Puppy Training Package
A Lifetime of Happy Grooming Starts Now: Introducing Our Gentle Puppy Acclimation Package!
Give your new best friend the gift of a calm, confident, and stress-free future at the groomer.
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time filled with firsts. But one "first" many new owners overlook is the grooming salon. Too often, a puppy's first groom is a scary, overwhelming experience, leading to a lifetime of anxiety, fear, and difficult appointments.
We believe it doesn't have to be that way.
That's why we developed our highly-affordable Puppy Acclimation Package—a gentle, all-positive program designed not just to clean your puppy, but to train them to love the grooming experience.
🐾 The Science of a Happy Pup
Our unique program is based on environmental science and animal behavior. The critical socialization window for a puppy is between 8 and 16 weeks. During this time, their brains are rapidly forming connections and learning what is "safe" and "normal" in the world.
By introducing your puppy to the grooming salon during this window, we can positively shape their perception. We gently acclimate them to the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of grooming, ensuring they build happy, positive associations from day one.
Our method is 100% gentle, positive, and "no-force." We use patience, love, treats, and play to build trust and confidence.
The 4-Step Journey to a Confident Pup
Our package is a carefully structured 4-visit journey, timed perfectly with your puppy's development (starting right after their first round of vaccinations).
🐶 Step 1: The "Curious Explorer" Visit (8-10 Weeks)
Duration: 15-minute "Happy Visit"
What happens: This is a pressure-free introduction. You stay with your puppy while we schedule the appointment during the salon's quietest time. Your pup gets to explore, meet our team, and gently experience the sights, sounds (like quiet clippers from a distance), and smells of the shop. This first step is all about fun, praise, and positive association.
🛁 Step 2: The "First Splashes" Visit (10-12 Weeks)
Duration: 30- to 45-minute appointment
What happens: We build on that first visit with a mini-bath experience. This is a gentle introduction to the tub, warm water, and the low-noise dryer. We pair every new sensation with basic positive training, love, and plenty of high-value treats. Your puppy learns that bath time is a fun and rewarding game.
💅 Step 3: The "Spa Treatment" Intro (12-14 Weeks)
Duration: 1-hour visit
What happens: Now that your pup is building confidence, we move to a full bath and gentle dry. We also introduce the feel of nail trimming tools (as appropriate for their breed and comfort level). Every step is reinforced with our all-positive training methods, ensuring your puppy feels safe, secure, and celebrated.
🎓 Step 4: The "VIP Graduate" Groom (16 Weeks)
Duration: 90-minute visit
What happens: The grand finale! This appointment is as close to a full "Neatened & Polished" groom as our strict "no-force" method will allow. We will bathe, dry, trim nails, and lightly tidy up their coat.
Important Note: We never recommend full haircuts on dogs under 6 months of age. Their hair follicles are still developing, and cutting too early can damage the texture of their adult coat. Our focus remains on health, comfort, and a positive experience.
The Reward: After all their hard work, your puppy graduates! They'll receive lots of sights, sounds, smells, love, treats, and puppy kisses—plus their very own VIP Diploma!
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
A small investment in these critical first few weeks will pay dividends for the rest of your dog's life. A pup who is acclimated to grooming is a happier, healthier, and less-stressed dog.
This program is perfect for you if:
You have a new puppy between 8 and 14 weeks old.
You want to prevent grooming-related fear and anxiety.
You want your dog to see grooming as a fun, positive part of their life.
You are committed to gentle, positive-reinforcement methods.
📞 Ready to Set Your Puppy Up for Success?
Your puppy's first round of vaccinations is the green light to start!
Because these sessions are customized for each puppy and scheduled during our salon's quietest hours, spaces are limited. Call us today at (703) 237-3650 to enroll your new family member in our Puppy Acclimation Package.
Give them the gentle start they deserve!
