Does your dog stink, or is constantly scratching? Here are some tips for washing your dog. Having a regular bathtime is important from puppy-age up. Your dog may resist at first, but soon he or she will look forward to bathtime.

[edit] Steps

Prepare your workspace first. Gather all the items you will need, basin, towels, hose, dog shampoo, ear-cleaners, etc... and lay it out so its close at hand when needed but not in the way getting kicked and splashed by the dog.
Find the dog (and a volunteer to help you if you can find one).
Brush the dog's coat through. This is a good time to inspect for any skin/coat/health issues while relaxing and showing your dog some love.
Decide if the scratching is from parasites, allergies, or simple skin irritation. Pick out a good flea or problem specific shampoo at a pet store or retail store. Some general dog shampoos are formulated with oatmeal to help reduce general irritation. If you have a puppy, check to make sure that he is old enough for the shampoo that you have chosen.
- The key to reducing general irritation is to rinse your dog well after the bath. You might get a snap-on hose attachment designed to help you rinse your dog thoroughly. For smaller dogs, you can simply refill a small plastic bowl or a pot to rinse, and you can often scoot the dog directly under the faucet for rinsing. For larger dogs, fill the tub or utility sink 2-3" with warm water.
Get your dog's coat nice and wet, then apply the shampoo. Do this from the top down, first for his back, then gently scrubbing down to his tail and below, his rear legs, his belly and chest, and then his neck. Make sure to rub shampoo into all of his creases, or rolls, like under his front legs and neck. Rinse thoroughly.
Now you are ready to wash his head and face. (If your dog shampoo is not marked "will not sting eyes," consider using human Baby Shampoo for this.) Get the top of the dog's head wet, then add shampoo a little at a time and wash his head, face, below his eyes, his jowls/whiskers, and under his chin. Use very warm water, and take time to re-rub the entire facial area 2-3 times, since this is an area where eye secretions and food can generate much of a dog's odor.
- Inside ears is a favorite hiding place for fleas, but breeds with big ears (Shih-tzu, Bloodhound, others) are prone to infections if their ears are wet inside. For them, wash inside only with a barely-wet washcloth.
Keep the shampoo on your dog for as long as the bottle calls for.
Rinse your dog until the water from his fur runs clear, and then rinse one more time. If your dog shies from rinsing his face, use your hand to bring water from the faucet to his face repeatedly to rinse.
Get a small or big towel, lay it over your dog's back, and rub your dog dry; make sure you dry the inside of his ears also. (However, no matter how much you dry a dog off, he will still insist on shaking water all over you.) In the winter, or for small dogs almost all the time, lay a dry towel on the floor and use a hair dryer and dog brush to dry and brush your dog. Dogs love this part of a bath!
- For dogs prone to ear infections, use 2 drops of a vet-supplied rinse that will help dry the ears.
- A dog is not washed properly until the hairs inside his ears have been pulled out; this is especially true of dogs prone to ear infections. (Your vet or commercial dog groomer does this and will be happy to show you how to do it.)

[edit] Tips

Almost all dogs try to resist a bath at first. Soon they come to really enjoy it. The key is to make it a time to talk and interact with your dog as you give him or her a bath. Soon your dog will realize that the bath gets rid of that smell-- dogs hate smelling bad too you know!
There are suction cups that work for medium and small breeds that help control the dog. Sometimes you can use the leash to tie the dog to the spigot if it is bigger.
After a bath, give your dog a treat, rewarding him or her for cooperating in the bath.
Consider using spray on horse shampoo, as it can be easier than traditional shampoo to disperse evenly throughout your dog's coat

[edit]Technique for dogs that have hair and not fur

Brush the dog before you wash it, this will remove foreign particles and knots/matted hair.
When applying shampoo do not work it back and forth like you would do with the hair on your head, this contributes to matting and knotting. Wet the dog down (as described above stay focused on the areas you are working on and don't squirt soap all over the dog) and apply the soap to the area then 'stroke' it into the hair. Continue stroking it in until it lathers, let stand per shampoo directions, then rinse area till water is clear.
When drying the dog don't rub the towel this will create new knots. Continue using the 'stroking', squeezing the hair, and patting methods for best results.
You can microwave the towel for a minute to warm it up if the ambient temperature in the room is too cool. The dog will thank you and sit tight while you dry.
Pay special attention to the dogs anal and groin areas to be sure they are clean and clear of hair. If necessary carefully trim that hair so the dog can cleanly go to the bathroom.
Brush the dogs teeth! Have your vet show you the technique.
Brushing the dog weekly will reduce the need to wash it, but if the dog continues to smell or has 'things' in the hair/fur a bath may be necessary.
When scratching and playing with your dog carefully handle their ears, paws, tail, and face/teeth. This will let the dog get used to being handled. Your vet and groomer will thank you and it will let the dog be more comfortable and less stressed!
Ask your vet for advise and things to look for when washing your dog. There may be breed and size specific items that should be kept in mind.

[edit] Warnings

Make sure to read all directions and warnings on the shampoo bottle before using it on your dog.
If your dog develops a rash, or any other sign of an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Never put shampoo in the dog's ears unless specifically instructed to by a vet. There are concoctions made for the ears to clean them if need be. You can block the ear canal with a large cotton ball, but never put anything pointed like a cotton swab in the ear, as you could puncture the ear drum.
Make sure to use some form of shampoo especially made for dogs, and not stuff that you just used to do your own hair with.