Bathe your rottie whenever he's dirty with a good shampoo that's pH balanced especially for dogs. Use tepid water. Water that is comfortable for you may be too hot for him, so lukewarm water is best. Most dogs hate bathing and will do anything they can to avoid it. Some pet-supply stores carry a suction cup that clips onto your rottweiler's collar and attaches to the tub's side. This works if he doesn't pull too hard — otherwise, you may find him by the bathroom door begging to get out. If you have a sturdy handle in your bathroom, such as a handhold, you can tie his leash to it and clip his collar to it to hold him in place. If you do this, never leave your rottie unattended. He could accidentally strangle himself.

After shampooing your rottweiler, follow up with a conditioner especially made for dogs. Be certain to rinse well. Shampoo and conditioner residue will collect dirt faster and can dry out and irritate your dog's skin.

Bathing Essentials

When you bathe your rottie, you'll want to bathe him in a draft-free area. During the wintertime, this means indoors, which may make washing interesting. Once you've thoroughly rinsed him, pat him down with towels and keep him warm until he dries. If you have a blow dryer made for dogs, you can use that on him. Never use a blow dryer made for humans. The hot air will burn your rottie.

The Dog Wash

There are now places where you can wash your dog for under $10. Some are in pet-supply stores but others are actual businesses that offer special areas for washing your dog. The places supply the soap, towels, and grooming implements as well as bathing tubs, grooming tables, and dog hair dryers. They are a low-cost alternative to paying a groomer and a low-mess alternative to bathing your rottweiler in your house.