First trip to groomers?

[Sarahoverson]

Hi there

We have a 18 week show cocker bitch, coco, who is used to being brushed daily (and is happy to be groomed provided there is a non stop supply of treats!).

We haven't yet attempted to trim her feet or anything yet which I know we need to so she gets used to it but I was wondering when we should take her to the groomers. Is it best to take her now before she really needs it so that when she has to go she is used to it?

Thanks, Sarah

[Jane57]

Yes I think this is a good time, even just to have a bath, trim feet, nails if needed etc, just to get her used to it.
Riley was this age when I took him too for the first time.

[ShazzaC]

Sounds like a good idea! Blue went last week for his first haircut, at 7 months. He spent three hours there (they rested him several times) and was absolutely fine with it. In fact he dozed off at one point 
I meant to get him in earlier for a shorter session, like you, but in the end it didn't matter. The ladies were so taken with him I think he just enjoyed the attention.
Let us know how you get on 

[ElvieMogs]

Make sure the groomer knows exactly what you want done. I took Nefyn at about that age , just for a wash and brush up but the groomer clipped her! It wasn't short but not what I wanted. I've now found another groomer so at 81/2 months has had her 2nd grooming appointment and been hand stripped and scissor trimmed appropriate for the current state of her coat

[Sarahoverson]

Thanks for the replies. I have just rang a local groomer who comes well recommended and she said she does a special puppy intro groom which they don't charge for and they will just brush her and clean eyes, ears etc just get her used to being groomed when the time comes, so that all sounds good. I am hoping to keep her hand stripped (if I can manage or if groomer will do!) but I suppose that depends on how her coat goes after she is spayed!

She is going on weds so hopefully she will be on best behaviour!

[HBP]

I did same as you, took him for a puppy groom which was just a bath, blow dry, nail clip and a bit of a trim of the feet, face and undercarriage! That was at 6 months. I want mine handstripped too and he won't be ready for that for a while, but wanted to get him used to going to the professionals!

[6thSense]

They can go in as soon as they have had all their second jabs really. The sooner the better to get them used to the sights and sounds of the grooming salon. This does not mean an actual groom at that age, but if they get used to the process and environment then when it does come time it is hopefully second nature to them.