Washing Your Dog

Some dogs, just like some children, simply do not like to be given a bath. And unlike children no matter how old your dog gets, they are not going to be able to give themselves a bath. Now, washing your dog can be an extremely fun project as long as you are properly prepared. One of the first things that you need to understand (and prepare for) is that you will get wet. I don't care how good you are at giving baths, you are going to get at least a little wet by the time you are finished washing your dog.

Now if you are ready to have a little fun, and get your dog clean at the same time, just follow these simple steps. You are going to notice that these are similar to what your shampoo bottle says on it, and there is a really simple reason for that, which is you are basically giving your dog a shampoo. So why would the steps be different at all? Before you start though, you really need to prepare by getting all the items that you are going to need in one location.

Preparation:

• Doggie shampoo (flea or regular—your choice)
• Towel (to help keep Fuzzy warm after, and to dry off)
• Old clothes
• Tub, basin or sink (you don't want to use flea shampoo in a sink)
• Grooming tools (i.e. combs and brushes)
• Hose and nozzle (optional)
• Detachable showerhead (optional)
• Poncho/wet suit (depending on your preference for water)

Process:

1. Wash. The first thing that you need to do is get your dog wet. Hopefully you are lucky enough to have a dog that likes to get wet (hopefully not too much though), if not then you want to be careful that you don't upset your dog too much. Unlike with children, when a dog throws a temper tantrum they are much more likely to bite. Take your time, and look at Fuzzy's fur. If it is matted or snarled brush it out so you don't make it worse. Once you have gotten the fur straightened out, go ahead and get the dog wet, just like you would with your own hair.
2. Lather. After you have gotten the dog wet, go ahead and lather him up using the doggie shampoo. Be careful that you do not get any into the eyes as this could cause stinging, and that in turn could upset Fuzzy. Work up a good lather, again just like when you are washing your own hair.
3. Rinse. Once you have Fuzzy lathered up, it is time to rinse him off. Do this by using the detachable showerhead, hose and nozzle or pitcher that you have ready for this purpose. Again, you want to make sure that you do not get anything into Fuzzy's eyes. Repeat step 2 and 3 as needed to remove all the dirt and grime in Fuzzy's fur.
4. Dry. Finally, after Fuzzy is clean it is time to dry him off. You can go ahead and allow him to shake himself dry, but I would also suggest that you use the towel to help dry him quicker. Either as you are drying, or shortly afterwards, you are going to want to brush Fuzzy's fur out again. This helps to avoid snarls and snags just like in human hair.