How to Give Your Shiba Inu (Dog) a Bath

1. Make sure all of your tools and supplies are ready and neatly laid out along the side of the tub. I use EQyss products (from PetEdge.com) since my dog has a double coat that can get quite thick and course.

2. Start running the water to get the right temperature and go fetch your dog. I recommend using the smallest bathroom in your house to reduce chasing time when your dog escapes the tub. (You will also need to have a hand-held showerhead.)

3. You may want to put cotton balls in your dog's ears to keep water from getting in. You may also want to put cotton balls in your ears to muffle the whining and shreaking Shibas are famous for. Remember to remove the cotton balls when you're finished.

4. Once you have your dog in the bathroom, close the door and go test the water. If the water is nice and warm - but not too hot, pick up your Shiba Inu in and place him in the tub.

5. Once he jumps out, pick him up and put him back in.

6. Repeat number 5.

7. Climb into tub with your Shiba to calm him and, as a side bonus, hold him in the tub.

8. This might be a good time to mention not to bother wearing your glasses. Once you and your glasses are covered with soapy water, you won't be able to see out of them anyway.

9. Begin wetting down your dog, making sure to get under his belly. Don't worry too much about dowsing his head since that's easiest to clean and can wait until last. I usually just use a wet wash cloth for his face and ears since it creates the least amount of stress for both of us.

10. Keeping one arm around your dog, use your other hand to grab the shampoo and work a small amount into your dog's coat.

11. As you apply pressure to the fresh laceration your dog has just inflicted on you while you were trying to apply shampoo, take note that it would probably have been wise to file your dogs nails before beginning the bath.

12. Now that you're using one hand to tend to your scratch, and the other hand is still holding the shampoo, your dog is now free to move about the bathroom. He is nice and soapy and is rather like a greased, furry piglet running rings around the room. I've noticed my Shiba usually gets 3 or 4 laps in before I can get him back in the tub.

13. Fish all of the tools and supplies out of the tub and don't worry about rearranging them on the rim. Getting them out of the tub is the important thing.

14. Now that you and your dog are back in the tub, rinse him thoroughly using a rubber curry (pictured) to get the soap through the hair and rinsed off completely.

15. Again, holding your dog with one arm, use your other hand to grab the creme rinse and apply a small amount to his coat. Work through with the curry.

16. Now that both hands are in use working the creme rinse through, you Shiba can now make another break for the door. Should this result in him barrelling over you and knocking your head against the toilet, simply allow the creme rinse to sit on his fur until you regain consciousness.

17. Once your regain consciousness, pick up your dog and place him back in the tub for his final rinsing. By now he should be slightly tired since he's been running non-stop while you were out.

18. Turn off the water and towel dry your Shiba. While he attempts to test the absorbancy of the walls, cambinets and floor of the bathroom, plug in your hair dryer and turn it on low - warm. Don't use the hot setting or the high setting as both can be very uncomfortable for your dog.

19. Aim hair dryer no closer than 12" at your Shiba while he runs in circles. Stop and give up whenever you get too tired to continue.

19. Now that you've removed the cotton balls from your ears and your dog's ears, answer the doorbell. Explain to your concerned-looking neighbor and ASPCA representative that you are not actually hurting your dog and that you are simply giving him a bath. A fact that will be evident as your still-wet dog bolts between your legs and out the front door to roll in the dirt in your front yard.

20. Finally, fetch your muddy dog, smile politely at your neighbor, and go have a beer.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to bathe your Shiba Inu is to use a "self-serve" grooming place that has the higher tub, with leash restraints and all the tools for you without practically flooding your own bathroom. Bring the shampoo and conditioner you like best - or use one of the products they have there.

Otherwise, I recommend investing in a raised bathing tub with a rubber mat and comfortable restraints. Though Shiba Inus don't usually need baths often, this will make it easier on both of you and result in fewer bath related injuries, not to mention stress!

Top Tricks

1. Put down a rubber mat in your tub for your dog to stand on. A slippery tub makes your dog nervous because he is unsure of his footing.

2. Brush your pup thoroughly before bathing. This will loosen tangles and help cleaning products work better.

3. Be prepared with lots of towels - for you and for your dog.

4. To prevent injury, it's best to lift your dog out of the tub, rather than let him jump since the floors are usually very wet.

5. Remember that the very first thing your dog is going to want to do when you're done bathing him, is get dirty again. As fast as possible.