Bichon Puppy’s First Groom

Puppies will remember their first grooming experience for their entire life so it is very important to make this experience a positive one. It will set the stage for their behavior and mindset in the grooming salon going forward, so making sure they have a fun and stress–free experience is imperative for both the puppy and groomer.

The puppy used for this groom is a three–month–old Bichon Frise. 

Before you begin, it is best to turn on the clipper and let the puppy adjust to the noise level.

Fig 1) Working slowly and carefully, use a #0 snap–on comb over a #30 blade for the entire body, clipping from the shoulders to the base of the tail in the direction of the coat growth. 

Fig 2) Next, use a #15 blade to trim the rectum area.

Fig 3) Then use your #30 blade for cleaning the paw pads.

Fig 4) Clip the clear parts of the nails only and then file them down. It is very important that you do not clip the quick. This can ruin the entire experience for the puppy.

Fig 5) You can then apply ear cleaning solution to a paper towel or a cotton pad and gently wipe the ears.

Fig 6) Then, using thinning shears, clean up the stop area.

Fig 7) Trim ear tips using small blenders or chunkers. 

Fig 8) Next, round up the feet using the tips of your shears only.

Fig 9) Then secure the puppy with your grooming loop going around just one leg and the head.

Fig 10) Blend all flying hair tips using small chunkers.

Fig 11) To trim the chin and chest, the loop can be moved to behind both front legs.

Fig 12) I trim the forehead hair by holding the head from behind. When puppies cannot see the scissors in front of their eyes they are usually more cooperative.

You can then enhance your groom with a nice collar or bandanna—and puppy’s first groom is complete! ✂️