Bathing a dog..

trolleyrun

I'll have to have a look in my local pet shop for one. Hopefully they come in Pygmy sizes for my tiddler

krlyr

Most petshops will sell the shorter pieces - about 5" or so long, and a variety of girths- sorry, widths

Mine are bigger dogs but like things like cows ears (they're thinner than pigs ears so perhaps more managable for smaller dogs too, and less greasy/oily), rabbit ears, ox tail, tripe sticks and so on. Zooplus does quite a good range of natural treats - http://www.zooplus.co.uk/

m3kx

In summer we wash our big short haired lurcher outdoors which makes life so much easier but in winter we get him in the shower cubicle! Its difficult but hes too heavy to be lifted into the bath and it stresses him out.

What we usually take into the bathroom with us when washing is;
Dog
(as someone else mentioned) Baby shampoo
Jug to pour water on dog if using bath and not shower
Sponge (we use the soft side of a dish sponge)
Dog brush
Lots of towels
Treats


We fill the bath with warm water to where we think it'll sit on dog, usually just above his ankles but it will depend on the size of your pup (my dog meets my waist when standing next to me). If you can, put a towel on bottom of bath to save him slipping, then pop him in. Pour some water on him to let him get used to it then start shampooing! If he is long haired brush him as you go so his fluff doesn't tangle and using the soft sponge wash his face and if he has a bare belly, his belly too. After you're happy he's had a good shampoo rinse him off with the jug and towel dry!

Talk to him throughout to keep him calm and if he will take a treat give him some as you go. Remember to wear old clothes or a pinny as chances are you'll get soaked and end up smelling like wet dog!

As for trimming I couldn't say, never had to trim a dog but another poster on the first page seems to have the right idea with rounded sissors to save yourself from any accidents.

Good luck!

trolleyrun

krlyr wrote: »

Most petshops will sell the shorter pieces - about 5" or so long, and a variety of girths- sorry, widths

Mine are bigger dogs but like things like cows ears (they're thinner than pigs ears so perhaps more managable for smaller dogs too, and less greasy/oily), rabbit ears, ox tail, tripe sticks and so on. Zooplus does quite a good range of natural treats - http://www.zooplus.co.uk/

Tiddler loves pig's ears but didn't enjoy the rabbit ears (luckily I only bought one). I suspect if my local pet shop sells pizzles, they'll be bigger than the dog but will have a look. I'll check out zooplus next time I need food for her, as delivery on such a small order wouldn't be viable

Drachenfach

Bathing our setter Thomas is a two man job, and I usually just put a swimming costume on and get in the bath as well, since I'm going to get soaked whatever I do.

We put a towel down in the tub to protect it but I'm thinking of getting a rubber mat as he gets quite panicky when his feet skid on the porcelain.

He gets quite stressed and panicky during the bath, as he only likes water when it's cold and muddy. We leave any trimming and grooming until he's calmed down again (or preferably a couple of days later) as frightened dog and scissors are not a good combination.

Generally we find the best time to do grooming and trimming is in the evenings when he's sleepy and will just lie there and let us get on with it.

krlyr

I found mine disliked an actual bath, i.e. getting in a bath filled with any level of water, but were much better if I left the bath empty and used a jug to add water (but drain away). For ease, I'd fill the nearby sink with warm water and fill up the jug from that.
Dog in bath, 1-2 jugs over the coat (avoiding head/ears to prevent shaking), then an additional jug added slowly whilst brushing the coat backwards with my hand to ensure the water got underneath the top coat (my dogs are doublecoated so designed to be quite waterproof). Next jug would be water with diluted doggy shampoo, and perhaps a touch of shampoo on my hand to get a better lather. Leave for a minute (probably need to refill the sink by now anyway) and then rinse with several more jugs of water. Squeeze excess water out by firmly brushing down the body with my hand, then towel over the dog, path cleared to outside door, and dog is quickly rushed through before it shakes!

Nowadays I wash them outside as our bathroom is tiny and bath is fairly small. Similar method but I use a washing up bowl of water to save on trips with the jug.
Casper will actually tolerate (quite enjoys at times) being blow dried so often I'll do this to try him off properly, as his doublecoat retains the dampness quite a bit once it's penetrated the top coat. Kiki hates it so I don't use it but being shortcoated, a towelling dry suffices.

phill99

I shower my 2 border collies in the bath, but find it easier to getting the bath with them!

Neither of them like it but they do it reluctantly.

trolleyrun

I had to shower my dog a couple of days ago as she was so muddy it was ridiculous (she's not great at cleaning herself apart from feet and foofoo). I didn't use any shampoo as just wanted to do a quick rinse. I thought this would be a hassle, as it's her first shower since I got her (she's underweight so needs a greasy coat to keep warm). She just stood there, with her tail wagging Evidently, she loves having a bath, so can't wait to do a proper shampoo :rotfl:

Hollie_Rose_2

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I have never bathed my dog. I have only taken him to the groomers to get this done.

However, I need to learn how to do it myself as it does get quite costly taking him to the groomers just for a bath & a basic tidy up.

I would need to bathe him & trim round his eyes, mouth, inside ears & private parts.

If anyone could offer help & advice, it would be greatly appreciated,

What size is your dog? Because this obviously can effect where you bath him?

For example my mum has a Cairn terrior - who is quite big (for a small dog) Therefore we fill the bath with a small amount of water so he has no fear and doesn't feel un easy. However, I own a chihuahua and if we feel the bath he feels the need to 'swim' to safety - even in the shallowest of water - as of course its a natural instinct. I therefore bath him in the sink as he fits perfectly and he finds it relaxing and comfortable as the sink is shaped like its holding him.

Hope this helps

Hollie_Rose_2

trolleyrun wrote: »

I googled "pizzle" :eek::eek: I have so much to learn about the world :rotfl:

Oooh, you really do learn something new everyday...
haha!:eek: