The Wash Table
All lessons
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Bathing · Lesson 5
How do you rinse thoroughly, and how do you know the shampoo is out?
Rinse thoroughly with gentle, low-pressure water in sections until the water runs clear, the coat feels squeaky-clean rather than slippery, and no shampoo residue remains on skin or coat.
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Bathing · Lesson 6
How do you wash a face without getting water in eyes and ears?
Wash a face with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of dog shampoo, working gently around eyes, muzzle and ears, keeping water away from eyes and ear canals, and rinsing with a clean damp cloth.
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Bathing · Lesson 7
How often should a dog be bathed?
A dog should be bathed when the coat is dirty, smelly or needs it for a vet-agreed reason, usually every few weeks to a few months, not on a fixed weekly schedule, since over-bathing can dry skin and coat.
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Bathing · Lesson 8
What do you do when a dog hates the bath?
When a dog hates the bath, use slow desensitisation, short positive sessions, low water pressure, choice and rewards, and seek hands-on groomer or vet help if fear is strong or worsening.
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Bathing · Lesson 9
How do you bathe a small dog in a sink safely?
Bathe a small dog in a sink safely by using a clean, non-slip sink with warm, shallow water, supporting the dog at all times, keeping water away from ears and eyes, and never leaving the dog unattended.
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Bathing · Lesson 10
How do you bathe a large dog without flooding the room?
Bathe a large dog without flooding by using a shower or outdoor area with drainage, a non-slip mat, towels at thresholds, low-pressure water, and a drying plan that starts the moment washing ends.
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Bathing · Lesson 11
What should you check on the skin during a bath?
During a bath, check skin for redness, flaking, sores, lumps, parasites, wounds and changes in colour or texture, using the wet coat as a chance to see skin that dry hair usually hides.
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Bathing · Lesson 12
What comes after the bath, before drying starts?
After the bath, before drying starts, squeeze excess water gently, wrap the dog in a towel, check ears and skin, and move to a warm, draught-free drying area, so drying starts promptly and the dog does not chill.
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Drying · Lesson 1
What drying methods exist, and how do they differ?
Drying methods are towel drying, air drying, a household dryer on a cool setting, and a high-velocity dryer, differing in speed, heat, airflow, noise and suitability by coat and temperament.
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Drying · Lesson 2
How do you towel dry without creating tangles?
Towel dry without tangles by patting and squeezing gently in the direction the hair lies, using several absorbent towels, and never rubbing in circles or wringing the coat.
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Drying · Lesson 3
How does a high-velocity dryer work, and what precautions does it need?
A high-velocity dryer blasts powerful, unheated air to remove water and loose hair, and it needs gradual introduction, distance, movement, ear and eye protection, and a handler who checks skin and stress throughout.
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Drying · Lesson 4
How do you introduce a dog to dryer noise and air?
Introduce dryer noise and air gradually, starting with the dryer off and distant, then sound from afar, then airflow away from the dog, pairing each step with treats and ending calmly.
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Drying · Lesson 5
How do you dry a double coat fully?
Dry a double coat fully by towel drying in sections, then using airflow to reach the undercoat, parting the coat to check dryness to the skin, since the surface can look dry while the undercoat stays damp.
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Drying · Lesson 6
How do you dry a curly coat without encouraging frizz and mats?
Dry a curly coat without frizz and mats by towel patting gently, using low, gentle airflow, avoiding vigorous brushing while wet, and combing only when the coat is dry or as a groomer directs.
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Drying · Lesson 7
How do you dry a long coat straight enough to brush?
Dry a long coat straight enough to brush by towel squeezing in sections, drying with gentle airflow in the direction the hair lies, and brushing lightly as the coat dries, section by section.
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Drying · Lesson 8
How do you dry ears, paws and undercarriage safely?
Dry ears, paws and undercarriage safely with gentle towel patting, no airflow into ears, no objects in the ear canal, and careful section drying of thin-skinned areas, checking for dampness and soreness.
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Drying · Lesson 9
How do you know a coat is fully dry?
A coat is fully dry when the skin feels dry and warm in several parted places, the undercoat feels loose and dry, a comb passes freely, and bedding stays dry after the dog settles.
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Drying · Lesson 10
What are the risks of leaving a coat damp?
Leaving a coat damp risks chilling, skin irritation, odour, matting, ear problems and discomfort, especially in dense undercoat, folds, ears and paws, and in cold weather.
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Drying · Lesson 11
How do you dry a dog in cold weather?
Dry a dog in cold weather by bathing indoors in a warm, draught-free room, towel drying promptly, using gentle airflow to dry fully to the skin, and keeping the dog warm until completely dry before going outside.
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Drying · Lesson 12
What drying routine suits a nervous dog?
A drying routine for a nervous dog uses towels first, the quietest airflow the dog tolerates, short sessions, choice, rewards and a familiar warm room, with groomer help when fear is strong.