Your puppy's first bath

The first bath decides how a dog will take bathing for the rest of its life. The goal is not a clean puppy. The goal is a puppy that climbs into the tub by itself next time.

When

Not before 8 weeks, and only if needed. Puppies struggle to hold their body temperature and a wet puppy cools fast. Until then a damp cloth is enough. Many groomers recommend the first real bath after the full course of vaccinations, around 12 weeks.

Before the bath

• A few days before, let the puppy climb into the dry tub or basin for a treat. No water.
• Put a non-slip mat or towel on the bottom. Slipping is the main cause of panic.
• Prepare everything in advance: puppy or sensitive-skin shampoo, two towels, treats, a jug for rinsing.
• Brush the coat dry.

The bath itself

1. Water up to the knees, lukewarm, as for a baby. No shower head at the first bath, the noise and pressure frighten. Pour with a jug.
2. Wet from the tail towards the neck. The head stays dry. Wipe the muzzle with a damp cloth.
3. Dilute a little shampoo in your hand with water and massage calmly. Talk quietly.
4. Rinse until the water runs clear, then once more.
5. Treats throughout, not only at the end. The whole bath under 5 minutes.

After the bath

Wrap in a towel and blot. No hair dryer at the first bath. Keep the puppy warm and out of draughts until fully dry. Then play, so the memory is a good one.

The mistakes we see most often

• Adult dog shampoo with fragrance or anti-parasite ingredients. For a puppy, only the mildest.
• Holding the puppy down when it panics. Better to stop and try again in two days.
• An evening bath after which the puppy sleeps wet. Bathe in the morning.

General care information, not veterinary advice.