What age for first trip to the groomer?

[jaybee]

I've been reading around the grooming section and I would like Bingley to be hand stripped by a groomer when needed. I was just wondering when you would say they need their first trip to the groomer? Bingley is starting to get a bit fluffy around the legs etc., but his body is fine. This isn't an immediate concern I just wondered around what age you first took yours? I was considering giving the groomer a call because his feet are REALLY fluffy, and with the weather changing/spring on the way I don't want him to get a grass seed in there, or for his foot fluff to get matted between his toes! I have considered trimming them myself a couple of time but i'm scared! Would it be a good idea  for him to see the groomer or is it not necessary at his age? I thought maybe it would be good to start introducing him to that environment early on.

[elaine.e]

It's a good idea to get Bingley used to going to a groomer early, even if you only want his paws tidied and a bath at the moment. Because he's only 18 weeks his puppy coat won't be ready for hand stripping yet.

As you've been reading the grooming section you'll probably have seen some of the horror stories on there where Cockers have gone in to be hand stripped or just partly trimmed and have come out completely shaved so choose your groomer with care and make sure she/he knows exactly what you want done. Would Bingley's breeder be able to help?

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I spoke to two groomers and asked their advice.

I cut Charlies feet myself at home and I did trim his legs. I took him to the groomers at 7 months old (the lady commented he had extra thick fur and a LOT of it haha).

I did end up going for the more expensive groomers as they seemed more professional and at the end of it, it seemed like Charlie had a great time there .

[jaybee]

Thanks There's a groomer just up the road from me that i've been looking into so I might have a walk up and talk to her. I have a hairdresser phobia and it is carrying through into groomers after seeing/hearing some of the horror stories on here!

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I called into a local one with Charlie and let them see him, let him see it etc. Then I thought I'm going to phone this other one - their web site was fantastic...so I gave them a call and they were so professional and reassured me etc. I'm pleased I went there. When we got there; there was a lovely waiting room and they went through things with me and asked loads of questions and listened to what I wanted. The wall was full of certificates for grooming - it just 'felt' nice. I'm definately going to go back there.