level of the dog and its family. Most dogs with silky, curly and cotonny hair such as the poodle, maltese, yorkie, Portie, Wheaton, etc. require regular brushing if the coat is left longer than 1/2 inch. For active families unable to brush and comb their dog, we recommend a haircut of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and a monthly professional grooming appointment. This manageable length will keep most of the hair on the body free of mats at all times.
It is important to note that puppies between the ages of 8-18 months are at increased risk for matting as they undergo a coat change. You will notice that the fuzzy and soft puppy hair will be replaced by a hair texture closer to the hair characteristic to their breed. This puppy hair must be combed out otherwise it will tangle with the new hair coming in and create mats overnight.
It is important to compliment your puppy on its new haircut regardless of whether you like it or not. Dogs are masters at reading body language and detecting tone changes and if you act as if you dislike the way they look, they may interpret that as a scorn and act accordingly.
Products we love, use and retail
- Quicker Slicker by Nature's Specialties
- Kiwi conditioner from Tropiclean
- Spa Lavish blueberry and vanilla facial scrub
- Spa Lavish cologne with sunscreen
- Papaya 2-1 shampoo from Tropiclean
- Wham anti-itch spray from Nature's Specialties
- Oatmeal and Tea Tree Shampoo from Tropiclean
- Plum Silky shampoo from Nature's Specialties
- Facial wipes for tear stains from Top Performance
- Odor terminator spray by Nature's Specialties
About Me
- Head to Tail blog
- Fairfield, CT, United States
- My name is Quynh Rodriguez. I have owned Head to Tail for five years. Prior to becoming a business woman and a dog groomer, I worked as an occupational therapist for 10 years. I am a native of Vietnam, a Canadian citizen, and an American at heart.