Puppy Grooming & Puppy University in Solihull
Positive, one-to-one grooming introductions designed to help your puppy feel safe and confident in the salon.
Four gentle sessions, spaced four weeks apart • Parent homework • Graduation certificate and goodie bag
Why start puppy grooming early?
A puppy’s first grooming experiences can shape how they feel about being handled for the rest of their life. Starting early allows everything to be introduced gradually, before a full groom is needed.
The aim is not a perfect haircut. It is helping your puppy feel safe around brushing, bathing, drying, nail care, salon equipment and gentle handling.
What Puppy University includes
Four one-to-one sessions, usually spaced four weeks apart, with simple homework between visits to help your puppy practise at home.
Session 1 — Gentle introductions
A calm first visit focused on meeting Dawn, exploring the salon and introducing handling, brushing and equipment at your puppy’s pace.
Session 2 — Bathing and drying
A gentle introduction to bathing, drying and standing comfortably, with breaks whenever your puppy needs them.
Session 3 — Building confidence
Previous skills are gently repeated while introducing more grooming sensations, including nail care, face handling and salon sounds.
Session 4 — Graduation
The final session brings everything together at your puppy’s pace, followed by a graduation certificate and goodie bag to celebrate their progress.
Confidence continues at home
The salon sessions are only part of your puppy’s learning. You’ll receive simple homework to practise for five to ten minutes at home, helping them become comfortable with brushing, paws, faces and gentle handling.
Regular, positive practice between appointments gives your puppy the best chance of growing into a relaxed and confident grooming client.
“The aim is never to rush a puppy through a groom. It is to listen, build trust and help create a dog who can feel safe being groomed throughout their life.”
— Dawn, Tillies
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your puppy should begin as early as possible once they have completed the vaccinations needed to visit safely. Please don’t wait until their coat is long, tangled or already needs a full groom—the earliest appointments are about creating calm, positive experiences.
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Puppy University includes four one-to-one sessions, normally held four weeks apart. Each visit gradually introduces handling, brushing, bathing, drying, nail care and salon equipment at your puppy’s pace. Puppies receive a graduation certificate and goodie bag after completing the course.
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The first priority is confidence, not achieving a perfect haircut. Grooming is introduced gradually, and tidying or clipping will only be completed when appropriate and your puppy is comfortable. The amount achieved may vary between sessions.
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You’ll be given simple homework suited to your puppy, such as brief brushing, touching their paws, handling their face and helping them stand calmly. Five to ten minutes of positive practice each day can make a huge difference—regular teamwork at home is essential.
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Your puppy’s body language will be listened to throughout. The process can be slowed down, adjusted or stopped, with breaks given whenever needed. Building trust is more important than forcing a puppy through something they are not ready for.
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Use the WhatsApp enquiry button and include your puppy’s breed, age, vaccination status and any handling or grooming concerns. New clients must complete the required paperwork and pay a non-refundable deposit to secure their first appointment.
Give your puppy the best start
Early, positive grooming experiences can build confidence for life. Send your puppy’s breed, age and vaccination status to check availability for Puppy University.