Do You Know How to Wash a Dog?

Do you know how to wash a dog? Making sure your German Shepherd Dog or puppy gets a good bath can be a really daunting experience - especially if the dog happens to weigh almost or as much as you do - and also has a real aversion to getting a bath in the first place.

But, washing a dog doesn't have to be quite so harrowing if you know a few simple tips. And there are many ways to make it almost pleasant, both for the dog and for you. Really? I'm not lying! I promise!

In fact, to help with this problem many dog washing business alternatives have popped up all over to help dog owners with this very issue. Why? For one reason, because many owners don't know how to wash a dog but also to give owners a choice about whether to take their pooches to an expensive groomer for their dog grooming needs or to use a safe and affordable doggie "laundry-mat."

I've seen several of these - even a few in my own town, though I have never used one myself. But it is nice to know about that alternative in case I ever do need it. These one-stop, self-serve dog washing areas are even equipped with easy to use equipment, water and most even supply products like dog shampoo.

Now I know most owners dread washing their dog, but have you ever taken the time to think about it from the dogs point of view? Washing your dog can be just as intimidating for your dog as it is for you.

But once your German Shepherd begins to get a bit "smelly" it's time to bite the bullet and go ahead and wash the dog.

So, what to do next concerning how to wash a dog? If I were you I would be sure to brush your dog's coat really good before you dunk him into the water. Why? Well, because brushing helps to remove dead and loose hair, grass, twigs, mats and whatever else that your GSD might have collected on it's coat. Plus, doing this first makes the dog washing go much smoother.

Remember, if you don't perform this simple pre-washing step first then matting might occur when the dog gets wet - especially if you have a long coated German Shepherd. Also, if brushing doesn't resolve any problem issues then you may need to use clippers to remove it.

All right, after all that is done and you've gotten all the bath supplies you'll need all gathered up and the water run, then finding the dog is the next step. No matter how much you know about how to wash a dog, it does you no good until you find the dog. Many doggies seem to have a way of knowing when they're about to be washed and might suddenly turn up "missing".

I don't know about your German Shepherd but some dogs or puppies may be especially difficult to hold on to - especially when you try to put them into the bath water. That's definitely the time when a partner, or two, comes in handy - to hold the towel, pass the shampoo, do the rinsing or just keep the dog in the bath tub.

If you are bathing your GSD inside in the bathtub, a sprayer is really nice to have so you can be sure you're getting ALL the soap residue off the dog. And it is very important that you rinse the dog thoroughly and get rid of all soapy residue off its coat and body. If you don't do this correctly, chances are the dog will be itchy and scratchy and it can even cause problems such as dry skin.

After you have finished washing your dog and are sure that you have rinsed it well, brace yourself and get ready for the big "shake." This is normal and WILL happen - believe me! Your dog's natural instinct is to shake and to get all the water off it's body, so you might want to close the shower door and let him shake a few times before you begin to towel dry him.

And here comes the fun part - most dogs absolutely love the part after the bath where you wrap him in the towel and rub him all over. And this is often accompanied with a game of chase too - you know, the part where you are trying to catch the dog to dry him off with a towel? Again, a partner could be helpful.

It's true that some dogs don't mind hair dryers to hurry the coat drying process along - but others will violently "flip out" in response to having such a noisy machine near them.

So be aware which category your dog falls into before you break out the hair dryer. Drying the dog thoroughly is an important part of knowing how to wash a dog.

All in all, some dogs just need to have baths more often than others. Those dogs (like water dogs) who spend a great deal of time outdoors and that have extra oily skin may need more baths than a short hair dogs who almost never leave the house. Plus, if your dog is very athletic or likes to "roll" on nasty things, then you might just get really good at how to wash a dog.

In the end, you and your German Shepherd will definitely enjoy a good dog washing - especially once the entire procedure is over. But it is important to remember that a clean, well groomed dog is a healthy dog - but a happy dog too. And one that your family, friends and neighbors will not mind being around. Learn how to wash a dog and your pet will be set for life.

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" My Scottie refused to go for a walk with a friend of the house, but she would joyously accompany any stranger who drove a car." -- Mazo de la Roche