Bathing Your Dood

*Even though people need regular baths, washing your goldendoodle too often can cause skin irritation and lead to excessive itching.  You can usually bathe your pup once a month to keep him smelling pleasant.

Prep your dog for washing. 

Brush your dog thoroughly before giving him a bath. Make sure to remove all tangles or matted areas.

Gather all the supplies you’ll need. 

Once you start the washing process, you’ll want to have everything you need nearby. You will need towels, dog shampoo, treats, and a washcloth or sponge. If you don’t have a detachable showerhead, you will need a bucket or other large cup for rinsing. Uncap your shampoos so that you don’t have to do that while keeping a wet dog in check. If your dog tends to be nervous in the bath, you may want to have a helper.

Get the temperature right. 

Check the water temperature before you bathe your dog. It should be warm, but not hot. Water that’s too cold can give your dog a chill, which is especially dangerous for puppies. If you’re bathing in a sink or tub, fill it to about your dog’s knees with warm water.

Wet your dood’s body with water.             Wet him from the neck back. Make sure his coat is fully saturated. This can take a while for dogs with especially thick coats. To avoid getting water in his ears,don’t pour water on your dog’s face.

Apply the shampoo. If your dog’s coat is very thick or long, you may want to pre-mix some shampoo with water in a small cup. This will help you get an even lather throughout his coat. For dogs with short coats, just pour a strip of shampoo down the body. Massage the shampoo into his coat. Lather up his armpits, stomach, tail, groin area, and paws. Do not apply shampoo to your dog’s head or face. If his face is dirty, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe away any dirt or dried tears. 

Rinse your dog until the water from his fur runs clear. It’s important to rinse all of the shampoo residue from your dog’s coat. This can take a while to do thoroughly, especially when your dog’s fur is thick or double-coated. 

Give your dog a treat! To keep the positive associations with bath time strong, give your dog a treat every time you wash him. Praise him for being a good dog.