Dobermans have a low-maintenance coat that requires very little grooming. This breed has little to no dog smell, but a bath every couple months helps control shedding and removes debris trapped in your doberman's paws.
Step 1
Gather your supplies. Not all dobermans enjoy a bath, so if your dog puts up a fight, it's easier to finish the quickly when everything is within reach. Place a towel in the bathtub to prevent your doberman from slipping and a towel on the floor in case he jumps out. Brush your doberman thoroughly to minimize shedding before starting the bath, according to Terrific Pets.
Step 2
Nominate a volunteer to help. Unless your doberman is trained to enter the bathtub without assistance, this heavy breed needs to be lifted into the tub. A family member or person your doberman knows well makes the best volunteer. Once your doberman is inside the tub, place large cotton balls inside each ear to keep water out, according to the Gentle Doberman.
Step 3
Rinse the paws and then the entire coat. Use your hands to create a good lather with a tear-free moisturizing dog shampoo. Add small amounts of water while scrubbing to help lather the shampoo. Pay special attention to the doberman's feet and bottom. Use a cotton ball to clean the top inside of the external ear flap, according to the Doberman Owner's Guide.
Step 4
Rinse the coat until water runs clear. Rub down the doberman with a fluffy dry towel and expect the coat to air-dry within an hour, according to the Gentle Doberman. Blow-drying is not necessary, but can be fun for you and the dog.
References
Tips
- Brush the doberman's fur weekly to minimize shedding between baths.
- Purchase a dog-washing nozzle that hooks up to the shower. These nozzles allow you to test the water temperature before spraying your dog.
Warnings
- Never insert Q-tips or other instruments into the ear canal.
- Only use dog shampoo, since human shampoo can irritate a doberman's skin.
Writer Bio
Melissa McNamara is a certified personal trainer who holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and communication studies from the University of Iowa. She writes for various health and fitness publications while working toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing.