Help! How Do I Introduce My Pups to Grooming? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hello Dr. Paola!
I have two Yorkie pups, Aurora and Orion, who are +/- 15 weeks. Please can you guide me on how to introduce them to being groomed (preparing them at home) & at what age? Thanks” – Bill
Quick Info about Aurora and Orion
Ah lucky you, DM, I always wanted a Yorkshire Terrier and you got two! Aurora and Orion are at the perfect age to start gentle grooming introductions at home. Congratulations for being proactive and setting them up for a lifetime of positive experiences. Believe me when I say both you and them will benefit enormously from this.
Yorkshire Terriers have fine, silky coats that require regular maintenance, so making grooming enjoyable early on will prevent stress and resistance later. Ideally, their first professional grooming session should happen around 4 to 6 months old, but your home preparation will make all the difference.
Start by desensitizing them to allow handling. You do this by regularly touching their paws, ears, and face to get them accustomed to being touched in sensitive areas. Use a soft brush, like a slicker or pin brush, and let them sniff it before gently running it through their coat for short, positive sessions. Keep it light and playful, offering treats and praise to help create a positive association. You can also get them used to the sounds of clippers and blow dryers, by introducing these gradually. You can start by turning them on at a distance and pairing the noise with treats.
Bathing should be introduced with lukewarm water and a mild puppy shampoo, keeping sessions short and stress-free. A soft towel and a low-heat, low-speed dryer can help dry their coat while keeping them comfortable. By the way, please do not hesitate to invest in a dog hair dryer, these have controlled temperatures and decibels to avoid hurting or scaring your pups.
Nail trimming is another essential step; start by simply handling their paws then proceed to tapping the clippers against their claws without cutting at first to get them used to the sensation. Placing them over your lap or on a secure, non-slip surface during these sessions will help them feel stable and more confident.
With consistent, gentle practice, Aurora and Orion will learn that grooming is just another form of bonding and care. Don’t rush it and try to focus on short and positive sessions a couple of times a day instead. By the time they visit a professional groomer, they’ll already be comfortable with the process, making the experience much smoother for everyone!
Congratulations again,
Dr. Paola