Pampered Pooch Puppy Protocol

At 7-12 weeks of age a puppy possess the capacity to learn by association. Confidence is starting to become established at this age and simple commands can start to be taught. 

At 8-15 weeks of age introductions to new things should be done slowly, proactively, and with care and supervision. Learning at this age can be permanent. 

There is a brief overlap in these periods as puppies are different. 

At 13-16 weeks of age praise and gentle discipline are extremely effective.

At 4-8 months old the puppy is in its teenage years. Puppies will test their boundaries and may act out, it is very important to praise good behavior during this time period so as to avoid bad habits in the future. 

At 6-12 months the puppies go through a fear impact period. Great care should be taken to not reinforce negative behavior and fear should always be handled with patience and kindness. 

At 1-2 years the puppy will reach full maturity. 

We recommend that puppies be put on a special 4 week schedule for their first 6 appointments so they grow to know us and the process. They will reach new milestones at every appointment to create a happy experience at Pampered Pooch. Their “First Puppy Groom” should occur anywhere from 12-16 weeks of age. The first visit will start to get them used to the process. They will get a bath, blowout, nail cutting, sanitary and face trim. We will not be giving first time puppies a haircut at this appointment. No matter the puppy’s age before a year old we will be following the same protocol. 

For your puppy’s safety, we highly recommend a minimum of 2 rounds of puppy vaccines (distemper) & a bordetella vaccine (kennel cough vaccine) This is to ensure the safety of your puppy while not only at our salon but also out in public places. At 4 months of age, by law, your puppy is required to receive a Rabies vaccine. We will ask for proof of the Rabies vaccine at the time of check in for your appointment and the puppy vaccines (If you decide to not have your puppy get these vaccines you will sign a release stating you know the risks of your puppy not having them) If your puppy has not yet had these vaccines or is in the process of being vaccinated, please be sure to let our staff know at the time of booking. We thrive to make your experience & your puppies first salon experience a wonderful one! 

We also recommend that you work with your puppy at home. Puppies have a very short attention span, but benefit from constant stimulation. Some exercises to help them grow comfortable with the grooming process and sounds are:

. Run an electric toothbrush by the puppy, it mimics the sound of our clipper and the vibrations.

. Brush and comb your puppy every day.

. Run a hair dryer by your puppy, it will mimic the sound of the high velocity dryer.

. Place the puppy on a countertop while standing close by, this will mimic the height of the grooming table.

. Touch the puppy’s feet. 

All exercises should spend special care focusing on the face, nose bridge, around and under ears, feet, toes and booty areas. 

Consistency, patience, and constant reinforcement of positive behavior from everyone in the puppy’s life is the best way to create a dog that enjoys the grooming process.