PUPPY ACADEMY
Gently introduce your puppy to the world of grooming!
WHY PUPPY ACADEMY?
No dog is born used to the grooming process and everything involved can cause them anxiety and discomfort. That's why it is essential that dogs are introduced to the grooming process as soon as possible from a very young age.
When entering the salon for a groom, dogs are exposed to an array of sights, sounds, and sensations they are not accustomed to and it can be overwhelming.
They may experience:
Sensory overload from loud noises, vibrations, and unfamiliar smells
Be physically uncomfortable from handling and restraints
Separation anxiety from their owners
Anxiety for being in an unfamiliar environment
Here at Prim & Pupper, we've created the 'Puppy Academy' to work closely with your puppy to introduce them to the world of grooming and ensure those crucial first appointments are positive experiences which helps them trust and enjoy the grooming process.
How does it work?
The Puppy Academy is a package which we complete over three one hour long sessions. First and foremost, the sessions allow for your puppy to build a bond with the groomer so that they can have trust in them and the process. These sessions are also designed to help desensitise your puppy to key areas of the grooming process such as the bath, powerful drier, clippers, scissors, combs and brushes etc.
As your puppy comes along more frequently to the salon during this package, they start to trust the groomer and understand through positive reinforcement that grooming is not scary and is in fact something that they can enjoy. Grooming is not just about a new haircut, it is about the dog's welfare and health so it is vital they become accustomed to the process.
The groomer will also identify areas which will require additional work for your puppy to get used to outside of the salon and therefore may suggest practices to complete at home between sessions. We strongly recommend these are completed to achieve the best results from the Puppy Academy. Common areas include; handling of paws and legs, handling of the chin and head, and noise desensitisation.
what happens after?
Every puppy is different, some puppies will instantly take to the process and settle easily allowing for full grooming early on. Other puppies may take longer and need more time to adapt to the process, there is no way of knowing which areas your puppy may tolerate more than others until the Puppy Academy has begun. However, we will devote our time and expertise to work with your puppy and address their needs on an individual basis whether that takes three sessions or longer.
Once your puppy has completed the Puppy Academy they will officially graduate and receive an adorable photo in their graduation cap!
We strongly recommend putting your puppy on a regular schedule for future grooms after graduation so that they maintain the confidence and understanding of the process.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
Some factors which you may wish to consider that can help your puppy really thrive in the grooming environment are:
Handling your puppies legs and paws at home
Simply play with your puppy and incorporate touch and holding of their paw in small bursts. Reward them with a treat and positive reinforcement. Your puppy will then be less anxious about letting others handle their paws (such as the groomer).
Socialising your puppy
The groomer will be a stranger to your puppy so helping them understand interaction with other humans is okay can positively impact grooming. Taking your puppy to doggy daycare or introducing them to other family members outside of the home can be a great start.
Keep your puppy on a regular grooming schedule
Your puppy has gone through a whole process to desensitise grooming and it is important this is continued. A regular schedule after the Puppy Academy allows your dog's welfare to be maintained regularly and the routine will also help your puppy maintain confidence and trust in the grooming process.
Do you have any questions?
