Alfie’s first groom!

At 11 weeks old, Alfie had his very first grooming experience, a gentle introduction to the sights, sounds and sensations that come with a lifetime of coat care.

Early grooming experiences are incredibly important for puppies, especially before the 12-week learning and socialisation window really ramps up. This period is when pups are most open to new experiences, and positive, low-pressure exposure helps shape how they feel about things like grooming tables, clippers, dryers, face handling and unfamiliar noises later in life.

Alfie was wonderfully brave, though a little fussy about having his face groomed, which is completely normal at this age. Our groomer shared a great tip for families: introducing an electric toothbrush (off, then on) near the mouth can safely help puppies get used to the sound and gentle vibration in a calm, controlled way. This kind of desensitisation builds confidence without overwhelming them.

Short, positive grooming sessions now help prevent fear and stress down the track, making future grooms calmer and more comfortable for both pup and family. Alfie walked away a little fluffier, a little wiser, and one step closer to being a confident, well-handled Cavoodle 💛