If possible, I recommend washing your dog yourself.

As a standard disclaimer, my sharing is based solely on my own experience of raising dogs and knowledge gained from dog training classes. It is not professional or instructional advice.

Why Washing Your Dog Yourself Is Better

1. Reduce the risk of cross-infection
   Pet stores receive a large number of different clients every day, and it’s inevitable that some of them have puppies or kittens with contagious skin diseases. If bathing pools, towels, combs, and other facilities are not strictly disinfected, the risk of cross-infection is high. Take Fantong (my dog) as an example—since I stopped taking him to pet stores for baths, he has rarely suffered from skin diseases.
2. Avoid fear caused by improper handling by groomers
   In many pet stores or hospitals, regardless of their skill level, groomers more or less use “high-pressure tactics.” For instance, they start rinsing or blow-drying from the head, scrub too hard, hold the dog’s muzzle to restrain it, or even blow air into its ears to make it shake off water. These actions can make dogs fearful, and sensitive ones may even become extremely resistant to bathing.
3. Bathing and drying are perfect opportunities to observe your dog’s coat and skin condition
   Your own observations are the most reliable “first-hand information.” During the bathing process, you can carefully spot potential issues in a timely manner: Are there any signs of skin disease? Tangles? Is the coat too dry or too oily? Identifying these problems early not only allows you to address them at an initial stage but also guides your future care routines.

What to Note When Washing Your Dog at Home

1. Have the right equipment
   Dogs have far more fur than humans have hair, and it’s difficult to get the job done without proper equipment. You’ll need dog shampoo, a comb, a hair dryer, towels, ear cleaning solution, and a nail grinder. Choose what you need—they don’t have to be expensive, but you should have all the essentials.
2. Set up a suitable environment
   As animals with concrete thinking, dogs are much more sensitive to their environment than we are. Factors like temperature, humidity, the texture of the floor under their paws, and even your posture can affect their mood and state. If bathing in the shower, ensure good ventilation to avoid stuffiness. It’s best to lay down a non-slip mat, and you can also put a small stool to sit on, reducing the height difference between you and your dog.
3. Use gentle handling
   No matter the situation, it’s better not to start rinsing the head directly with water. Instead, begin with the body. When rinsing sensitive areas like the head, use a weaker water flow. If your dog is uncomfortable with water pouring from above, you can try a different approach—start rinsing from the sides and below first to reduce their stress. For dogs that are afraid of the spray from the showerhead, you can wrap the showerhead with a towel, or simply use a bathtub and a water dipper.