Bathing Your Dog

Step 1 Practicing

It is wise to do some training with your dog before hand to prepare them for this usually unwanted experience. Place them in the tub with lots of praise and their favorite treats so that they will have a positive association with the tub before you actually put water on them.  Teaching them some basic obedience commands such as wait, stay, down and sit will also help.

Step 2 Prepare

Everything you need should be handy before you start bathing.  You will need towels, a brush, a metal comb, shampoo and conditioner.  You should use a canine shampoo and conditioner because canine’s skin has a more alkaline pH level than that of their human friends.  Human products tend to damage or dry out a dog’s skin and coat.  Remember to dress yourself for the occasion!  A grooming apron or some waterproof nylon clothes are recommended.  The last thing that will make the job easier is a handy spray nozzle for your tub or sink that can be purchased at a pet store.

Step 3 Brushing

It is very important to brush your dog’s coat thoroughly and then use a comb to make sure ALL the MATTS or majority of the undercoat are gone.  Shampoo, scrubbing, water and toweling will make any present matting or undercoat more matted.  DO NOT BATH A MATTED DOG.

Step 4 Ready, Set and Go

It is time to place the dog into the tub using lots of praise and encouragement.  Using a collar and leash will give you more control as well as using those obedience commands practiced before.  For dogs prone to ear infections, placing a cotton ball carefully in each ear will prevent water from getting down the ear canal.  Hang on and thoroughly wet the dog making sure you get the water down to the skin.

Step 5 Shampoo & Conditioner

Now add the recommended amount of shampoo and scrub the fur and skin making sure to be careful of the eyes.  Rinse well getting the water right down to the skin.  Now add the recommended amount of conditioner giving it some time to soak in, if your dog will let it!  Rinse well again.

Step 6 Toweling/Drying

Gently use towels to pat dry the coat, face and legs.  Be careful not to rub dry longe or curly coats because this will cause matting.  These coats should be dried with a blow dryer and brush.  Short coats can air dry.

Step 7 Final Brush

Once the coat is dry, one last brushing will help to remove any excess hair or matting. 

If you are soaked and your house is now dirtier then your dog, you may want to call the professionals next time!