Okay folks, I got reminded that I am not giving you real tips on how to bathe and save time.
Yes, I use a Bathing Beauty. Yes, you can build your own and not spend the big bucks like I did but do you really need one for one dog? NO. Is it great to have? YES! Does it help if you go to a cottage or a hotel or. Yes, it will work in any laundry tub or bath tub. For dog shows and grooming other people's dogs, it is a must so I CAN JUSTIFY IT but can you? Depends on how much money you have to burn. hehehehe No, I bought mine and spent the big bucks. I can't imagine going back to washing a dog the old way. But if I show you how to, I will show you the old fashioned way with time saving tips.
Do a google on Bathing Beauty to see what one is.
Why do I like it? It evenly distributes shampoo, conditioner and any other thing like a detangler etc that I want to use. I can save on the amount of product, use a minimal amount of water and mix my shampoo and conditioner together and yes the dog comes out clean and soft. BUT if I am doing a whitening treatment I do not mix.
Can you mix shampoo and conditioner together, shake it up and do it that way? Yes but you have to be good at mixing it. You see a dab in the water of shampoo and conditioner pulled and recirculated with a bathing beauty is more effective than a shaking bottle mixing but I think Lori will give it a try and let us know. :-)
But seriously to me its the drying that takes the most time. I tend to be thorough and line comb each section making it last for a few days but its more work than most do.Your dog may lok different when you do it. That's okay too. :-)
On another note, I use mini clippers to clean up the pads but do it after a bath. Why clean pads? Snow, salt, sand gets stuck in the hair, can create knots and think if you had knots between your toes how that would feel. Shaving around their private areas, including doing a scissor clip on the anus (one clean snip) and upper legs keeps them cleaner. This is called a sanitary.
Thinking about getting an Aqua Rug - has anyone used one? Do a google to see what I mean. Maybe I would like one for myself but hmm wonder if they sell them at the As seen on TV stores.
Got another dog to wash and a gallery to do - that's enough for today.