| Re: Bath question
When I wash my dogs I start at the head and work towards the back. If your dog is especialy prone to ear infections (most drop ear dogs) then put a cotton ball in each ear before starting. Don't jam it in, just far enough in to stay put so that tons of water don't go in there. I then take a washcloth and wet it and soap it up just like you would if you were bathing a child's face, and wash the face. They will usually close their eyes but be careful around there to rinse with clear water if you happen to get soap in the eyes. It just irritates them like it does us. The gunk by the corners of the eyes should be taken care of daily with a warm wet wash cloth. Then you won't have the dried up crusty stuff to deal with when you bathe the dog. Don't let that stuff around the eyes go as it can block tear ducts and cause infections. Wipe with a good wet wash cloth EVERY day.
After you have bathed the face, then I put a tablespoon of shampoo in the bottom of one of those huge plastic cups (Big Gulp??) that you get at the store. Fill the cup with warm water while swirling to mix in the soap. Pour a handful of the water/soap mixture into your hand and grab the dog's ear, soaking/washing it in the soapy water in your hand. Repeat for the other ear.
Now you are free to wet down the rest of the dog with clear water first and continue using the soapy water to bathe the dog to the tail end. I do the same "pour a handful" thing for the privates area to be sure I get that clean. Once the dog has been sufficienty soaped and lathered to your liking, then start rinsing with clear warm water starting at the head and moving to the tail. My dogs don't mind having a cupful of water poured on their snout to rinse. Rinse careful to rinse well but not pour water into the ears. Then start at the neck and work back to the butt. Be sure to get the undersides and the privates. Towel dry. Done. | 
