Cute, cuddly, and full of personality, puppies might just be the key to happiness. But that happiness comes with a little bit of work, especially when it comes to bathing. Fortunately, there’s a way to make bath-time enjoyable for both you and your dog. Douglas Hall Kennels shares some tips from the internet on how to look after your puppy
Step 1: Determine Your Puppy’s Coat Type
Before you even get your dog wet, figure out what type of shampoo and conditioner to use. This depends upon what type of fur your puppy has. Talk to your vet first to find out what products suit your puppy best.
“Some coats need more minerals,” notes Bishop-Jenkins. “The short coats really need oil to the point of grease. Long-coated dogs need humectants [moisturizers].”
Step 2: Provide Treats and Cuddles
start bathing their puppies as young as eight weeks old, as it establishes a life-long routine. But take it one step at a time. A puppy’s first visit to the groomer often doesn’t even consist of bathing. It simply serves to teach them that grooming isn’t scary.
Step 3: Start With Lukewarm Water and a Rag
There is no need to use cleansing products when the dog is very young. Be sure the water is lukewarm so that the ritual is pleasant for your puppy. No one wants a boiling hot bath and dogs are sensitive to heat.
Step 4: Graduate to Using Shampoo
Once your puppy is at least three months old, it’s time to start using shampoo and conditioner.
Step 5: Be Gentle
Don’t scrub. Rather, use a very soft stream of water and gentle hand motions that move in the same direction that your puppy’s hair grows. Use this same direction when brushing and blow-drying.
Step 6: Avoid Openings Around the Face
No one wants soap in their eyes, including your puppy. Even tearless shampoos can irritate your dog’s eyes and you’ll also need to be careful around the ears, nose, and mouth.
Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly
Your dog isn’t clean until the soap is actually rinsed away, Bishop-Jenkins points out. So give your dog a good rinse.
Step 8: Don’t Forget the Conditioner
Dog conditioner is just as important as shampoo. As you did with the shampoo, give your dog a full rinse to be sure all the conditioner is gone.
Step 9: Blow Dry Time
Once your puppy is clean and conditioned, give them a gentle blow dry, but don’t use any blow-dry cream or other styling aid. Once again, gentleness is key. Use a small handheld blow dryer on a low setting and brush your dog’s hair in the direction it grows.
Step 10: Maintain a Bathing Routine
Bathing should happen monthly, as your dog’s skin and fur get clogged up with oil and dirt over time.
Puppies are in training for a lifetime, You don’t train a puppy one time. You have to do it repeatedly, gently, minimally, and gradually, knowing you’re teaching them about an experience that they will have for the rest of their lives.
