Setting Up The Right Environment Before Bathing Your Dog Is Very important

Before you begin bathing your dog, there are a few things you must do to prepare. Proper preparation can make the process easier for you and your dog.

Choose a Location

A tub is usually the easiest place to bathe your dog, though very small dogs may be bathed in a sink. If you will be using your tub at home, it might take a toll on your back and knees. Many pet supply stores offer self-service dog wash tub you can use for a small fee. It's less expensive than paying for a groomer, and you can avoid a mess in your house. If you choose to bathe your dog outside, remember that cold water is no fun for most dogs. You may want to hook up the hot water so your dog can get a nice warm bath.

Setting Up the Environment

Place a rubber mat down where you'll be washing your dog. This will provide traction for your dog when the ground gets wet. Using a mat is especially important for when you bathe your dog in a tub. The tub will get slippery and your dog could fall. This will make him panic, and the bathing experience will become very unpleasant

Have everything you need in the bathroom before you start bathing your dog.

be sure to gather the following supplies in advance so you don't have to scramble for things later.

• Soft, absorbent towels. Beach towels work well for larger dogs.

• Shampoo -- should be intended for dogs and soap-free. Products containing natural ingredients are often best.

• Brushes and combs -- choose the appropriate brush According to your dog's fur type.

• Bath mat for your dog to prevent slipping, if necessary. (AS Said Above)

• Apron and/or old clothes -- you are going to get wet!

When you start bathing your dog, everything you need should be within reach. If you get your dog in the tub, then go off to get the shampoo, you give him a chance to escape. He may also think this is a game and start running after you. Get everything set up before you bring your dog in

Make sure the water is warm. 

Your dog won't enjoy his bath if the water is too hot or cold. Before wetting your dog, make sure the water is warm by placing your hand under it. If the temperature isn't right, the initial shock of the water could make him start struggling and trying to get away

Have someone else help you.

 If possible, it helps to have someone else standing by to assist. He can help you hold the dog in place and help distract the dog while you're doing the washing. He can also hand the dog treats during and after, so you don't have to stop what you're doing and give the dog a chance to run away

Tip: Brush your dog out before the bath begins. Be sure to remove any tangles or mats, as these are harder to deal with once your dog is wet.

Start bathing your dog early. If you can get your dog used to bathing when he's still a puppy, bathing him when he's an adult will be much easier. For starters, he'll be much smaller and easier to handle. He'll also learn early on that baths aren't something to be afraid of, and this should make him much calmer when you bathe him in the future.[5]

• Always make sure bathing experiences are good ones. Never just throw your dog in the water. This will make him panic and he could fear baths forever. Make sure to wet your dog gradually so he gets used to water.

Teach your dog a certain signal that means it's bath time. Just picking your dog up and bringing him into the bathroom can be a shock that will make him struggle and panic. Instead, tip him off with a word or phrase. If your dog is prepared for what's about to happen, it could help keep him calm. Use a word that signifies bath time- 'bath' usually works fine. Say this multiple times the first few times you bathe your dog. In time, he'll learn that the word means it's bath time. By taking away the surprise, he can start to relax because he knows what's coming

Avoid chasing your dog. If your dog panics before a bath, he'll probably try to get away. Don't chase him. This turns the chase into a game and your dog will keep running. If he finds this fun, he'll start running every time you try to give him a bath. Instead, just try to coax him over with treats. When he gets close enough, take him by the collar and lead him into the bathroom

Keeping Your Dog Calm While Bathing

Give your dog a treat when he gets in the tub. To keep your dog calm, teach him to associate bathing with good things. The easiest way to do this is with treats. You can give your dog several treats throughout the bathing process. The first one should be given right when he gets in the tub, before you start washing him

Wet your dog slowly. Even if the temperature is right, your dog can still get startled when he gets wet. If you suddenly douse your dog with water, the shock will frighten him and he'll start struggling. Instead, start by spraying the water on just his chest , with low water pressure. increase water pressure as he seems ok with getting wet. Then when he's comfortable, gradually move on to the rest of his body

Praise your dog constantly. Using a happy tone, say things like 'good dog' and other phrases that indicate your happiness with him. This reassurance will help keep him calm and can also distract him if he's getting nervous.

Put toys in the bath for your dog. If your dog has a favorite toy, bring it in the bath with him. That way he can chew on it while he's getting cleaned. This can help distract him from the bath he's getting and you'll be able to wash him without much struggling

Providing a toy will also make your dog associate bath time with fun and play, instead of fear. This will help in the future, because your dog will be more excited to get in the bath and play.

Rub the shampoo on your hands before applying it to the dog's fur. The sudden sensation of shampoo applied directly to his fur can startle your dog and he may start struggling. To avoid this, pour the shampoo in your hands and rub them together. Then apply the shampoo to his fur.

Avoid getting any water in your dog's ears. The ears are a very sensitive part of your dog's body, and getting water in them can cause pain and discomfort. Your dog will definitely start struggling if you get water in his ears. To avoid this, it's best to forgo pouring water on your dog's face at all. Instead, use a wet cloth to wipe around his eyes and mouth.

Some advocate putting cotton balls in your dog's ears to prevent getting water in them. This might work, but it also might startle your dog further. If your dog is nervous, it's best to avoid putting things in his ears. Just take care not to pour any water on his face. You can use a washcloth with a very small amount of shampoo to clean face , head ,and ears . Using a wet one to remove soap and dirt. Most dogs enjoy their head , ears and face being rubbed

Get a shower head with adjustable pressure. If a shower head uses too much force, your dog could get scared. A product like the Bamboo Deluxe Pet Shower Sprayer has adjustable pressure, so you can bring it down to your dog's comfort level and keep him happy in the bath

Throw your dog another treat if he gets restless. Have several treats handy so you can give them to your dog if he starts struggling. Either have them at arms' reach or have a partner nearby to get a treat over quickly. Since you only bathe your dog periodically, it's okay to give him more treats than he normally would have in a day

Give your dog a treat when the bath is done. The process will be much easier if your dog has something to look forward to. Never forget to give him a treat after the bath. That way he'll learn that when it's all over, he'll get a reward.

Drying Your Dog

First, stand back and let your dog have a few good shakes. Then, towel-dry any excess water from your dog's coat. Lay a towel on the ground and let your dog go for it. Many dogs will instinctively rub on the towel and continue to shake off the water.

If your dog tolerates it, your may want to try blow-drying. Be sure to use a dryer with very low or no heat. If you bathe your dog at a self-service tub, a forced-air dryer might be available. Careful -- these dryers are powerful. Only turn it up as high as your dog tolerates, and stay awayfrom the face, eyes, and ears. Once completely dry, thoroughly brush your dog out.

Tip: Try to keep your dog from going outside until dry, otherwise you'll have a dirty dog again in no time.