How to Groom & Bathe Chug Puppies

Chugs are a hybrid of a Chihuahua and a Pug. These intelligent, friendly and playful dogs are receptive to training as puppies; however, they can become resistant if not trained early. Introducing baths and grooming to a Chug as a fun time helps the puppy look forward to the experience, allowing for fewer hassles. Bath time offers an opportunity for owners and Chug puppies to bond, as Chugs enjoy physical contact and attention. Chug puppies do not require frequent bathing or grooming. Owners should include brushing teeth and ear cleaning as part of the bath time and grooming routine.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber bath mat
  • Water
  • Two buckets or pans
  • Puppy shampoo
  • Soft sponge
  • Puppy treats
  • Cotton balls
  • Cup
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Ear-cleaning solution
  • Puppy toothbrush
  • Puppy toothpaste
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather the materials needed for bath and grooming time, and place them in the bathroom to prepare. Arrange the rubber bath mat on the floor of your tub to provide traction so your Chug does not slip. This helps your puppy feel comfortable and safe in the tub.

    • 2

      Run the shower water until it becomes lukewarm. Fill two buckets or pans with about 4 inches of lukewarm water. Turn the shower water off. Pour about two squirts of a gentle, veterinarian-recommended puppy shampoo into one of the buckets. Soak the sponge in the bucket and swirl the water around to make it sudsy.

    • 3

      Put puppy treats in your pocket. Carry your Chug puppy into the bathroom and place him gently on the rubber mat, petting and praising him. Give your Chug a treat to reward him. This helps your puppy understand that bath time is a positive time.

    • 4

      Place a cotton ball in the opening of each ear to prevent water and shampoo from entering your Chug's ear canal. A moist ear environment attracts bacteria and parasites, and can cause ear infections.

    • 5

      Remove the sponge from the bucket and gently lather the shampoo and water mixture onto your Chug's back, neck, underbelly, legs and backside. Wash your Chug's face. Avoid getting shampoo into his eyes, ears and mouth. Praise and talk to the puppy in a calm voice while washing him.

    • 6

      Place the cup into the bucket or pan of water that does not contain shampoo. Fill the cup with water and pour the water over your Chug puppy to rinse the shampoo off. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritation, so be sure to rinse thoroughly.

    • 7

      Remove excess water from your Chug's coat by gently rubbing him with a hand towel. Brush his coat with a soft-bristle brush to eliminate dander and shedding hair. Remove and discard the cotton balls in his ears. Wrap your puppy in a dry towel and cradle him to prevent him from getting cold.

    • 8

      Clean your Chug's ears with a veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution, particularly because Chugs are prone to ear mites, resulting from exposed ears. Pour one to two drops of the solution into each ear. Massage the base of your Chug's ears so the solution flows into the ear canal. Wipe wax and excess solution away with a soft towel or cotton ball.

    • 9

      Brush your Chug's teeth twice a week with a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for puppies. Do not use human toothpaste because it is not edible, and ingesting it can make your Chug puppy ill.