Your First Visit
Everything you need to know about your dog's first grooming appointment with us. No stress, no surprises - just a great experience for you and your pup.
We Know the First Visit Can Be Daunting
Whether this is your dog's very first professional groom or you are simply trying a new groomer, we want you to know exactly what to expect. We have designed every step of the process to be as smooth, calm, and enjoyable as possible - for both you and your dog.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Here is a walkthrough of how your first visit with Snip Doggy Dogg works, from booking to collection.
Booking Your Appointment
Getting booked in is easy. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our online booking form. When you get in touch, we will ask you a few questions about your dog - their breed, age, size, coat condition, and what kind of groom you are looking for.
This helps us allocate the right amount of time for your appointment and prepare accordingly. If your dog has any health conditions, skin sensitivities, or behavioural quirks we should know about, this is the perfect time to let us know.
We will confirm your appointment date, time, and an estimated price so there are no surprises on the day.
Ways to Book
- Give us a call on 07346 001 698
- Email kelsie@snipdoggydogg.co.uk
- Use our online booking form
- Message us on social media
Before You Arrive
- Give your dog a good walk beforehand
- Let them have a toilet break
- Bring their lead (no retractable leads please)
- Note down any concerns or requests
Before You Arrive
A little preparation goes a long way. We recommend giving your dog a good walk or play session before their appointment. A tired dog is a calmer dog, and it helps them settle into the grooming process more easily.
Make sure they have had a chance to go to the toilet before you arrive. Bring them on a standard lead rather than a retractable one, as it makes the handover smoother and safer.
If there is anything specific you would like us to know - whether that is a sore spot they do not like being touched, a previous bad experience at another groomer, or just a particular style you are after - make a note so we can discuss it when you arrive.
Arrival and Consultation
When you arrive at our salon in Rossington, we will take a few minutes to have a proper chat. This is where we discuss exactly what you are looking for - the style, the length, any areas of concern. If you have reference photos, bring them along.
We will then assess your dog's coat condition, check for any matting, tangles, or skin issues, and have a feel for any lumps or bumps. If we find anything that might affect the groom or that we think you should have checked by a vet, we will tell you straight away.
This consultation usually takes about five minutes, but it makes all the difference. It means we can tailor the groom to your dog's specific needs and make sure you are completely happy with the plan before we start.
We Will Discuss
- The style and length you would like
- Coat condition and any matting
- Health concerns or sensitive areas
- Your dog's temperament and comfort
A Typical Full Groom Includes
- Deep-clean bath with professional shampoo
- High-velocity blow dry and brush out
- Haircut and styling to your preference
- Nail trimming and ear cleaning
- Sanitary trim and paw pad tidy
- Basic health check throughout
The Grooming Process
Once we have discussed the plan, we will get started. You are welcome to stay if you prefer, but most owners find their dog settles better once they have left. We will keep you updated and send photos if you would like them.
The groom itself typically starts with a thorough brush or de-mat (if needed), followed by a warm bath using professional-grade, dog-safe shampoo. After the bath, we use a high-velocity dryer to get the coat properly dried, followed by a full brush out.
Then comes the haircut and styling, tailored to your preferences and the breed standard if applicable. We also trim nails, clean ears, tidy paw pads, and do a sanitary trim. Throughout the entire process, we are carrying out a gentle health check - looking at the skin, eyes, ears, teeth, and feeling for any unusual lumps or bumps.
We work at your dog's pace. If they need a break, they get a break. If they need extra reassurance, they get that too. The wellbeing of your dog always comes first.
Collection and Aftercare
We will give you a call or send a message when your dog is ready to be collected. When you arrive, we will show you the finished result and make sure you are happy with everything.
We will also chat through any aftercare advice - how to maintain the coat between grooms, any products we would recommend, and how often we think your dog should come back based on their coat type and lifestyle.
If we noticed anything during the health check that we think is worth mentioning, we will let you know at this point too. We are not vets, but we know what to look out for and we always prefer to flag something than stay quiet.
Before you leave, we can book your next appointment if you would like. Regular bookings tend to fill up quickly, so it is worth getting in early to secure your preferred slot.
Before You Go
- Check you are happy with the groom
- Get coat care tips and advice
- Hear about any health observations
- Book your next appointment
Tips for Your Puppy's First Groom
A puppy's first grooming experience sets the tone for the rest of their life. Here is how we make it a positive one.
We recommend bringing your puppy in for their first grooming introduction from around 12 weeks of age, once they have had their second vaccination. These early sessions are not about giving them a full groom - they are about building positive associations with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the grooming process.
During a puppy introduction, we will gently introduce your pup to the grooming table, the sound of the dryer and clippers, and the feeling of being brushed and handled. We use lots of praise, treats, and patience. If your puppy is not comfortable with something, we stop. There is absolutely no forcing.
Early, positive grooming experiences make a massive difference. Puppies that have gentle introductions grow into adult dogs that are calm, confident, and relaxed during their grooms. It is one of the best investments you can make for your dog's long-term wellbeing.
Do
- Bring them after their second vaccination
- Handle their paws, ears, and face at home regularly
- Keep the first session short and sweet
- Stay calm and positive when dropping them off
- Brush them at home between visits
Do Not
- Wait until the coat is matted for the first visit
- Expect a full groom on the very first session
- Make a big fuss when leaving them
- Punish them for being nervous
- Leave it too late - start early for best results
What to Bring and What Not to Worry About
What to Bring
- A standard lead - not a retractable one
- Vaccination records - for first visits especially
- Reference photos - if you have a style in mind
- Any notes - about health issues, allergies, or preferences
- A good attitude - your dog picks up on your energy
What Not to Worry About
- Dirty or messy coats - that is literally what we are here for
- Nervous dogs - anxious pups are our speciality
- Not knowing what style to ask for - we will advise you
- Your dog misbehaving - we have handled it all before
- Leaving your dog with us - they are in safe, loving hands
First Visit Questions
Got questions about your first appointment? Here are the ones we get asked most often.
A full groom typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the breed, size, coat condition, and the type of groom. Puppy introductions are much shorter - usually around 30 minutes. We will give you an estimate when you book and call you when your dog is ready.
You are welcome to stay for the initial consultation, but we find most dogs settle better once their owner has left. Dogs can pick up on their owner's anxiety, and having you out of sight often helps them relax. That said, if your dog has severe anxiety or you really prefer to stay, we will work with you to find the best arrangement.
Please do not worry - nervous dogs are something we deal with regularly, and we have a lot of experience handling anxious pups. We take things slowly, use gentle techniques, and never force your dog into anything they are not comfortable with. Many of our most anxious customers have become calm, confident regulars over time.
No, please do not. A bath is included in all of our grooming packages, and we use professional-grade products that are much better for your dog's coat than household shampoos. Just bring them as they are - muddy paws and all.
Do not be embarrassed - it happens more often than you might think, and we are here to help. We will assess the matting during the consultation and discuss the best course of action. In severe cases, clipping the coat short may be the kindest option for your dog, as de-matting can be painful and stressful. We will always explain your options honestly and let you decide.
Prices vary depending on the breed, size, coat condition, and the type of groom. We will always give you an estimate when you book and confirm the price during your consultation before we start any work. There are no hidden charges or surprise add-ons. Check our pricing page for a guide.
Book Your First Appointment
We would love to meet you and your dog. Whether it is a puppy introduction or a full groom, we will make sure their first visit is a brilliant one.