Bathing can be a huge hassle, I've been through my rough bath days. I personally give my dog a bath about every other month. Just like how it's not healthy to wash your hair everyday, you don't want to over wash or wash your dogs fur too often.
Most, but not all, dog shampoos tend to come in a coconut scent; although other scents and unscented options are available. If your dog is having a bad reaction or needs special shampoo, contact your vet for special moisturized and vitamin packed shampoo. To reduce soap going everywhere and the chance for my dog trying to lick soap off of himself, I wash my dog in sections. I start with his head/chest, then I move on to his back/butt, then his tail and belly, then finish with his front and back legs. Squirt soap into your hand, spread in each section, scrub in, and make sure you thoroughly rinse to reduce dry or irritated skin. I try to give him a chance to shake a few times before encouraging him to hop out of the tub. Have towels ready for the splash zone, your dog will try to shake again once out of the tub- on the floor, on the toilet/sink and have one ready to hold up in front of yourself.
Now, some dogs obviously do not like blow dryers, they run away at the sight of them. So, depending on your dog, blow drying may be out of the question, and you may be stuck with just basic towel drying. No worries! Depending on the size of your dog and bathroom, either condense your mess to the bathroom or have a lot of towels ready ahead of time. If you are just towel drying, have several handy, since them shaking is only going to take off so much water. One for the floor for them to sit/lay on, and depending on the size of your dog/fur length you'll need at least 2-3 other towels for drying/scrubbing. Remember if you are using the blow dryer, not to hold it too close to your dog, and don't do one section for too long, the het will hurt. *During warmer months try sitting outside with your dog for 10-15 mins after minimal towel drying, so the natural heat helps the drying process.
I'm grateful that my dog is pretty easy when it comes to bath time. Although it usually takes a little bit of dragging to the bathroom, he jumps in the tub on his own, and stands there patiently while I get him clean. Now, my dog absolutely loves the blow dryer, sometimes when I use it on myself he comes walking down the hallway. So, I set up towels on the living room floor ahead of time and he lays and sprawls out while I brush and blow dry him. Remember that even if your dog loves the water that getting a bath is still something special that they had to be patient about, make sure you reward them when you are all done, it gives them something to look forward to.
Tip:
Fun healthy tip!! If your dog isn't cooperating well in the bath, peanut butter is a great helping hand. Smear a little (or a lot) of peanut butter on the tub wall within easy reach and that should help keep them distracted while you get them clean.
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