Why choose a Puppy Package with POOCH?
We do not offer individual puppy grooms. There are a number of reasons for this, but the main reasons are that irregular or infrequent trips to the groomers can be more harm that benefit, and that this consistent and specifically designed package slowly introduces your puppy to a lifetime of calm grooming. A structured puppy grooming package provides consistent, positive experiences from an early age, reduces anxiety, supports better health, and helps owners learn proper care. It creates lasting grooming habits and makes every future session more comfortable for both puppy and owner. Puppy packages are an important part of introducing the puppy to the grooming process. A well socialized puppy becomes a joy to groom – both in the salon and at home. As well as making it easier on the owners, a thorough and slow introduction means that puppies do not fear going to the groomers, and the process is free from anxiety. Think of the puppy packages as an investment, for a well behaved and thoroughly socialized dog. Not only is it beneficial for your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing that the process is as stress-free as possible. Most groomers, ourselves included, charge a matting and/or behavioural fee, and proper introductions can reduce the chance of that happening in the future.
Toy/Small Breeds £120Medium or Larger Breeds £150(Can be split into two payments for ease)
Session Breakdown
Designed specifically for puppies, this gentle, step-by-step program ensures that your new companion develops a positive association with professional grooming. Each session is tailored to build trust, comfort, and confidence in a gradual, puppy-friendly manner. Here’s a breakdown of what you and your pup can expect:
Session 1
Gentle Introduction
Goal: Help your puppy feel safe and relaxed in the grooming environment.
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Overview:
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Meet & Greet: Introduce your puppy to the groomer and the grooming area.
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Sensory Introduction: Allow them to explore (sniff around, stand on the table briefly) and get comfortable with new sights, sounds, and smells.
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Gentle Handling: Light touch around the paws, ears, and face to familiarise your puppy with the sensation of being handled.
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Light Tool Introduction: Ideally we will clip between the eyes and paw pads, as well as clip the nails however we will not push if the puppy is not ready
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Reward & Reassure: Use treats and praise to reinforce a positive experience.
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Why it’s important: This foundational session helps establish trust and reduces the likelihood of fear or anxiety in subsequent grooming visits.
Session 2
Bath & Dry
(First Experience)
Goal: Introduce your puppy to a full bath and drying process in a calm, reassuring way.
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Overview:
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Gentle Bath: Use mild, puppy-safe shampoo in a warm, soothing environment.
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Slow & Steady Drying: Start with towel drying before gradually introducing a low-noise dryer.
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Mini Brush Through: A quick, gentle brush to get them used to the sensation on their coat.
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Light Tool Introduction: Ideally we will clip between the eyes and paw pads, as well as clip the nails however we will not push if the puppy is not ready
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Positive Reinforcement: Treats and praise throughout to reward calm behavior.
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Why it’s important: Early exposure to water and dryers, with careful handling, makes future bath times far less stressful.
Session 3
Bath & Dry
(Confidence Building)
Goal: Reinforce comfort with bathing and drying, adding slightly more time or steps to build your puppy’s confidence.
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Overview:
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Revisit Bath Time: Another gentle bath, focusing on consistency and creating a routine.
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Enhanced Drying: Spend a bit longer on drying, allowing your puppy to become more accustomed to the equipment’s sound and feel.
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Light Brushing & Comb Through: Introduce a more thorough brushing session to help reduce tangles and further acclimate them to grooming tools.
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Continued Rewards: Lots of praise, treats, and gentle encouragement.
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Why it’s important: Repetition builds familiarity. By now, your puppy will start to recognise grooming as a normal, even enjoyable, activity.
Session 4
Full Groom
Goal: Complete a full groom experience, combining all previous steps with gentle trimming and final touches.
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Overview:
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Bath & Dry: Follow the now-familiar routine of gentle washing and drying.
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Full Groom:
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Coat Trimming (if needed/appropriate for breed)
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Nail Clipping
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Ear Cleaning
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Minor Tidying (pads, sanitary areas)
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Final Brush & Styling: Finish with a brush-through and any light styling to leave your puppy looking and feeling great.
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Positive Farewell: End on a positive note with treats, cuddles, and reassurance.
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Why it’s important: This final session cements your puppy’s grooming confidence, preparing them for regular professional grooming throughout their life.
Key Benefits of This Package
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Positive Association: Step-by-step acclimation reduces anxiety and helps puppies form trusting relationships with groomers.
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Safe & Gentle Handling: Each stage is tailored to your puppy’s comfort level, preventing overwhelm.
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Lifelong Grooming Confidence: Early exposure to grooming routines sets your puppy up for stress-free appointments as they grow.
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Expert Guidance: Professional groomers offer tips and tricks on at-home care and grooming maintenance between sessions.
Puppy packages must be paid for in full in advance or split into two easy payment, in order to guarantee the discounted rates. It is recommended that appointments are scheduled every 3-4 weeks although the
course must be completed within 18 weeks. Please note that as these sessions are discounted and pre-paid, that it will act in substitute as a deposit. Failure to book your sessions within the alloted time frame may result in the remaining sessions being forfeit. Any late cancellations or no shows may mean that session is forfeit.