How to Wash My Dog Like the Groomer Does

Grooming your dog often is one of the simplest things you can do to ensure his continued health. Dogs should be bathed every two to three months, or whenever they become especially dirty, and trimmed whenever their hair gets too long or matted. However, dog groomers are notorious for charging a lot of money to bathe dogs. Fortunately, washing your dog is something you can do easily and inexpensively at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Flea comb (optional)
  • Scissors (optional)
  • Bathing tether
  • Tub or sink
  • Plastic cup or sprayer shower head
  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog conditioner
  • Towels
  • Blow dryer (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your dog thoroughly to get out any mats or tangles. If necessary, trim the hair on her paws so it does not become impacted and cause pain or blisters. If your dog has long hair, trim the hair on her legs and ears if necessary. Hair is easier to cut evenly when dry, and agitation while the hair is wet will make any mats or tangles much worse.

    • 2

      Attach the bathing tether's suction cup to the side of the tub or sink. Place your dog in the tub and clip the bathing tether to his collar. The tether will prevent your dog from jumping out of the tub as you try to wash him.

    • 3

      Begin running water into the tub. Check frequently to make sure that it's not too hot or cold for your dog. As the tub is filling to the 1/4 mark, use the plastic cup (not glass, as it can shatter and injure you or the dog) or sprayer shower head to thoroughly wet your dog, working from her hindquarters up to her neck. Do not wet her head yet.

    • 4

      Rub a liberal amount of dog shampoo into your dog's coat, working in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Let the shampoo sit on your do for 2 to 3 minutes as you pat him and offer praise and encouragement. Then rinse your dog, working again from the hindquarters to the neck, bypassing the face. If your dog has fleas, use a flea shampoo and consider washing him outside.

    • 5

      Repeat step 4, using conditioner this time.

    • 6

      Dip a corner of the towel in water and rub a drop of soap into it. Use this to gently wipe your dog's face. (Dogs will shake themselves dry if you wet the face too thoroughly, so be careful.) Then do the same with clear water.

    • 7

      Wrap your dog in a towel, and rub her dry from the hindquarters to the neck. Allow her to step out of the tub and use another towel to dry her thoroughly.

    • 8

      Brush your dog again (gently, this time, as wet hair is liable to be tangled and is easy to rip out) to remove any tangles. You can blow dry him on low heat as you're brushing, or preferably leave him to dry naturally.