Bathing a Beagle, Part 2

Bathing a Beagle, Part 2

See part 1 for the instructions leading up to this point.

OK, the beagle is in the same room as the tub, the people doing the bathing, the shampoo, and the door is locked and it can’t get away.  If the reader remembers from  part one, our beagle is a big beagle, the largest type of the breed.  Most people are surprised they come that big, but they do.  She stands 24” and should weigh around 50-55 lbs.  She hasn’t weighed this for years and is at least 10 lbs heavier.  The next task is to get the animal into the tub…exactly where it does not want to go.  There are several methods of tub preparation such as running the water before the dog gets into it, running the water after the dog gets in, both with the intention of using a pot or other such utensil to ladle water onto the dog.  If the reader is lucky enough to have one of those shower heads which can be lifted from a cradle and be used like a sink sprayer, this is the best.  It wets the dog most effectively as well as is the best at getting the shampoo out of the coat.  Not only is this method the most effective, in my opinion, but the animal does not have to suffer through listening to the water being drawn.  Though, it is always tempting to make the dog suffer if it gave a difficult time getting to this point.  Of course you may think that drawing the bath before trying to catch the beagle is a better choice, but this doesn’t work if everyone in the house takes showers.  It will know the jig is up and it is the one getting the bath. The beagle will bolt and take up residence under a bed and will only come out at night to scavenge.  Never ever do anything that will indicate to the beagle is about to get a bath because that just makes the task very much more like a circus. Make sure the temperature of the water is comfortable to your hand. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. The dog doesn't need to be scalded or chilled...neither is good for it.  This is a good time to remind assistants that someone needs to have a hand on the collar immediately the moment the animal is in the tub.  Also, recap the rules for who is allowed to say what when the dog escapes the tub if it should escape.   Our rule is you have to be over 18 to swear and then only certain words are allowed.  One word, said with true feeling is often more satisfying than a string of foul language that goes on for minutes. One needs all the breath they can muster for recapturing the beagle.

The time has come to hoist the beast into the bath.   If it’s a smaller beagle, scoop it up lovingly in your arms and plop it in.  If it is a big dog like mine, fight with the rest of the family for a bit about who has a bad back and the loser, the one with the best back, has to do it.  It’s a much easier task if the beagle is standing.  Put one arm around it at the chest and the other around it at the hind end.  Take a deep breath, pray silently that nothing important in your body pops loose and heave it up and over the side into the tub.  But, being a beagle, it will be laying down to make the job more difficult.  It will refuse to stand and will make the owner try to snap lift it from the floor.  We have found the best way to deal with this is to get a hold of the animal under the chest and lift it.  The rest of the beagle will dangle and will be more difficult to get over the edge because it needs to be lifted high enough to get the hind feet over.  Try not to let the feet touch the edge of the tub. The dog will take this opportunity to use it as leverage and struggle some. There will be at least one frantic moment when it wriggles so much you are afraid of dropping it and to avoid this, it helps if the person doing the hoisting is tall enough to clear the beagle over the edge in one fluid motion. No matter which way you get the animal into the tub, be sure someone is ready to grab the collar because the dog knows what is coming and will not usually graciously stay put.  If someone didn’t get hold of the collar quick enough, catch the beagle and try again.  

Now the fun begins.  Mostly, the older dog resigns itself to its fate. It will stand with a  look of utter disgust on its face and tolerate what is to come. Don't expect it to cooperate, but just standing there is a big help. Younger dogs and puppies will actively fight or give you such a look of utter despair you lose heart and want to stop.  Resist!! This is just blatant mind manipulation by the beagle.  Harden your heart and proceed. 

Next, get the animal wet in any way you have planned, pouring water on it from a pot or pan or using the detachable shower head. Remember to test the temperature of the water before it touches the dog. Comfortable to you will be comfortable to the dog, though don't have it as hot as you would like. Thoroughly wet the animal. Always use a shampoo made for dogs.  First, it is like shampoo made for children in that it is not supposed to hurt their eyes if shampoo gets in them. Second, it can contain antibacterial components to keep the coat fresher longer, flea control, soothing elements to help relieve itching, and conditioners to give the dog a shiny coat.  I usually try not to wash the beagle’s head.  If you choose to, put cotton balls deep in its ears to prevent water getting in and causing a problem. Remember to remove the cotton balls when the bath is done.  Leaving the cotton balls in prevents the beagle from hearing humans chewing food and it will miss a mooching opportunity. This is devastating to the beagle and is best avoided.  Even if you don't give human food to your dog, they still like the opportunity to clean up the crumbs.   Start at the top of the dog.  Put shampoo in your hand and lather the dog’s neck and back and then work down the sides, the chest, the stomach, outside and inside of the legs, and the tail.  Rinse the animal from top down.  If you are using a detachable shower head, be careful.  Sometimes it seems the thing has a mind of its own and more than the dog gets wet.  I have managed to get myself and anyone else in the vicinity soaked to the squawking of the others and the pleasure of the beagle.  No matter how well trained you think the dog is, do not depend on telling it to stay without a hand on the collar.  No self respecting beagle will submit willingly to a bath and will have to attempt escape at least once.  Remember, you are the human and the owner, the beagle is a conniving, cute, sentient being in terrible need of a bath and persevere. 

When the ordeal is done and the shampoo is completely rinsed out of the coat and the dog is squeaky clean, drying the beast is next. This is where a hound with loose skin comes in handy.  Gently take handfuls of dog in your hand and very carefully and gently squeeze some of the water out. This can be done without hurting the dog.  They will let you know if you are too rough.   The goal is not to wring the dog dry, but to get some of the water out.  Have everyone take their places for the drying process.  The towel bearer must be ready to throw the towel on the dog as it starts to shake. Release the hold on the dog and get out of the way. It can figure out how to get out and it would really mess up a back to try and lift that weight out of the tub.  We like to give the beagle a treat for withstanding this horrible indignity.  She not only expects but demands it.  Briskly rub the beagle with the towel, perhaps using a couple of towels.  The more water you get off the beast before setting it free means the less water all over the house.  Unlock the door and set it free. 

Now you have a jubilant, sparkling clean, delightfully fragrant beagle.  You still have to clean the tub, mop up the water, find dry clothes, all while the dog is running like a crazy thing around the house rolling on the carpet, and trying like the dickens to pick up the old stink again, but the deed is done.  This is the time to sit down, pop a cold one, pour a glass and raise it to a job well done.  

 

Hopefully it is a dry dog by the time it needs to go outside because the first place it will head is to dirt to roll in it or worse…something dead.  If that is nasty enough, you'll be giving it another bath real soon. But at least now, you know how.