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.