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Bathing Services: Bathing Process

The tub-to-conditioner sequence for bathing a dog on the grooming system, in order.

Purpose

This is the step-by-step process for bathing a dog on the grooming system, from leading the dog into the tub through the final conditioner rinse. Follow the sequence in order so the dog gets a full rinse, a proper shampoo, and a full conditioner pass every time.

At a Glance

  • Tether the dog to the tub support beam before starting.
  • Switch the grooming system to Rinse first and check water temperature before it touches the dog.
  • Select the shampoo dial setting appropriate for the dog before switching to Bathe.
  • Cover the eyes and ears when washing and rinsing the head.
  • The full cycle is: Rinse, Bathe (shampoo), Rinse, Bathe (conditioner), Rinse.
  • For the drying step that follows, see Bathing Services: Drying Process.
  • For how a dog is trained at home to accept the tub and dryer calmly, see Bath and Dryer.

Steps

  1. Lead the dog into the grooming tub using praise and treats if necessary.
  2. Tether the dog to the tub support beam.
  3. Switch the grooming system to Rinse.
  4. Start the water and check the temperature.
  5. Rinse the dog thoroughly through the coat, stomach, feet and toes, and hindquarters.
  6. Switch the grooming system to Bathe.
  7. Change the dial to the shampoo appropriate for the dog.
  8. Wait a few seconds for the diluted shampoo to start filtering through.
  9. Bathe thoroughly through the coat, stomach, feet and toes, and hindquarters.
  10. When washing the head, cover the eyes and ears so water and shampoo don't get in.
  11. Switch the grooming system to Rinse and rinse the soap out thoroughly.
  12. Switch the system to Bathe and the dial to conditioner.
  13. Wash thoroughly through the coat.
  14. Switch the system to Rinse and rinse the conditioner out.

Edge Cases

  • If a dog won't settle in the tub, praise and treats at the lead-in step usually help more than pushing through. Take the extra moment before you tether.
  • If you can't confirm the dial is set to the right shampoo before switching to Bathe, stop and check rather than guessing. The wrong product on the wrong coat or skin is avoidable.

Who to Ask

If you're unsure which shampoo or conditioner setting fits a specific dog, or a dog isn't tolerating a step in this sequence, check with an experienced bather or your manager before continuing.

What should I do when I reach the dog's head?

Cover the eyes and ears before washing and rinsing so water and shampoo don't get in. This applies at both the shampoo and conditioner stages.