The bath: washing your dog, preparing his coat

A successful bath leaves the coat clean, well rinsed and properly dried. For a show, you also need to choose the right moment and a routine suited to the coat.

When to bath?

There is no frequency that suits all dogs. Coat type, activities and how dirty the dog gets all affect his needs. The American Kennel Club notably stresses that different coats do not need washing at the same rate. [1]

Before a show, plan the bath with the breeder or with a groomer who knows the breed. Some preparations involve washing close to the time of showing; others need more time. The day before is therefore not a universal rule.

The stages to understand

Before wetting the dog, get the equipment ready and check the coat. On coats that are brushed, remove dead hair and deal with tangles using a suitable method. The AKC recommends this preparation before washing. [1][2]

Then use lukewarm water and a shampoo made for dogs. Wet the coat enough for the water to reach the different layers, then apply the product following its instructions. On long hair, avoid rubbing in all directions. [1]

Finally, rinse thoroughly and plan the drying. These two stages deserve as much attention as the shampoo. [2]

Beginner: three tips for a calm bath

1. Get everything ready before you start. Put the shampoo, towels and drying equipment within reach. Provide a stable, non-slip surface. You’ll be able to stay with your dog throughout the session.
2. Use a suitable product and follow the instructions. Choose a dog shampoo, with the dilution and contact time that match the instructions. A human shampoo is not automatically suitable for his skin. [1][2]
3. Protect the sensitive areas. Avoid directing water or shampoo towards the eyes and inside the ears. For the face, use a gentle, controlled cleaning method. The AKC mentions this precaution in its bathing tips. [2]

Intermediate: three tips to improve the result

1. Check for knots before washing. A matted coat needs special preparation: a bath doesn’t replace detangling. If the knots are tight or close to the skin, ask a professional for help rather than persisting.
2. Rinse methodically. Check the belly, armpits and areas of dense coat in particular. Don’t rely only on the absence of surface suds: the aim is to remove the product from the whole coat. [2]
3. Plan the drying time from the start. Absorb the water with a towel, without needlessly tangling the hair. If you use a dryer, adapt the temperature and airflow to the dog and the coat. Avoid air that is too hot and keep a sufficient distance. [1][2]

Advanced: three tips to prepare for the show

1. Watch how the coat develops after the bath. Note the date of the wash and take a few photos once the coat is dry, then over the following days. These practical markers will help you build a timetable specific to your dog.
2. Check that products comply. At an FCI international show with CACIB, substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose are prohibited. This rule should guide your choice of preparation products. [3]
3. Adjust the routine without multiplying the steps. Before adding a second wash or an extra treatment, identify what it is for. For a particular skin need, ask the vet for advice; for presenting the coat, work with a professional who knows the breed.

Once the dog is dry and comfortable, put the towels away… and check whether you need to change yourself!

Sources

• American Kennel Club: How to groom a double-coated dog
• American Kennel Club: Can I wash my dog with soap?
• FCI: Regulations for FCI Dog Shows
• American Kennel Club: How to dry your dog safely