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Beginner’s roadmap to dog ownership: How to do a proper bath and nail trim

Writer's picture: Jessica Grant-JossyJessica Grant-Jossy
Scrubby dub dub Doggo in the Tub!
Scrubby dub dub Doggo in the Tub!
How to Bathe and Trim Your Dog’s Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is essential for their health and happiness. This guide will walk you through how to give your dog a proper bath and trim their nails like a pro. Plus, we’ll share tips on choosing the right tools to make grooming easier and more effective.

Tools You’ll Need
For Bathing
  1. Dog-friendly shampoo

    • Concentrated shampoos (e.g., Show Season or Bark 2 Basics) – require mixing bottles.

    • Ready-to-use shampoos (e.g., Earthbath).

    • For sensitive dogs: Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Soap (concentrated, also requires mixing).

  2. Conditioner (optional, like Plumtastic).

  3. Waterproof apron or smock—to keep yourself dry.

  4. Non-slip mat—to prevent slipping in the tub.

  5. Leash and collar (or grooming loop)—to secure your dog in the tub.

  6. Spray nozzle or showerhead—with adjustable pressure.

  7. Towels—for drying your dog and protecting yourself.

  8. Blower or dog-specific dryer

    • Recommended: Go Pet Club Pet Grooming Hair Dryer or Flying Pig High Velocity Dog Grooming Dryer with Heater.

  9. Brush or comb

    • Safari brand brushes are great for detangling and post-bath grooming.

  10. Zoom Groom or bath brush—for working shampoo into the coat.

  11. Cotton balls—to protect ears from water.

  12. Ear cleaning wipes.

For Nail Trimming
  1. Dog nail clippers

    • Recommended: Safari brand nail trimmers.

  2. Nail grinder

    • Recommended: POPULO 8V Cordless Rotary Tool (features multiple speeds and a light for precision).

  3. Styptic powder or pen—to stop bleeding if you cut the quick.

  4. Treats—to reward and calm your dog.

  5. Towel or blanket—to steady your dog.

  6. Nail file—optional, for smoothing edges if not using a grinder.

  7. Protective eyewear—optional, when using a grinder.

  8. Helper—optional, for wiggly dogs.

Step 1: Give Your Dog a Bath
  1. Prepare the Bath Area

    • Place a non-slip mat in the tub.

    • Gather all your tools within reach.

    • Put on a waterproof apron or smock to stay dry.

  2. Get Your Dog Ready

    • Lead your dog to the tub and secure them with a leash or grooming loop. Ensure the leash is short enough to keep them safe but long enough to allow movement.

  3. Wet Your Dog

    • Turn on the water and let it warm up—not too hot or cold.

    • Wet your dog’s coat thoroughly. Hold the nozzle close to their fur for the best results.

    • For their face and ears, aim the nozzle downward to avoid getting water in their ears, nose, or mouth.

  4. Apply Shampoo

    • Rub shampoo into their coat, starting at the top and working your way down to their legs. Use your fingers or a bath brush to get the shampoo down to their skin. This is the key part to get your pup smelling fresh and clean.

    • Let the shampoo sit for 2–5 minutes while keeping the area warm.

  5. Rinse Thoroughly

    • Starting at the top of their back, rinse their coat completely. Hold the nozzle close to the skin and work downward.

    • When rinsing their face, tip their head back and avoid getting water or soap in their eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

      ** If its been a while since your pups last bath OR if the have a double coat repeat steps 4 & 5 for best results.

  6. Condition (Optional)

    • Spray a dog-safe conditioner on their wet coat. (plumtastic or Bark 2 Basics conditioner)

      - We like to mix this into a spray bottle for easy application.

  7. Dry Your Dog

    • Hold up a towel to block yourself from the big shake and pat them dry.

    • Use a blower or dog dryer to dry their coat completely. Blow in the direction of their fur growth. Be gentle around their face and avoid blowing directly into their ears, eyes, or nose. (we usually back up a couple steps and give them the car window effect)

  8. Final Touches

    • Brush their coat to remove tangles and mats.

    • Clean their ears with grooming wipes.

Step 2: Trim Your Dog’s Nails
  1. Get Ready

    • Gather your tools and set up in a quiet, well-lit space.

    • Have your dog sit or lie down comfortably.

  2. Using Nail Clippers

    • Hold your dog’s paw gently but firmly.curling their paw under away from their face so you can see the quick of their nail.

    • Look for the “quick” (the pinkish area inside the nail) and avoid cutting it. For black nails, trim small bits at a time until you see a white center with a small black dot.

    • Clip at a slight angle, trimming off a small piece at a time.

  3. Using a Nail Grinder

    • Let your dog sniff the grinder while it’s off to get used to it.

    • Turn it on and gently touch it to the tip of the nail. Use short bursts (2–3 seconds) to avoid heat buildup.

    • Grind at an angle to match the natural shape of the nail. give it a back and forth motion and front to back to smooth/ round the shape of the nail.

  4. Reward and Repeat

    • Praise your dog and give treats after each nail. Take breaks if they seem stressed.

  5. Finish Up

    • Smooth edges with a grinder or nail file.

    • Trim all nails, including the dew claws.

Choosing the Right Tools

Shampoos

  • Concentrated Shampoos: Show Season and Bark 2 Basics are excellent choices. You’ll need a mixing bottle for these.

  • Ready-to-Use Shampoos: Earthbath is a great option if you prefer not to mix.

  • Sensitive Dogs: Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Soap works well for dogs with sensitive skin but also requires mixing.

Brushes and Clippers

  • Brushes: Safari brand brushes are durable, effective, and versatile.

  • Nail Clippers: Safari brand nail trimmers are reliable for dogs of all sizes. I personally prefer the small ones for any size dog. It seems to allow your to have more control and make smaller cuts.

Nail Grinders

  • POPULO 8V Cordless Rotary Tool: This grinder is a favorite because it has multiple speeds and a built-in light for precision.

Dryers

  • Go Pet Club Pet Grooming Hair Dryer: Lightweight and effective for everyday use.

  • Flying Pig High Velocity Grooming Dryer with Heater: Great for professional-level drying.

  • And if you have a big/ double coated dog the k9 high velocity dryer is amazing. It's the top of the line option!

Pro Tips

  • If your dog has mats, remove them before bathing. wetting matting can cause them to get tighter to the skin. It is best to have a professional to help with these. There is nothing wrong with going to a self wash place and asking for help. There is usually someone around that can give you some advice.

  • Keep one hand on your dog while rinsing to help prevent shaking.

  • Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrown quicks.

  • Make grooming a positive experience with plenty of treats and praise.

With the right tools and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll keep your dog clean, comfortable, and looking great! 🐶✨ If this all seems daunting. Hire a professional to take care of this for you! If you are in the Tacoma area we have some fabulous recommendations!


Next week we will talk about the trials and errors of being a pet parent!

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