Welcome Puppy Parent

Raising a beautifully groomed, healthy puppy doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the same gentle, natural grooming methods I’ve taught my puppy families for years — the routines that keep puppies clean, comfortable, and confident from the inside out.

You’ll learn:

  • What tools do you actually need

  • My favorite natural, safe products

  • How to bathe & blow-dry a puppy without fear

  • How to brush correctly (and prevent mats!)

  • Face, paw, and sanitary trim basics

  • How to prepare your puppy for their first groomer visit

  • Troubleshooting common issues

Your puppy is going to look — and feel — amazing.

Fondest Wags,
Terry Cross,

Puppy Thrive

Why Early Grooming Matters (More Than You Think)

Bringing home a puppy is a joyful whirlwind of tiny paws, delighted squeaks, and more cuteness than any human should legally be allowed to handle. But very quickly, reality sets in: puppies get messy. They find mud. They become mud. They roll in mysterious substances that defy identification. And suddenly the question becomes:

“How do I keep this adorable, fluffy creature clean without traumatizing us both?”

Good news: grooming doesn’t need to be stressful, dramatic, or complicated.
In fact, early, gentle grooming is one of the kindest things you can do for your puppy.

This chapter lays the groundwork for a calm, natural, healthy grooming routine that your puppy will learn to love — and that will make your life easier for years to come.