How to Clean My Cairn's Face Without Hurting His Eyes

Dirt, tear stains and allergies often contribute to an unsightly look to any dog̵7;s face. Cleaning the Cairn Terrier̵7;s face maintains the bright and expressive look that is the main feature of the breed̵7;s presentation. Along with basic grooming and maintenance, washing your Cairn Terrier̵7;s face takes only a few moments and can be completed during a bath or in between baths with relative ease simply by gently maintaining control of the dog̵7;s muzzle.

Things You'll Need

Sturdy dish of low-fat dog treats
Collar
Short leash
Pet-safe shampoo
Wash cloth
Cotton balls

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the tub with two inches of water and mix a teaspoon of pet shampoo into the water, place the washcloth into the water and allow it to become saturated.
- 2
  Set the dish of treats in a dry reachable location near the bathing or grooming area.
- 3
  Place a rubber bath mat in the bottom of the tub to prevent the dog from slipping or getting away from you.
- 4
  Place the collar and short leash onto the dog, offer him a treat and praise for being cooperative.
- 5
  Lace the fingers of your left hand around the whisker part of the dog̵7;s muzzle and offer him a treat. Be sure not to put pressure on the top of the dog̵7;s snout.
- 6
  Bring the leash up to the left hand by sliding your right hand up the Cairn Terrier̵7;s neck guiding the head comfortably into the left hand as you do and offer the dog a treat.
- 7
  Clamp the left hand thumb against the tips of the first and second finger of the left hand and offer the dog a treat.
- 8
  Lace the leash around the third and fourth fingers of your left hand. This prevents the dog from backing away from the hand that is laced around the snout.
- 9
  Wipe the face with the corner of the saturated washcloth starting from the inner corners of the eyes and working outward in all directions away from the edges of the eyes.