Bathing Your Dog at Home: Tips for Toy Poodles, Shibas, Pomeranians and Golden Retrievers

Edited by PET-Magic | Updated October 18, 2026 | A grooming guide based on publicly available manufacturer and expert information

When bathing your dog at home, brushing beforehand, rinsing thoroughly and drying the coat down to the roots are important. Pay particular attention to tangles in Toy Poodles and the dense undercoat of Shibas, Pomeranians and Golden Retrievers. Choose a shampoo by considering your dog's skin and coat condition and the product's intended use, rather than breed alone.

What to prepare before the bath

Have dog shampoo, a familiar brush, towels, a dryer and a non-slip surface ready. If the product needs dilution, prepare a measuring container too. Keep everything within reach so you do not have to look for tools after wetting your dog. Check for severe matting, redness or wounds before you start.

Five basic steps for bathing your dog at home

1. Brush the coat while it is dry.Remove loose hair and minor tangles gradually, working from the ends of the hair. Do not pull hard on mats; consult a groomer if your dog seems to be in pain.
2. Wet the coat with lukewarm water.Check the temperature with your hand and start gradually on the body rather than suddenly spraying the face. Part the coat to check that the roots are wet, not just the surface.
3. Wash according to the product label.Check whether dilution is needed and how much to use, then work the shampoo in gently. Do not scratch with your nails or scrub hard to remove dirt. Keep water and shampoo out of the eyes, ears and nose.
4. Check for shampoo left behind.Rinse areas where the coat overlaps, including the underarms, inner thighs and paws. The amount of lather alone does not tell you whether the coat is clean.
5. Absorb water with a towel, then dry.Part the coat as you dry it, avoiding prolonged hot airflow on one spot. Check for moisture near the roots rather than judging by the surface alone.

Points to watch for each breed

Toy Poodles: remove tangles before washing and brush gently while drying

Check areas prone to tangling, such as the underarms and paws, before washing. Tangles can make it harder for water and shampoo to reach the coat beneath. While drying, brush gently from the ends and do not force the brush through snags. The result depends on the condition of the coat and brushing as well as the shampoo.

Shibas: wet the dense undercoat, then rinse and dry thoroughly

Remove loose hair before bathing, especially during shedding season. The outer coat may be wet while the undercoat is still dry, so part the hair to check. If your dog is afraid of the shower, do not keep forcibly restraining them; ask for advice on gradual familiarization, such as starting with a damp towel.

Pomeranians: check beneath the fluffy outer coat

The surface of a thick coat can look dry while moisture remains close to the skin. Combine detangling before the bath with a check of the roots after drying. Avoid strong friction and work through small sections of the coat.

Golden Retrievers: prepare for your dog's size

Have enough towels and a suitable drying space ready, and check the chest, belly and legs as well. If it is difficult to support a large dog while working on a wet floor, consider help from a family member or a grooming salon. You do not need to struggle through the entire process alone.

How often to bathe and how to choose a shampoo

Bathing frequency depends on how dirty your dog gets, their environment and their skin condition. Before increasing baths because of an odor, review your washing routine and check the skin. For puppies, senior dogs and dogs receiving treatment, ask your veterinarian about their condition and which products to use.

When comparing shampoos for routine grooming, DAVIS Flowering Bamboo Shampoo is one option, with fragrance, size and usage information available on its product page. It is not a breed-specific shampoo. We also offer a 350 ml dilution bottle for products that need mixing with water. The bottle is empty; shampoo is sold separately.

If dirt or greasiness remains after bathing, see our checklist for dirt, greasiness and odor after a bath. If there is redness, itching or a wound, consult a veterinarian rather than continuing to wash without guidance.

References

• Anicom: How to Shampoo a Dog
• Anicom: Dog Skin, Coat and Care
• Toy Poodle Grooming with an Anicom Groomer
• DAVIS: Flowering Bamboo Shampoo

This is general grooming information, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Follow the instructions on the product you have.