In the past it was thought that frequent bathing of your dog would damage the coat. The fact is, the skin and hair of the normal puppy is biochemically very similar to that of a human. Both human and puppy skin and hair are comprised of protein with oil as a lubricant. Most modern dog shampoos enable you to bathe your dog as often as desired, even daily. The average puppy probably could use a weekly bath. This not only helps control odor by removing excessive dander, oil, and bacteria, but also is hygienic in helping to prevent dirt-related skin infections.

Introducing your dog to bathing

If your puppy is not already used to being bathed, your should introduce bathing in a few steps over the span of a week or so. This helps avoid a situation where there bathing process becomes a traumatic experience (for the both of you!)
Step 1: In the tub without water: Put your dog in the tub a few times day. Give him treats and lots of praise while he’s there. Don’t make a fuss over him when he climbs back out since you want to make being in the tub the fun part. Gradually increase the time your dog stays in the bath to get the treat.

Step 2: Introduce running water: Once your dog readily gets in the bath, start running the water without wetting him. Reinforce with treats and praise.

Step 3: Getting wet: Next, wet your dog with the shower head. Start from the back and work your way forward. Make sure the first few times are short, and don’t forget to praise and give a treat.

What You’ll Need

Two towels by the shower or tub
Dog shampoo & conditioner
A rubber mat in the tub or shower (use a towel if your don’t have a rubber mat) so that your dog will feel secure, and won’t slip
A brush and comb

If you have back problems , you might consider a booster dog bath. A booster bath is a professional-type dog bath tub that’s elevated with high sides and a built-in leash restraint to keep your dog in place.

First, brush

Before beginning, always brush and comb your dog thoroughly to eliminate dead hair, knots and mats. This can’t be stressed enough!

Brushing and combing before the bath has three purposes.
First, it loosens dirt, dander and foreign matter.
Second, it removes hair shed and removed mats and tangles. All of the dead, shedding fur has to be removed from the coat and undercoat. Don’t expect a conditioner to remove the mats, because it won’t. In fact, the dirt and shampoo will remain in the mats, creating more of a problem by making the mats tighter. This can also cause skin problems or make matters worse if problems already exist.
Third, it stimulates the skin and allows natural hair oils to circulate.

Also, brushing and combing brings focus to the dog’s body and for example, scabs, cuts, sores and various skin conditions hidden by medium or longer coats can be discovered by being observant during brushing and combing procedures.
If you have a long-coated breed using an anti static-spray or grooming spray helps prevent hair breakage.

Then, Bathe

First, place a rubber mat in the tub or sink. Dogs don’t have the best traction in tubs, especially with soapy paws. Use a bath mat to keep your dog from slipping and getting.
Wet the hair coat thoroughly all the way to the skin. Use warm but not hot water. Next rub in shampoo (keeping suds away from eyes). Rinse with warm water (trying not to get water in your dog’s ear canals). Make sure to remove all the shampoo.
Using your hands, squeeze the excess water from the dog, paying particular attention to ears, tail and legs. Run your hands down your dog’s body to “squeegee” water from the rest of the coat. Cover your dog with a towel.

If your dog is short coated, you can rub the coat to absorb excess moisture. However, long haired dogs should have their coats squeezed, not rubbed, to avoid tangles. Use as many towels as are needed to get your dog to the “damp-dry” stage

At normal room temperature, it is fine to simply let the puppy air dry once the excess water has been removed with a towel. If a hair dryer is used, be sure to set it on a cool (not warm or hot!) setting.