When I first adopted a dog, I had no clue about how to properly take care of him. I was 18 at the time, with no experience in dog grooming or even basic dog care. My family had dogs, but my dad always handled their feeding, bathing, and walks. My role was just to enjoy their companionship and have fun with them.

When Timay, my Labrador-Golden Retriever mix, found out he had to take a bath after rolling around in the dirt, he was not thrilled. Timmy was a rescue dog, and the shelter had warned me that he could be a bit temperamental, especially when it came to bath time. The 10-month-old puppy was so covered in mud and fresh grass that I was nearly in tears.

But I didn’t want to waste time worrying about the dirt or the grass stains on his golden fur (yes, grass stains are real!). So, I quickly went online to search for tips on how to give him a bath. Let’s just say, both of us ended up in the tub, and it took me a couple of hours to get him clean and dried.

Now, many years later, I’m a professional groomer, and I know a lot more about how to give a dog a bath. For first-time dog owners, I’m here to tell you that giving your dog a bath is not as easy as it sounds – it’s more like a workout. But don’t worry! With these 5 simple steps, I’ll show you how to make bath time less stressful for you and your dog.

Step 1: Prep Before the Bath

One of the main reasons my first bath experience was such a disaster was because Timay had just finished playing outside. He was full of energy, rolling around in the grass and dirt. As soon as I saw him covered in mud, I rushed to the tub without thinking. I should have waited, though, since he hadn’t had his daily exercise yet.

When you try to bathe an energetic dog, it’s a recipe for disaster. Trust me, dogs who haven’t exercised are much harder to manage during bath time. Bath time should always come after your dog has had a chance to burn off some energy. You don’t want to bathe a hyperactive dog!

If your dog is new to baths, start by slowly introducing them to the tub. Make sure they associate bath time with something positive, like giving them treats. You can even play a game where they hop in and out of the tub so they get used to the idea. When it’s time for the actual bath, they won’t be as anxious about jumping in.

Gradually introduce your dog to the water. Start with just a few drops, then increase the amount of water as they get more comfortable. It may take time, but eventually, your dog will begin to see bath time as just another part of their routine.

As a pro tip, start washing your dog’s paws after walks – do it in the tub or shower. Teaching puppies to enjoy water early on helps them adjust better as they grow.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

During my first bath, I forgot to bring towels, a comb, and all the necessary supplies. Naturally, this led to chaos. Every time I stepped out to grab something, Timmy would jump out of the tub and run around like a mad dog.

Before you start bathing your dog, make sure you have everything you need right within reach. If your dog is nervous about bath time, consider getting a sticky mat for the tub and spreading some peanut butter on it. It works wonders for keeping them calm while you bathe them.

I recommend having at least 2 or 3 towels on hand, depending on your dog’s size. You’ll also need a brush or comb to detangle their fur, as well as dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. It’s essential to use products specifically designed for dogs, as human products can irritate their skin.

I prefer shampoos with natural ingredients, especially ones that contain oatmeal extract, as it’s gentle on sensitive skin. You don’t need a particular brand, just find what works best for your dog.

Step 3: Protect Their Ears

It’s extremely important to keep water out of your dog’s ears. Dog ears are sensitive and can easily get infected if water gets into the ear canal, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. A great way to protect their ears is by gently placing cotton balls in them before you start the bath.

While you’re washing your dog, it’s also a good idea to clean their ears. I’ll share a helpful tip on how to do this in the next section.

This is just the start of a smooth and efficient bath time. Stay tuned for more tips to help make bathing your dog a much easier task!

Step 4: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Before you start bathing your dog, make sure to brush him thoroughly. Brushing removes dirt, debris, and tangles that could get worse if left in the fur while bathing. A tangled coat can make bathing painful for your dog, so make sure his fur is smooth and free of knots.

Once your dog is brushed, it’s time to wet him thoroughly. Use warm water – never too hot or too cold – and ensure that your dog’s coat is completely soaked. Whether you use a tub, shower, or pitcher, make sure your dog is fully wet before applying shampoo.

Once wet, apply the shampoo and lather it up, paying special attention to areas like the paws, tail, and underbelly. After lathering, rinse thoroughly, ensuring no shampoo is left behind. This is an important step – soap residue can lead to irritation or skin infections.

If you’d like, you can use conditioner to make the fur smoother and easier to brush after the bath. However, this is optional and may not be necessary for every dog.

Step 5: Dry Your Dog

After the bath, it’s time to dry your dog off. Use a towel to gently dry him as much as possible, and if your dog is comfortable, you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting to help speed up the process. Be cautious with the heat setting – high heat can damage your dog’s coat or even burn their skin.

If your dog prefers to dry naturally, just use a towel and let him curl up in a blanket to relax after his bath. Always make sure your dog’s coat is completely dry – leaving it damp can lead to skin infections since bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments.

Once your dog is dry and clean, reward him with treats, love, and praise! Bath time is a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend, and positive reinforcement will help him enjoy it more in the future.

With these five steps, you’ll be able to give your dog a stress-free bath and keep him looking and feeling great!