Now that you have your Puppy, it's time to think about Puppy Grooming!
Setting Puppies Up for Grooming Success at Von Barkee’s Dog Spa:
At Von Barkee’s Dog Spa, we believe grooming is about more than maintaining cleanliness—it’s about ensuring your puppy feels safe, comfortable, and loved throughout the process. Early positive experiences with grooming are essential for a lifetime of stress-free care. That’s why we’ve created two tailored programs for puppies under 6 months old: The Best Start Puppy Grooming Program and The Best Start Puppy Bath Program.
Both programs are designed to gently acclimate your puppy to the grooming environment, tools, sounds and processes, ensuring they grow up confident and relaxed during spa visits.
When Should My Puppy Start Grooming?
Your puppy can begin their grooming journey after receiving their first two rounds of age-appropriate vaccinations. This ensures they are safe and protected while enjoying their first spa experience. Early exposure to grooming helps puppies build positive associations and sets the stage for a lifetime of relaxed, happy visits.
Why Is Early Grooming Acclimation Important?
Introducing puppies to grooming at a young age has lasting benefits:
Reduces Anxiety: Gradual exposure builds trust and comfort, making spa visits enjoyable.
Promotes Safer Grooming: A relaxed puppy is easier to handle, reducing the risk of accidental injury.
Prevents Behavior Issues: Positive experiences with handling, especially sensitive areas like paws and ears, help avoid future challenges.
Avoids Extra Fees: Puppies accustomed to grooming are less likely to require handling fees for anxiety-related behaviors.
Creates Lifelong Benefits: Puppies introduced to grooming early grow into calm, cooperative, and happy adults during spa visits.
The Best Start Puppy Grooming Program
This four-session program introduces puppies to grooming in a stress-free, playful environment. Each session builds on the last, gently familiarizing your puppy with the grooming process while reinforcing comfort and trust.
Program Details
Session 1: Get Comfortable with the Spa Environment
Light brushing, nail trimming, and gentle handling of sensitive areas like paws and ears.
Your puppy will enjoy treats, snuggles, and a fun romp to ensure a positive introduction.
Session 2: Pads, Sanitary Trim & Handling Practice
Focuses on brushing, handling paw pads, and a sanitary trim.
Treats and playtime build your puppy’s confidence.
Session 3: Handling & Grooming Prep
A more extensive session with brushing, nail trimming, paw pad care, and introduction to grooming tools and sounds.
Positive reinforcement and playtime make it a fun and rewarding experience.
Session 4: Skip a Week, Then Full Groom
After a short break, your puppy returns for a complete grooming session: brushing, nail trimming, haircut, and more.
The session concludes with a celebratory romp and plenty of rewards for a job well done!
Program Pricing Pricing (4 Sessions)
Small Breeds (Under 15 lbs): $99
Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese
Medium Breeds (16–45 lbs): $129
Examples: Mini Doodles, Cocker Spaniel, Westie
Large Breeds (46– 69 lbs): $149
Examples: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Standard Poodle
X-Large Breeds (70+ lbs): $169
Examples: St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland
The Best Start Puppy Bath Program
For puppies that won’t require regular haircuts as adults, the Puppy Bath Program is a simpler three-session option focused on basic care and acclimation.
Program Details
Session 1: Get Comfortable with the Spa
Light brushing, nail trimming, and gentle handling of paws and ears.
Treats, snuggles, and a playful romp make this a positive first step.
Session 2: Handling & Bathing Prep
Focuses on brushing, paw pad care, nail trimming/filing, and ear cleaning.
Your puppy is introduced to spa tools and sounds with plenty of rewards and reassurance.
Session 3: Skip a Week, Then Bath
A final bath session to reinforce confidence and keep your puppy looking their best.
Treats, snuggles and a fun romp make it a celebratory experience!
Program Pricing (3 Sessions)
Small Breeds (Under 15 lbs): $29
Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese
Medium Breeds (16–45 lbs): $39
Examples: French Bulldog, Beagle, Boston Terrier
Large Breeds (46–69 lbs): $49
Examples: Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Boxer
X-Large Breeds (70+ lbs): $59
Examples: St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Old English Sheepdog, Newfoundland
*Our Program Pricing Is Based On Breed & Expected Adult Weight.
A Lifetime of Grooming Confidence Begins at Von Barkee’s!
By starting your puppy’s grooming journey early with Von Barkee’s Best Start Puppy Grooming Program or Best Start Puppy Bath Program, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of confidence, comfort, and positive experiences.
Let us help your puppy feel safe, relaxed, and even excited about their spa visits! Contact us today to book their first session. We can’t wait to meet your little one!
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