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A gentle, positive introduction to the world of grooming for your young companion.
For puppies aged 12 weeks to 6 months, our Royal Cub Puppy Programme at Dog & Throne Luxury Pet Spa is a carefully guided four week journey designed to build confidence and create positive associations with professional grooming.
The programme begins with a gentle 30 minute familiarisation session, followed by three one hour visits. Each appointment introduces new elements of the grooming process at your puppy’s own pace, allowing them time to feel comfortable, curious, and secure. The journey concludes with a full groom, complete with a Royal Cub certificate and a celebratory goody bag to mark their first steps into the world of grooming.
Throughout the programme, we prioritise soft handling, positive reinforcement, and calm reassurance. Every visit is designed to help your puppy feel safe, relaxed, and happy, while gradually building trust and understanding. This thoughtful approach lays the foundation for a lifetime of calm, confident grooming experiences.

The first session is all about gentle introductions. We allow time for sniffing, meeting our team, and becoming familiar with the sights, sounds, and scents of the salon. This early socialisation helps reduce anxiety later in life, teaching your puppy that the grooming environment is a place of calm and kindness.
Learning to stand calmly on the grooming table is a vital step. Through gentle support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, we teach your puppy balance, trust, and patience. Before long, the grooming table becomes a place of calm familiarity rather than uncertainty.
Nail care is introduced carefully, always at your puppy’s pace. We use light handling and plenty of reassurance to build tolerance and confidence. Early, gentle exposure prevents future fear and makes regular paw care effortless and stress-free.
Bath time is introduced as a soothing experience, using mild, puppy-safe shampoos and warm water. We gradually familiarise your puppy with the sensation and sound of the dryer, rewarding calm behaviour with treats and affection. Each bath builds confidence and comfort with water and touch.
As your puppy grows more comfortable, we softly introduce the sounds and sensations of scissors and clippers. We keep sessions short, calm, and positive — ensuring your puppy feels safe and secure throughout. This gradual introduction makes future grooms relaxed and enjoyable.
The final session brings everything together. Your puppy experiences their first full groom in familiar surroundings, with a trusted team they know and feel safe with. We finish with their Royal Cub certificate and a special goody bag, marking the completion of their first royal experience.
Dog and Throne
134 Newgate St, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EH
Copyright © 2026 Dog and Throne - All Rights Reserved.
Enrol on the Royal Cub Puppy Programme today!
An important part of your pups socialisation is being introduced to grooming correctly.
The Royal Cub Puppy Programme turns a potentially stressful process in to an enjoyable one.
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