Dog bathing can be a pleasant event for some owners and their pets or not. Some dogs think dog baths are fun and others think it is a form of torture. If you have a dog that is afraid of the water, don't put the plug in; let the water flow through the drain and use a sprayer. Not being surrounded by water may alleviate some of the fear.

Use a rubber mat or towel in the bottom of the tub for washing a dog to prevent accidents.

Preparing for Dog Bathing

1. Dogs should be brushed daily to keep the coat clean and shiny but it is important also to brush before bathing to remove mats. It will also improve the shampoos effectiveness.

2. Have a container to keep shampoo, conditioner and after bath supplies such as a grooming mist, absorbent towels and a hair dryer.

3. A protective ointment should be applied to your dog's eyes to shield irritation from the shampoo.

4. To prevent water from entering the ear canal put cotton balls into your buddy's ears.

6. Consider a raised dog bath; it does make it much easier for you and your canine pal.

6. Some baths come with restraints and some do not. Dog sometimes like to escape but if they are restrained will not happen. This will lessen the time it takes to bath your pet and makes it so much easier.

9. Have something for rinsing and wetting your dog, such as a plastic pitcher. Some tubs come supplied with a sprayer. If you do not have one, sprayers can be purchased separately. There are many convenience products on the market, pet spas, dog showers, and sprayers with integrated shampoo cartridges.

1. Being careful not to get shampoo in your pet's eyes, wet a towel with shampoo and water and wipe his face.

2. After you wet your dog thoroughly all over, massage shampoo into coat all the way to the skin from head to tail. For rinsing, a spray does the best job because if any residue remains it could cause skin problems. In any case, rinse well.

3. Assuming you have restraints on your dog, do not remove until you towel dry. Then use the hair dryer on a cool setting. Brush your furry friend again.

4. A good way to moisturize your canine friend's skin and make the coat shinny is to apply a moisturizing mist; this will also release any tangles and matting.

5. Other grooming tasks - clean your pet's teeth and ears and clip his nails. If you use a back saving grooming table for this, it is more efficient, easier to work on your four legged friend.

6. And don't forget to reward your dog's good behavior with treats and plenty of love.

Success, dog bathing is done!