Course 20 · Troubleshooting and Getting Help · Lesson 9 of 12

What should a first visit to a groomer include?

Published 29 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026 · About 5 minutes · General information only. This lesson does not diagnose or treat any condition.

A first visit to a groomer should include a calm introduction, coat and health check, agreed length, and clear home advice.

A first visit to a groomer should include a calm introduction, a coat and health check, an agreed length and routine, and clear home advice, all at a pace the dog can accept. The first visit sets the tone for future grooms, so it should be unhurried, informative, and focused on the dog’s comfort, not only on the finished look. A groomer who takes time on a first visit is building a relationship, not wasting time.

How should the visit start?

The visit should start with a conversation, before any grooming begins. The groomer should ask about the dog’s coat, history, behaviour, health, and routine, and the owner should share notes on texture, tangle spots, skin or ear changes, and what the dog accepts or fears. The dog should be allowed to settle in the premises, sniff, and become familiar with the groomer, the table, and the sounds, with treats and praise. The groomer should check the coat, skin, ears, nails, and paws, in good light, and note any mats, sores, redness, or other signs that need vet referral. If the dog is fearful, the groomer may keep the first visit short, focusing on familiarisation and a small, easy task, rather than a full groom. That is a good sign, not a wasted visit, because it builds trust for future grooms. The owner should arrive with the dog exercised and toileted, with notes and contact details, and should be clear about what is wanted in practical terms, such as a maintainable length or a tidy up.

What grooming should a first visit include?

A first visit should include the core tasks that the dog needs and accepts, at a pace that keeps the dog calm. That usually means a bath if needed, with a pre bath comb, thorough rinsing, and full drying, a tidy clip or trim to an agreed length, nail checking and trimming if safe, ear visual checks, and paw checks. The groomer should work in a fixed order, use suitable tools, keep the dog supported, and take breaks when needed. The groomer should check blade heat, keep the dryer moving, and keep the skin flat and visible in sensitive areas. If the coat is matted, the groomer should assess it, explain the options, and agree a plan with the owner before proceeding, rather than forcing a long, painful session. If the dog becomes stressed, the groomer should pause, lower stimulation, and decide whether to continue briefly, stop for the day, or plan the groom in stages. A first visit that is calm and incomplete is better than a full groom that frightens the dog. The groomer should report what was done, what was found, and what was left for a later visit, so the owner understands the plan.

What should be agreed before the groom ends?

Before the groom ends, the owner and groomer should agree on length, shape, interval, and home care. Agree on the length that was set, the guard or method used, and whether that length is maintainable with the home routine. Agree on the interval until the next groom, based on coat growth, tangle tendency, and home care, rather than a fixed calendar. Agree on home care, including combing frequency, bath timing, beard and feathering checks, and nail and ear checks. Agree on what to watch for, such as skin or ear change, and when to seek vet help. A written summary, even a few lines, helps both sides remember the agreement. A checklist for the end of the visit helps:

Length and shape: what was set, and whether it is maintainable.
Coat findings: mats, skin, ears, nails, and paws, and any referral.
Behaviour: what the dog accepted, what caused stress, and what helped.
Home care: combing, bathing, checks, and products advised.
Next visit: interval, booking, and what to bring or note before then.
Contact: how to reach the groomer with questions after the visit.

How should you follow up after the first visit?

After the first visit, check the coat in daylight when the dog is settled, comb through gently when dry, and note the length, shape, and any advice given. Follow the home routine advised, and watch for skin redness, soreness, or behaviour change, seeking vet advice promptly if any appear. Book the next visit at the agreed interval, rather than waiting for mats to return, and bring notes on how the coat behaved between visits. If the coat mats quickly, if the length is hard to maintain, or if the dog was stressed, discuss it with the groomer before the next visit, so the plan can be adjusted. A first visit is the start of a relationship, and honest follow up, in both directions, makes the second visit easier. If the first visit went badly, discuss it calmly with the groomer, and consider whether a different groomer, a shorter session, or vet advice on pain or fear is needed.

When should you stop and get help?

Seek vet help if bleeding will not stop, if the skin is red, sore, broken, or swollen, if ears are red, swollen, or discharging, or if the dog shows pain or sudden behaviour change after a groom. Seek groomer help if the coat becomes matted, if the length is unmanageable, or if handling is difficult. Keep styptic powder ready for home nail work, and never insert cotton buds deep in the ear canal. If the dog panics or tries to bite, seek hands on help and professional help for biting, rather than persisting at home.

A first visit to a groomer should feel like a careful introduction, not a rushed procedure. A calm start, a thorough check, an agreed length, and clear home advice set up a grooming relationship that keeps the dog comfortable and the coat manageable, visit after visit.