Step one: go get the dog. Dogs are like ten-year-old boys — they really don't appreciate a bath. Nevertheless, it has to be done, and so you tell your four-legged child that the bath is indeed going to happen, whether he likes it or not.

At this point, if your dog has been paying any attention to you she's probably noticed that you have been carrying things to the sink or tub and you have that look in your eyes. You'll probably find your dog hiding far enough under the bed so that you can't reach her, or somewhere equally frustrating.

There is a reason to go get your dog as opposed to calling him to you. If you call him to you and then immediately begin bathing him — his least favorite thing — he will associate “Come!” with the bath. It's best to go get the dog in a very matter-of-fact way and lead him where you want him to be. If you do call the dog to you, spend a few minutes cuddling or playing, then put a leash on him and lead him to the tub.

Slip Leads

Slip leads, inexpensive nylon-type leads with a ring at the bottom instead of a snap, come in handy for retrieving the dog. Most dogs try to get away by pulling their heads backward and out of their collars. Slip leads get tighter if your dog pulls away, and she will realize she can't escape. It's simple to catch your dog with a slip lead. Put the handle end of the lead through the ring at the other end to make a loop. Place the loop over your dog's head and pull on the handle. The slip lead tightens up and your dog should come along. Choke chains and martingale collars work the same way.

They Aren't All Bad

If you are lucky, you have a dog that doesn't mind a bath at all; in fact, he likes it so much you can barely get a shower yourself without the company of your dog in there with you. If this is you, take advantage of those shower moments and suds up your pup when you can. Nothing's better than a squeaky-clean dog!