Our Puppy Grooming Protocol at Camp Canine

January 19, 2026

Puppy grooming isn’t about the haircut. It’s about creating positive experiences early so grooming stays calm, safe, and stress-free for life.

At Camp Canine, we follow a structured puppy grooming protocol that introduces grooming gradually, builds confidence through consistency, and then settles into a long-term schedule that works for both you and your dog.

Step 1: Puppy Pamper

(As Soon as Your Puppy Is Fully Vaccinated)

As soon as your puppy is fully vaccinated, they’re ready for their Puppy Pamper — their first gentle introduction to grooming.

This visit is designed to help your puppy get comfortable with:

  • The grooming space and table
  • Being handled by a groomer
  • Bathing and drying
  • Brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning
  • The sounds and sensations of grooming tools

This appointment is intentionally short and positive. The goal is exposure, not perfection, so your puppy leaves feeling confident and safe.

Step 2: First Full Groom

(4 Weeks After Puppy Pamper)

About four weeks later, your puppy comes in for their first full groom.

This visit builds on the Puppy Pamper and includes:

  • Bath, blow dry, brush out
  • Introduction to clippers on the body
  • A light, age-appropriate body trim
  • Face, feet, and sanitary tidy

The sound and feeling of the clippers are introduced gradually and at your puppy’s pace. We keep things calm, supportive, and pressure-free.

Step 3: Second Full Groom

(4 Weeks After the First Full Groom)

Another four weeks later, your puppy returns for their second full groom.

This appointment helps reinforce familiarity and comfort, allowing your puppy to feel more confident with:

  • Standing for longer portions of the groom
  • Clippers and scissoring
  • Handling of sensitive areas like legs, paws, and face

Consistency at this stage is key. Puppies who groom regularly don’t feel like they’re “starting over” each visit.

Step 4: Finding Your Long-Term Grooming Schedule

After the second full groom, we work with you to determine a grooming schedule that makes sense for your dog and your lifestyle.

We base this on:

  • Your dog’s coat type
  • The length and style you want to maintain
  • How quickly their coat mats
  • How much you want to invest in grooming

Our policy is a maximum of 12 weeks between grooms, as longer gaps can compromise your dog’s comfort, coat health, and safety during grooming.

Why This Structure Matters

This gradual, consistent approach helps:

  • Prevent fear or anxiety around grooming
  • Reduce the risk of matting
  • Keep grooms safe and comfortable
  • Set your dog up for lifelong grooming success

A perfect haircut means nothing if a dog is stressed. Our priority is always your dog’s wellbeing — now and long-term.

Transparent Communication Every Step of the Way

After each visit, we’ll let you know:

  • How your puppy handled the groom
  • What went well
  • What we’ll continue working on
  • When we recommend booking next

Every puppy is different, and we adjust our approach accordingly.