Puppy Grooming Checklist: The First 6 Months
📅 Published: October 27, 2024| ⏱️ 6 min read | 🏷️ Puppy Care
New puppies learn grooming manners the same way they learn sit and stay—through short, calm repetitions. This checklist breaks the first six months into easy wins so you never fall behind on coat care or socialization.
Weeks 8-12: Sensory Introductions
Keep sessions under five minutes and reward curiosity. Focus on letting your puppy see, sniff, and hear each tool before it touches their coat.
- Touch paws, ears, and tail daily while feeding high-value treats.
- Run the dryer or clipper near them without contact to desensitize to sound.
- Brush with a soft glove to mimic petting.
Weeks 12-20: Build the Routine
Layer in light tasks once your puppy has vaccines and can handle more stimulation.
Pro tip: Pair every nail tap with a lick mat so paws equal snacks, not stress.
- Brush 3x per week focusing on friction zones (collar line, armpits, bum).
- Bathe every 4-6 weeks with gentle puppy shampoo and warm towels.
- Introduce tooth brushing by rubbing flavored gel along the gums.
Weeks 20-26: Graduate to Pro Visits
Schedule the first professional groom before coat changes make matting hard to manage.
- Book a “happy visit” where the groomer only trims nails and lets your puppy explore.
- Practice staying on a non-slip mat for 10 minutes to mimic the grooming table.
- Create a take-home card with allergies, preferred tools, and behavior notes.