Williamsville, Missouri (PressExposure) March 30, 2010 -- Remember Bathing Bullmastiffs is an Art and no artist begins to create without all his tools handy.
Now if you will remember this rule, it will determine if your masterpiece is splattered all over your house or has had its effect on your bully.
Bullies will fall in two and a half categories when it comes to bathing: ⢠First category is the bully who is so good in the bath tub, either because they truly love the bath or they have learned it is best not to fight the situation and they simply submit. ⢠Second category is the bully that will struggle against their owner in every step of the way causing the bathroom to need a remodel. ⢠The category of two and one half is the bully who pretends to have completely submitted only to wait for the opportune moment to make its get away. Muddy sudsy water covering everything in its path.
Unless you plan on having a professional groomer meet you dog bathing needs, I will give you some tips to make this time more enjoyable for everyone.
Supply List 1. Shampoo--Get a high quality human shampoo. My favorite with my bullies is Loreal 2 in 1 shampoo for kids. This way it does not hurt their eyes, and a bully face must be cleaned. 2. Shower head with hose. 3. Tub or shower that will comfortably fit the whole dog. 4. Towels. 5. Treats. 6. Wear work clothes that can get wet. 7. Helper if needed. Have this all ready, be prepared before you bring that big baby into the bathroom. ⢠First get them in the tub without the water running. ⢠When calm turn the water on going through the handheld nozzle. ⢠Adjust for heat. Each bully is different, but I have never found one fond of a cold shower. They like warmth, but will get restless if too cold or too hot. ⢠Soak their fur. ⢠Give them a good scratch while foaming up the suds. This is a reward to the dog in itself. ⢠I work from the back end to the front end. Top of the dog then underneath. Last of all the neck then the face. ⢠Try to tilt the face up when washing the soap off, so that the water is draining off the sides and back of the head and not in the nose. I use sweeping sprays to give them breaks, so as to breath, since their snouts are not long. ⢠My bullies noses are always covered in mud and yuk. Get it wet at the beginning of the bath so when you are ready to wash the face the grime is ready to come off. ⢠Once the face is finished, the bully is usually finished. So try to have all the soap rinsed off the body before you start on the face. ⢠I put the towels on my dogs and run them outside, where they can shake to their hearts delight. Otherwise lightly blowing in their ear will usually get them to shake in the shower.... praise them for doing so.. if that is what you wanted. It takes a few good shakes to get all the water out.
Remember to be reaffirming your bully at all times. Tell them they are a good boy or good girl for everything good they are doing. Talk calmly and happy, let them know that you are in control and they have nothing to fear. Do not match your dog's excitement. Stay calm that is what calms them. If you have a good attitude they will eventually develop a good attitude toward bath taking. Make this part of your normal routine. The Bullmastiff love's water and if the owner will exude confidence in this fun ritual they will eventually enjoy it also.