Congratulations on your new furry family member! If you're a first-time dog owner in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, or Columbine, you might have questions about professional grooming. Don't worry – Pinkie's Pooch Parlour is here to guide you through every step. Located at 123 Main St in Littleton, CO 80120, we specialize in gentle, patient grooming perfect for puppies and anxious pets.
Questions? Call (303) 555-PAWSIdeally, puppies should have their first grooming experience between 8-16 weeks of age, after they've received their initial vaccinations. Early exposure to grooming helps your puppy develop positive associations with the process, making future grooming sessions much easier and less stressful for everyone involved.
8-10 Weeks Old: Introduction visit - Bring your puppy to our salon just to say hello! We'll give treats, let them explore, and get comfortable with the environment. No grooming, just positive experiences. This is completely free!
10-12 Weeks Old: First bath and brush - A gentle introduction to water, shampooing, and drying. We keep it short (15-20 minutes) and positive with lots of praise and treats.
12-16 Weeks Old: Mini grooming session - Bath, brush, nail trim, and paw pad trim. We introduce the sound of clippers and scissors in a non-threatening way.
4-6 Months Old: First full haircut - By now, your puppy is ready for their first complete grooming experience. We'll work slowly and take breaks as needed.
We understand that both you and your puppy might be nervous about the first grooming appointment. Here's what happens:
Step 1: Meet & Greet (5 minutes)
We'll spend time letting your puppy sniff around, explore the grooming area, and meet their groomer. Treats are abundant!
Step 2: Gentle Handling (5 minutes)
We practice touching paws, ears, face, and tail - all the areas we'll need to groom. More treats!
Step 3: Introduction to Water (10 minutes)
A shallow, warm bath with gentle water pressure. We avoid getting water in eyes and ears. Puppies usually love this part!
Step 4: The Blow Dryer (10 minutes)
We start on low setting, far away, and gradually move closer as your puppy gets comfortable with the sound and sensation.
Step 5: Light Brushing (5 minutes)
Gentle brushing to get them used to the sensation. We keep sessions short to prevent overstimulation.
Step 6: Nail Trim Attempt (5 minutes)
We may only get 1-2 nails done on the first visit. That's okay! Building positive associations is more important than completing the task.
Not sure what services your dog needs? Here's a simple explanation of each grooming service we offer.
Best for: Short-haired dogs, between haircuts, or dogs who don't need trimming
What's included:
Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Recommended frequency: Every 6-8 weeks
Best for: Dogs with longer coats that grow continuously
What's included:
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours depending on size and coat
Recommended frequency: Every 4-8 weeks
Best for: Quick maintenance between full grooms
What happens: We carefully trim each nail to the appropriate length, avoiding the quick (blood vessel inside the nail). For nervous dogs, we can use a nail grinder instead of clippers for a smoother finish.
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Recommended frequency: Every 3-4 weeks
Best for: Heavy shedders like Huskies, German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers
What's included:
Duration: 1-2 hours
Recommended frequency: Every 6-8 weeks, especially during spring and fall shedding seasons
Not sure which service your dog needs? Use this simple decision guide:
Examples: Beagles, Bulldogs, Boxers, Dalmatians, Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Vizslas
Recommended Service: Bath & Brush every 8-12 weeks
Add-on if needed: De-shedding treatment during heavy shedding seasons
Examples: Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels
Recommended Service: Full grooming every 6-8 weeks
Home care: Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent matting
Examples: Poodles, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese, Bichon Frises, Schnauzers
Recommended Service: Full grooming every 4-6 weeks
Important: These breeds MUST be groomed regularly or their coat will become severely matted
Pricing depends on your dog's size, coat type, and behavior. At Pinkie's Pooch Parlour in Littleton:
Matted coats, difficult behavior, or extra-large dogs may incur additional fees. We always provide a quote before starting!
Plan on 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your dog's size, coat type, and the services requested. We don't rush! Taking time ensures quality work and a positive experience for your pet. We'll call you when your dog is ready for pickup.
We find that most dogs do better when their owners aren't present. When you're there, your dog naturally wants to be with you rather than cooperating with the groomer. However, for extremely anxious pets or puppies' first visits, we can discuss options. Some owners prefer to watch from our waiting area.
Many dogs are nervous about grooming at first - that's completely normal! Our experienced groomers use gentle handling, take breaks when needed, and provide lots of positive reinforcement. For severe anxiety, we can:
Yes, especially for medium and long-haired breeds! Regular brushing at home:
We're happy to show you proper brushing techniques and recommend the right tools for your dog's coat type!
For your dog's safety and the safety of other pets, we require:
Please bring vaccination records to your first appointment. If you're not sure about your dog's vaccination status, check with your veterinarian.
While not required, tips are greatly appreciated! Standard tipping is 15-20% of the grooming cost, similar to hair salons. Many clients tip extra for:
Tips can be added to credit card payments or given in cash directly to your groomer.
✓ Schedule wisely: Book during quieter times (weekday mornings) for your dog's first visit. Less noise and activity = less stress.
✓ Exercise first: A tired dog is a calmer dog. Take a 20-30 minute walk before dropping off.
✓ Feed lightly: Give a small meal 2-3 hours before grooming. A full stomach can cause nausea during nervous dogs' appointments.
✓ Bathroom break: Make sure your dog has relieved themselves right before entering.
✓ Brush at home: Remove any tangles you can before the appointment. This reduces grooming time and cost.
✓ Gather paperwork: Bring vaccination records and any relevant medical information (skin conditions, medications, etc.).
✓ Be honest: Let us know about any behavioral issues, fears, or health concerns. We can't help if we don't know!
📋 Required:
📋 Optional but Helpful:
✓ Expect excitement: Your dog will likely be very excited to see you at pickup! This is normal.
✓ Ask questions: Your groomer will update you on how it went. Ask about any concerns or recommendations.
✓ Reward with praise: Lots of positive reinforcement helps create good associations with grooming.
✓ Check the work: Make sure you're happy with everything before leaving. We're happy to make adjustments!
✓ Schedule next appointment: Book your next grooming while you're there to secure your preferred date and time.
We make the experience easy and stress-free for first-time dog owners in Littleton!
Pinkie's Pooch Parlour - Littleton's Beginner-Friendly Grooming Salon
123 Main St, Littleton, CO 80120
Serving Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, Columbine & Beyond
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM