Puppy Foundation Program
Positive grooming experiences from the very beginning
A puppy’s early grooming experiences can shape how they respond to professional grooming throughout their life.
Our Puppy Foundation Program uses a series of short, structured and positive appointments to gradually introduce puppies to the salon, grooming equipment, handling and the different stages of a professional groom.
Rather than expecting a puppy to manage an entire grooming appointment immediately, we build confidence through regular repetition and age-appropriate experiences.
Every appointment is adapted to the puppy’s size, coat, confidence and individual needs.
Who is the program for?
The Puppy Foundation Program is available for puppies from 12 weeks and up to eight months of age.
Dogs older than eight months attending professional grooming for the first time may require a different appointment structure, additional time or individual support. Our team can recommend the most appropriate service when booking.
Six-Visit Puppy Foundation Program – $725 prepaid
Our six-visit program provides puppies with consistent, progressive grooming experiences.
Appointments are scheduled every one, too two weeks, allowing the puppy to build familiarity and confidence without long gaps between visits.
Every appointment includes:
- Bathing
- Conditioning
- Gentle drying
- Brushing and combing
- Calm, welfare-focused handling
Depending on the puppy’s progress, appointments may also include:
- Nail trimming
- Face, feet and hygiene tidying
- Handling of the face, feet, legs and body
- Introduction to clippers and scissors
- Standing and positioning on the grooming table
- Progressive clipping, scissoring and styling
The focus is not simply on completing a haircut. The aim is to help the puppy learn how to safely and confidently participate in the grooming process.
How the program progresses
Visit One — First Bath and Salon Introduction
- The puppy is introduced to the salon, bathing, conditioning, gentle drying and calm handling.
- Light brushing, nail trimming or tidying may also be completed where appropriate.
- The focus is on establishing trust and creating a positive first experience.
Visit Two — Building Familiarity
- The puppy begins repeating the salon routine and building familiarity with brushing, combing, table work and grooming equipment.
- The owner brushing and handling session may be scheduled during this visit where early home-care guidance would be beneficial.
Visit Three — Grooming Foundations
- Handling and grooming skills are developed further, with gradual introduction to clippers, scissors and light styling where the puppy is ready.
- Where the owner session was not completed during Visit Two, it will generally be scheduled during this appointment, depending on the puppy’s progress.
Visit Four — Gradual Development
- The puppy begins working through more of the professional grooming process, including coat preparation, body positioning and progressive styling.
Visit Five — Preparing for a Full Groom
- This appointment helps prepare the puppy for the timing, equipment and handling involved in a full professional groom.
- The groomer will assess the puppy’s confidence, coat condition and readiness before planning the final appointment.
Visit Six — First Full or Near-Full Groom
The final appointment brings together the skills developed throughout the program.
A full groom may be completed when appropriate for the puppy’s welfare, confidence, coat condition and readiness.
Where a complete groom is not yet suitable, a modified or near-full groom will be completed and an ongoing grooming plan recommended.
Owner Brushing and Handling Session
This six-visit program includes a 15-minute brushing and handling session with the owner and puppy.
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This is generally scheduled during Visit Two or Visit Three, depending on the puppy’s progress, coat type and individual needs.
Holding the session early in the program allows owners to practise correct brushing, combing and handling techniques at home while their puppy is still developing confidence with grooming.
During the session, our team will demonstrate:
- How to brush and comb the puppy’s coat correctly
- How to work through the coat in sections
- Areas commonly missed during home brushing
- How to gently handle the face, feet, legs, ears and body
- How often the puppy’s coat should be brushed
- Suitable tools for the puppy’s coat type
- How to keep home practice short and positive
Puppy Foundation Graduation Pack
At the completion of the six-visit program, each puppy receives a Puppy Foundation Graduation Pack.
pack includes
- A Puppy Foundation completion certificate
- An individual grooming progress report
- Home brushing and handling recommendations
- The puppy’s recommended ongoing grooming schedule
- A photograph from the final appointment
We also recommend booking the puppy’s next regular grooming appointment before the program finishes so their progress and familiarity can continue.
Individual Puppy Foundation Groom
An individual Puppy Foundation Groom is also available for puppies up to eight months of age. From $125
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This appointment includes bathing, conditioning, gentle drying and a gradual introduction to professional grooming.
Depending on the puppy’s confidence and individual needs, the appointment may also include:
- Brushing and combing
- Nail trimming
- Face, feet or hygiene tidying
- Introduction to clippers, scissors and grooming equipment
The appointment is adapted to the puppy rather than forcing them through every stage of the groom.
Appointment Time and Additional Charges
Puppy grooming prices are based on the appointment time allocated. Additional charges may apply where more time is required.
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Additional time charges may apply where more time is required due to:
- The puppy’s size
- Coat type or condition
- Dense or high-maintenance coats
- Extended drying time
- Additional handling or reassurance
- Detailed clipping, scissoring or styling
Larger puppies may require longer appointments than the standard puppy appointment allows. Our team will discuss any additional time or recommendations with you where possible.
Progress Before Perfection!
Every puppy develops at a different pace.
Some puppies may complete several grooming stages during their first appointment, while others may need more time to become comfortable with particular equipment, sounds or handling.
We do not force puppies through grooming procedures simply to complete a particular style. Our priority is to build trust, confidence and safe grooming habits that support a lifetime of professional grooming experiences.
Book the Puppy Foundation Program
To enquire about the Puppy Foundation Program or arrange your puppy’s first appointment, contact our team.
When enquiring, please provide your puppy’s breed, date of birth, current coat condition any previous grooming experience and a photo if possible.
Trusted by Mornington Peninsula dog owners since 1994
We pride ourselves on offering personalised dog grooming for all breeds small to large.
Backed by knowledge. Driven by care. Grooming beyond the coat.
