The do's and don'ts of Bathing your Labrador

Bathing Your Labrador can be loads of fun if you do it right!

My labrador, Tasha, does not like the idea of having a bath, let alone the word 'bath'. Unlike a lot of other labradors she is not too fond of the water but she has become used to having the occasional bath and is very well behaved.

Tasha is very quick to run when it is bath time but once in beside the tub she jumps right in. I feel really bad that she does not like to be bathed but every so often it has to be done.

Bathing your Labrador should not be a regular event

Before you get your labrador into the bath tub make sure you have everything you need for the procedure. These are, a towel, drying mat, dog shampoo and a brush.

Prior to bathing give your labrador a quick brush to remove any loose hairs. This will stop any clogging in the pipes and will stop the tub from filling up. You will no doubt release an number of hairs once you begin scrubbing but at least by giving your lab a brush you remove the worst of it.

If your labrador is a puppy and you have never bathed him before you might need a helping hand for the first few sessions. My lab would try anything to get away when she was young and both my brother and I ended up working together to get her washed!

If you do need a second pair of hands the best way to make good use of them and get the job over and done with quickly is as follows:

One person hold the labrador firmly, but with no unnecessary pressure, so that he does not shake or jump out of the tub.

The second person must then keep control of the water and do the shampooing.

Bathing your Labrador is very messy, so keep as much water in the tub and wear old clothes

I use the shower to wash my labrador. It is very flexible and allows me to rinse everywhere.

First I give Tasha a good rinse. This will remove any surface dirt and any more loose hairs. Then I turn off the water and apply shampoo. I give her back plenty of attention and the her 'arm pits' and around her neck. Around the top of her tail aswell.

Once that is done I turn on the water again and begin to rinse out the shampoo. When doing this I make sure that under no circumstances any water or shampoo goes into her eyes. I thoroughly rinse out everywhere shampoo could possibly be to make sure that she has no irritation.

The entire bathing procedure is done while talking to your lab and letting him know how well he is behaving

Make sure you praise your labrador for being so well behaved. If your labrador is a first timer and did not behave too well make sure you give him a good cuddle afterwards so that there are no bad feelings!

Drying your labrador is very simple if you live in a hot climate. Tasha gets a thorough towel dry and then she sun bathes for a while out on the terrace. However, in colder climates you may wish to use a hair dryer. If you do, make sure that you do not hold it too close to the skin and that it is not on full power.I recommend a very good towel dry and then a hair dryer. But be careful.

So, bathing your labrador is definately one of the more energetic tasks you will have to perform as a labrador owner but don't be scared. Labradors are very fast learners and your lab will soon understand that he needs a bath every now and then.