How to bathe an Australian Shepherd at home

Give your Australian Shepherd a calm, thorough bath at home without soaking the house or stressing the dog. It suits double-coated herding breeds and any owner with a tub, a shower head and a little patience. Brush the coat out first, since mats get worse when wet.

Jaxx the Aussie 🐾 #australianshepherd #aussie #dogbath #tutorial, by The Dog Detailer on YouTube. 1 min.

Video length
1 min
Time to do it
40 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
8

What you need

Steps

  1. Brush your Aussie thoroughly with a slicker brush and undercoat rake, working down to the skin. Remove loose undercoat and any mats before water touches the coat.

  2. Put a non-slip mat in the tub and lay out two towels and the shampoo within reach. Run the water and check it with your wrist: warm, not hot.

  3. Wet the coat from the neck back, parting the thick fur with your fingers so water reaches the skin. Keep the head dry for now.

  4. Lather dog shampoo into the body with a rubber curry brush or mitt, working in circles. Wash the legs, paws, belly and rear, then rinse until the water runs clear.

  5. Wash the head last with a damp cloth or a little diluted shampoo. Avoid the eyes, and tilt the head down so water and suds do not run into the ears.

  6. Squeeze excess water from the coat with your hands, then towel dry firmly, pressing the towel into the fur rather than rubbing.

  7. Let your Aussie shake off in a safe, contained spot, then air dry or use a dog dryer on a cool or low setting. Never use a hot human hairdryer close to the skin.

  8. Brush the coat again once it is fully dry to prevent tangles and remove loosened undercoat. Give a treat and let the dog rest somewhere warm.

Tips and common mistakes

Rinse longer than you think you need to, since leftover shampoo in a double coat causes itching and dull fur.

Never let water or shampoo get into the ears, and dry inside the ear flap gently with a towel afterwards.

Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks at most unless the dog is dirty, because frequent washing strips natural oils from the coat.

Use a non-slip mat and keep a hand on the dog at all times so it does not jump out of a wet tub.

Questions

How often should I bathe an Australian Shepherd?

Every 6 to 8 weeks is usually enough for a healthy Aussie. Spot clean muddy paws and brush weekly in between baths.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

No. Human shampoo is too harsh for a dog's skin and coat. Use a dog-specific shampoo, ideally one for double-coated breeds.

Should I brush before or after the bath?

Both. Brush out loose undercoat and mats before washing, then brush again once the coat is completely dry.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.

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