• Ensure you have your shampoo, towels and everything else you need to hand before you begin.
• Stand your dog in an empty bath or sink (for smaller breeds and puppies) and place a clean towel on the bottom of the bath (or sink) for older dogs.
• Insert cotton wool into each of your dog’s ears to prevent any water entering the ear canal.
• Test the temperature of the water on your wrist. The water should be warm but not hot. Use a shower hose to wet your dog’s body and legs thoroughly. Use a small plastic jug instead of a shower head for nervous dogs and puppies. Always leave washing your dog’s head until last. 
• Once your dog’s coat is thoroughly wet all over, add your shampoo and lather well. Make sure that you get down to the hair roots and skin. Use a clean sponge to help you create a good lather. If you do not get a good lather on the first shampoo, rinse your dog thoroughly and wash your dog for a second time. Ensure you clean around your dog’s bottom, under their tail, between their legs, and don't forget between their foot pads. 
• When washing your dog’s head, be careful not to get water in your dog’s ears or up their nose. This is especially important for brachycephalic dog breeds such as French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Shih tzu’s. Make sure that you don’t get any shampoo in your dog’s eyes. Rinse your dog’s head and body thoroughly to remove all shampoo, as any residue can irritate your dog’s skin.
• Thoroughly towel dry your dogs and if your dog allows it, use a hand held hair dryer to dry them completely. Make sure that you use a low temperature setting on your dryer and that you do not blow air directly into your dog’s face.

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