Grooming your dog can be difficult if you’ve never done it before. But with some tips from those with more experience and the proper tools, bath time can be fun for you and your fur baby. In this short guide, you’ll learn
- Which supplies to gather
- How to safely prepare your washing area
- How to wash your dog
- How to dry your dog
Supplies
Similar to what a typical dog grooming franchise does, considering high-quality products for your beloved dog is important. Using high-quality products to wash and dry your dog can make grooming more enjoyable, more efficient, and more cost-effective over the long term. Regardless of the brand of products you choose, the basic tools and supplies you will need are
- Dog shampoo
- Dog grooming dryer
- Shampoo
- Treats
Safely Prepare Your Washing Area
Avoid injuring your dog by laying down a non-slip surface on the bottom of the tub. A submerged towel will do the trick in a pinch. Consider laying some towels around the edge of the bath to soak up splashed water, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
How to Wash Your Dog
- Start the bath by slowly running lukewarm water. Take caution never to run hot water first, and always check the temperature with your hand before pointing the nozzle at your dog to avoid burning.
- Secure the dog if necessary. Some dogs may try to run at bath time. If this describes your dog, consider buying a dog bath lead, a leash with suction cups specifically designed to keep your dog safely in place for the bath.
- Soak your dog’s coat thoroughly before applying shampoo. Avoid spraying water into the dog’s ears; trapped shower water can easily cause ear infection.
- Be sure to check the instructions on your dog shampoo; some of them require specific dilution ratios.
- Shampoo your dog’s coat starting at the neck and work the soap down to the tail. Optionally, you can use a rubber brush to distrubute shampoo more evenly.
- Rinse the dog’s hair thoroughly, rubbing it with your hands as you spray. Keep rinsing until no more dirt or bubbles are visible in the run-off. When the dog’s hair feels squeaky between your fingers, you can be sure you’ve rinsed enough.
- Give your dog treats and affection during and after bath time to reward good behavior and reinforce the dog’s positive association with bathing.
How to Dry Your Dog
Give your dog an initial drying with a towel while still in the bath to avoid dripping water everywhere. Once the excess water is soaked up, remove your dog from the bathtub. Continue towel drying if necessary, and blow dry your dog using the ‘cool’ setting until all moisture in the fur is gone. Don’t forget to give your dog another treat and praise them for good behavior!
Author Bio-
Emma Anderson from Shernbao USA has been involved with dog grooming for the past 15 years and now wants to share her experience and knowledge with others.
