Puppy Grooming
Start your pup on the right paw
Our Puppy Groom service gently introduces your young dog to grooming, ensuring a comfortable and positive experience that paves the way for lifelong care.
Comfort and care from the start
We start with a comfortable bath tub experience, using lukewarm water and diluted natural shampoo to gently work through your puppy’s coat.
Puppies often find the warm water relaxing and may even take a little snooze. Post-bath, we introduce them to the drying process with a low-pressure dryer. For puppies initially unsure about the noise, we use a hood to muffle the sound.
For those with longer coats, once dry, we use a soft slicker brush for a gentle brush-out, ensuring no mats or tangles are left behind. We carefully trim their sanitary area to keep them clean and hygienic.
We check and clean their ears, trim, and file their nails to be rounded and smooth. The session concludes with a spritz of natural, puppy-friendly fragrance for a lasting fresh scent, a colourful bow attached to their collar, and plenty of cuddles.
Benefits to your pup
Socialisation
Puppy grooming sessions help puppies become familiar with different environments, sounds, and sensations, preparing them for various life experiences.
Positive association
Regular baths and brushing help control excess shedding. Early grooming builds a positive association with grooming, making future sessions stress-free and enjoyable.
Health monitoring
Regular grooming allows professionals to detect and address potential health concerns, such as skin conditions or parasites, at an early stage.
Coat maintenance
Grooming keeps your puppy's coat clean, healthy, and mat-free, promoting a shiny and comfortable fur texture.
Comfort and hygiene
Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and hygiene tidying ensure your puppy's overall comfort and cleanliness.
Confidence building
Puppy grooming enhances your dog's self-assurance and prepares them for a lifetime of stress-free grooming experiences.
Bonding time
Grooming sessions provide valuable bonding time between you and your puppy, strengthening your relationship.
Experienced groomers
Meet our team of experienced groomers, who are passionate about animal care. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team ensures your pet receives expert care, attention, and affection.
Building a business that makes a positive impact on dogs and the community is my driving force. With a supportive team, Upper Hound thrives, and I am grateful for the wonderful customers and their dogs who have become part of our family. I adore grooming, and with our training academy alongside, it a privilege to train and see new groomers flourish in the industry.
The pivotal moment arrived when my own dog, Oscar, faced a cancer diagnosis, prompting me to explore natural pet care and recognise the vital role grooming plays in our dogs' well-being. Approaching my tenth year in the grooming industry, I've managed salons across Surrey, Hampshire, and London, while also sharing my knowledge through seminars nationwide and collaborating with professionals worldwide.
My journey with dogs began during my Level 3 Animal Management Course, leading me into the grooming profession. Recognising the need for hands-on experience, my career evolved, seamlessly merging my creativity with a love for animal welfare. Opportunities at Upper Hound, including training and completing a managerial diploma, enriched my professional path.
After university, I started my grooming career as a stylist within a corporate salon. Keen to broaden my horizons, I embraced the opportunity to join the Upper Hound family. Here, each day offers fresh learning experiences, surrounded by an exceptional team and the boundless joy of canine companionship.
Balancing study with coaching, I achieved my level 3 qualification in dog grooming, which then opened the door to a fantastic position at Upper Hound. Kate has been instrumental in helping me hone my skills and build my confidence. Now, I've come full circle, and I'm about to qualify as a teacher myself. Soon, I'll be sharing my grooming expertise with 'up and coming' students in our training academy.
After a successful career in doggy daycare, I decided to venture into the world of grooming. My deep interest in animal welfare makes caring for dogs and ensuring their happiness and health incredibly rewarding. I particularly enjoy grooming Collie breeds, and my handling skills translate well for the more sensitive dogs.
Puppy corner
Just a few of our adorable puppies that we have had the pleasure of meeting.
Got questions? We've got answers
We advise beginning puppy grooming at 3 months of age and continuing until they reach 6 months. This gradual introduction to the grooming process is beneficial. Ideally, we suggest scheduling their first appointment approximately two weeks after their final set of vaccinations.
Our pricing begins with the adult price, which varies depending on the breed. From there, we apply a special puppy discount for dogs under 6 months old.
For instance:
- 3-4 months (50% discount)
- 4-5 months (25% discount)
- 5-6 months (15% discount)
Please note that the adult price may vary based on the size and style of grooming as your puppy grows older.
You can help your puppy by gently handling their paws and nails, and rewarding them for calm behaviour during handling. If you can comfortably brush a comb your puppy this will also be advisable, but no mouthing or playing with the brushes as this can confuse them!
If you're visiting us for the first time, we kindly request that the actual owner comes to the salon. This is to ensure we can discuss grooming details in advance and confirm your satisfaction. Once we've met you and your dog, it's acceptable for someone else, aged 18 or over, to handle drop-off or pick-up in the future. Please inform us in advance if someone else will be involved.
When you visit us for the first time, we'll begin with a chat in the reception area getting to know you and your dog. This crucial step helps us understand your dog's grooming needs, including any specific details or past experiences. We'll ask you to fill out a short form to ensure we have all the necessary information on file. After your dog is checked in, we'll take them to our grooming area. We'll provide you with an estimated pick-up time and call you 20 minutes before your dog is ready, so there's no need to wait around. We look forward to meeting you and your pup!
Our puppy groom typically includes a gentle bath, blow dry, brush-out, nail trimming, ear cleaning, eye tidying, and hygiene care.
A puppy groom appointment can last up to 1.5 hours, allowing us to accommodate your puppy's pace and ensure a positive experience.
Yes, we only use high-quality, natural, and pet-safe grooming products tailored to specific needs. All our shampoos, conditioners, and facial treatments are gentle and pH-balanced to support your dog's skin.
Yes, grooming short-coated puppies encourages independence, helps get them used to having their nails trimmed, promotes hygiene, and contributes to their overall well-being.
For the safety and well-being of your dog, we do not allow pet parents to stay during the grooming process. Dogs tend to wiggle and move around, trying to get close to their owners, which can be unsafe while we are grooming. To ensure a stress-free experience for your dog, we recommend dropping them off at their scheduled appointment time and returning when the treatment is completed. Rest assured, our grooming process is designed to provide a calm environment.
We kindly request that you pick up your dog within 30 minutes of receiving our notification that their appointment has concluded. You'll receive a courtesy call 20 minutes before collection. While we understand that occasional delays can occur, if you are unable to collect on time, a fee of £5 per 30 minutes beyond the scheduled pick-up time will apply.
We do not have drying cages at Upper Hound, all dogs are dried by hand.
We don't use crates. Instead we use individual waiting stations, allowing them to relax while enjoying salon music. They are always within the groomer's sight and are never left alone.
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