Puppy Grooming Calgary — Kindergarten Program
Start your puppy's grooming journey the right way. Our 4-week Puppy Kindergarten in Calgary gently introduces your pup to grooming — building confidence and positive associations from day one.
A Puppy's First Groom Matters
With most dogs needing to be groomed every 4–6 weeks and an average life span of 12–14 years, grooming is something that should be started as soon as possible.
If your pet needs to be groomed professionally, the best time to start is after they have had all their puppy shots. This is typically around 12 weeks of age. Many people wait until the puppy is over 6 months for their first groom. However, the sooner you familiarize them with being groomed, the happier your puppy will be.
Long coated breeds will start to mat early — by starting your pup at 12 weeks the hair stays in good condition. A matted coat is stressful for any dog to deal with, which is one more reason early, consistent grooming sets your pup up for a lifetime of comfortable sessions.
A puppy's first grooming experience shapes how they feel about grooming for the rest of their lives. Introduced at a young age and introduced correctly, it becomes a positive and rewarding experience — one they genuinely look forward to. Love and patience are the keys to years of successful grooming.
Puppy Kindergarten — 4 Weeks
Grooming salons are full of loud noises, activity, and strange smells. Puppy Kindergarten introduces your new pup to grooming gradually over 4 weeks.
Handling. Learning to stand on the table and accepting touch; brushing.
Bath & Blow Dry. Introduction to water, shampoo, and the blow dryer at low settings.
Quick Trim. Face, paws, nails, ears, and sanitary areas.
Full Groom. Includes the style of your choice — your puppy is ready!
Puppy Kindergarten Pricing
| Size | Program Fee | + Full Groom (Week 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dogs | $85+ | See grooming prices |
| Medium Dogs | $95+ | See grooming prices |
| Large Dogs | $115+ | See grooming prices |
All prices + GST. Daycare not included. The full groom in Week 4 is charged separately at standard grooming rates.
Ready to Book Your Puppy's First Session?
Book the Puppy KindergartenPuppy grooming questions, answered.
When should I start grooming my puppy?
The best time to start is after your puppy has had all their shots, typically around 12 weeks of age. Many people wait until 6 months, but starting early makes grooming a positive experience your puppy will welcome for life.
How much does puppy grooming cost at PAWS?
The 4-week Puppy Kindergarten program starts at $85 for small dogs, $95 for medium dogs, and $115 for large dogs, plus the price of the full groom in Week 4. Daycare is not included.
What happens during the Puppy Kindergarten program?
Week 1 focuses on handling and getting comfortable on the table. Week 2 introduces bath and blow dry. Week 3 is a quick trim of face, paws, nails, ears, and sanitary areas. Week 4 is a full groom in the style of your choice.
What if my puppy needs more time to adjust?
We follow your puppy's pace entirely, using positive reinforcement and patience throughout. If your puppy needs more time on any step, we adjust. The goal is to build confidence and positive associations — not rush through a checklist.
Does my puppy need vaccinations?
Yes, puppies must have had all their shots before starting the program — typically around 12 weeks of age. Please bring proof of vaccination from your veterinarian.
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