Bathing is important for people, and pets too! Keeping your puppy clean and well groomed, may have been an easy task but now that he is 85 lbs of energy, it is a completely different story.
Decide where to bathe: - Inside- Better control the temp of the water, but more likely to make a mess inside than outside.
If bath time is stressful, you may have difficulty getting your dog even into the bathroom the next time.
- Outside- In summer, it can be quite nice if you have a hose and nice nozzle.
There is less mess to clean up afterward and no worries about damaging your home.
In the winter it can be too cold to make it through the bath, probably more for you than the Labrador.
You will most certainly get a little wet and possibly soaked in the process.
Gather supplies: - Dog specific shampoo - Several large towels - Large plastic cup or pitcher (if you are inside) I like to put the dog on a leash to have better control.
1.
First thoroughly rinse all over.
Use warm, but not hot water if possible.
If its cold, don't worry too much.
Labrador Retrievers were bred to withstand cold temps and cold water.
If you can stand the water, they certainly can.
2.
Use dog shampoo to lather the Labrador completely.
There are a wide variety of kinds, just pick one you think smells nice unless your dog has special needs.
In that case, it may be necessary to specialized shampoo from a vet or pet store.
Use caution around eyes, ears, mouth.
A little soapy runoff won't phase your dog, but a lot could irritate the eyes or cause discomfort.
Keeping your large dog comfortable while bathing will keep the process more pleasant for this time and next.
3.
Let your dog soak in the suds for a few minutes.
Praise your dog for good behavior.
Possibly give him a treat if he will take it.
4.
Next you need to thoroughly rinse your pet.
Again, use caution around eyes, ears, and mouth.
Use your hands to help get the water soaked into the coat.
I encourage my lab to shake off in the middle, and then repeat the rinsing.
Be sure you get all of the soap out of the coat, otherwise it could cause irritation.
Pay special attention to the thicker coat areas and around the collar.
5.
If outside, I like to leave my dog chained for just a few minutes.
My dog will normally shake herself off several times and it really helps a lot soaked in moisture out of the Labradors thick coat of fur.
Be sure to keep an eye on the dog for safety purposes.
Next I take her on a short walk (especially in the summer) this allows her to air dry a little longer and she really enjoys walks.
After that you need to grab a towel and start drying.
Grab another towel once the first is thoroughly soaked and repeat until dry.
If you're inside, just go to work with the towels.
It may take several.
Now you should have a clean, dry and happy large dog.
Give him a treat or toy and praise.
If the weather is nice, take him on a walk as further positive reinforcement that bath time isn't so bad.
Now you need remove the collar and wash it, if it can be washed.
It has probably soaked in all the dirt and gross smell.
I use dish soap and Lysol to get it clean.
If possible, leave it out in the sun to air dry.
Be sure to not let your dog run off while the collar is off.
Enjoy your clean dog.