Washing a dog inside means wet walls, hair in the drain and a dog who bolts the second the tap turns on. Once the weather warms up, the backyard is the easier option, and a hot afternoon makes a bath feel more like a treat than a chore. Here's how to do it without turning it into a mud fight.
Pick your day and your spot
Wash outside only when it's warm enough that your dog won't get chilled. Choose a patch of ground that isn't muddy or your dog's toilet spot, because a wet dog will shake and roll straight back into the dirt. A short walk or game beforehand helps too, since a calmer dog is much quicker to wash.
Brush before you wet
Brush out tangles and loose hair first. Mats tighten once they're wet, and a clean coat lets shampoo reach the skin. Our guide to grooming at home covers which tools are worth having.
Bucket, hose or sprayer
A bucket and jug is slow but gentle, which suits nervous dogs. A garden hose is quicker, but keep the pressure low because a strong stream is uncomfortable. A hose sprayer sits in the middle. Ours has eight spray patterns, a built-in soap dispenser with adjustable foam control, and connects to any standard 3/4 inch garden hose. It also includes a grooming brush and comb, so you're not juggling a shampoo bottle with a wet dog. Use the gentlest pattern for rinsing.
Lather without the fuss
Use a shampoo made for dogs, since human shampoo isn't designed for their skin. A silicone shampoo brush helps spread the lather evenly through the coat, and the soft bristles give a bit of a massage while you work. Keep soap out of the eyes and ears, and do the face last with a damp cloth.
Rinse, dry, and keep them clean
Rinse until all the soap is gone. If your dog keeps shaking mid wash, drape a towel over them between rinses. Towel dry afterwards, and don't let your dog back onto muddy ground while they're still damp. A dry, shaded spot to settle makes the whole thing feel like a reward.