Tips for Bath time

Trixie has not had a bath since last Fall :o

Her hair is much longer now. She sheds alot...So I dont have to deal with many matts very often.

It is hard to keep her long hair Brushed out though. My arms are not that strong for a long brushing : )

I know I need to brush her out good before her bath.

Are there other tips for Bathing Long haired Dogs. I have never had a dog with this long of hair.

What about after the bath?

Trixies hair is a little strange...She has curls around her Hind Legs/butt. Then some Kinky hair in front/chest area...her back is pretty Frizzy.

Will air drying & not combing her out after her bath be best?

Am I asking for Snarls if she isnt combed after?

Heres 2 Pictures of her today (we have had her One Year Today!)

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie and Kona on March 19, 2012 at 2:54pm

Trixie is so cute. I would definitely brush her out completely before her bath. After shampooing, I put on a conditioner to make the snarls come out easily. If you still have trouble, use a detangling spray. People here recommend Mane and Tail pretty regularly on this site. I don't brush the dogs when they are wet. I wait until they have dried. It looks like Trixie's hair will dry okay without using a dryer. Some dogs have such thick, curly hair that you have to dry their hair or they mold. If you decide you want to dry her and you don't have a dog grooming dryer, be sure not to use a regular hair dryer without the heat setting on. Keep it on as cool as possible. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Pam & Trixie on March 19, 2012 at 4:18pm

Thanks Bonnie, Trixie is scared of the hair dryer noise. So I have not used it on her.

Permalink Reply by Deborah DeRose on March 19, 2012 at 3:21pm

Trixie is gorgeous. Is her coat considered fleece? I've only dealt with Brewster and Zeke - both who have much curlier coats. After years of grooming - I took the tip from the Mane and Tail bottle, and found it such a time saver! It states to put either the shampoo or conditioner in a large bowl, then add water. Mix until disolved, then use a washcloth to dip and wash your doodle. I definitely agree with Bonnie that the conditioner step is a necessity. I like to leave it on for a bit, after squeezing it through all of the hair quite well. If I do not use it, I find that the boys matt up much quicker. I've never blow dried, either, but brush after they are dry. Zeke was so skittish at first that I put him in the tub several times and for several days before even turning on water, giving him a treat. Once he had no problem getting into the tub, then I turned on the water for a minute a few times before bath day as well. He does fine, now (although I can't say he loves it). Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Bonnie and Kona on March 19, 2012 at 3:28pm

Deborah, I am so glad you mentioned diluting the shampoo and conditioner! I've started doing that this year and it is so great. I haven't used the washcloth method but I dilute it in a big pitcher and then pour the well mixed dilution on different sections at a time.

Permalink Reply by Deborah DeRose on March 19, 2012 at 5:35pm

Hi Pam,

The reasoning behind the dilution is so that you can coat the hair quicker and easier by wetting a cloth in it. Once you saturate your wash cloth, you can lather your dogs entire back, get it coated, in seconds! It is so much easier than pouring a bit on your hand and trying rubbing it in that way. I was amazed how much easier bath time became. Not only that, but Zeke must feel like he is getting a good masssage the entire time.

Permalink Reply by Pam & Trixie on March 19, 2012 at 4:20pm

Thanks Deborah,

Im not sure what her coat is considered. Its been awhile since I read about the different coats & Descriptions

Diluting the Shampoo & Conditioner sounds like a very good idea.

Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on March 19, 2012 at 5:26pm

Yes, I like the dilution idea.

Permalink Reply by Joanne ~ Spud* on March 19, 2012 at 5:56pm

I dilute. A lot. Even dog shampoo, which I restocked on this week, I will dilute down.

Permalink Reply by Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles on March 19, 2012 at 3:50pm

That is long so I suggest you take your scissors and cut half the length off her coat, then brush, wash, condition and blow dry while brushing . She will be ready for her final trim with scissors or shaver.

You can cut the coat one day, brush the next and bath the 3rd day to break it up for her. Once she is washed and dried you need to do the haircut right away for the best results.

If you plan to go to a groomer for the haircut, you can still do the first part, cut and brush and comb and then let the groomer take over from there. You have to be ready for the funny looks you will get bringing in a doodle with a rough cut, but just ignore and do your own thing.

You might want to go to a groomer first for a discussion about what you plan to do before you start.

Permalink Reply by Pam & Trixie on March 19, 2012 at 4:22pm

Thank you Barb, I dont plan on trimming her coat. I like it long & wild. She also doesnt matt.

I trim around her Eyes & Feet myself

Permalink Reply by Amy, Cubbie & Ollie on March 21, 2012 at 5:40am

Cubbie's coat was just under 5 inches when I trimmed it last weekend and I usually bath him every other week. Always be sure to brush before the bath though and I learned not to rub him with the towel because that seemed to create more knots. I kind of just squeeze him with towel now and get most of the water out that way. In the winter I dry him with a dog dryer and in the summer, when his coat is shorter I let him air dry. When long, his coat is super thick and it would just take forever to air dry.

Permalink Reply by Pam & Trixie on March 21, 2012 at 8:54am

Thanks for all the tips!

I gave Trixie her bath this morning...Everyone forgot to mention that it 10 times their energy! LOL

My Flat Coats ran around after a bath in excitement...But nothing like Trixie. Wow- Shes like a flash of lightning!

It sure was different washing all that fur. She looked like a Totally different dog when wet.

I think with all her Running & Shaking off she may dry well on her own.