A Kid's Life: Washing Dogs

Washing Dogs for Money

By Rich Jensen

Get your fliers out and let the neighbors know you're in the dog washingbusiness.

Equipment: Mild soap, a washcloth, a basin or bathtub, several verylarge towels.

Put warm water in the bathtub or basin. You only need a couple ofinches -- enough to cover Rover's feet. Ease Rover gently into the tub.Be sure to talk to Rover in a calm, soothing voice throughout the wholeoperation.

Since fleas don't like water, they'll scoot up Rover's body to hideout in his ears. To head them off at the pass, put a ring of soapylather around Rover's neck first thing. Keep the lather ring there whileyou take care of Rover's head and body.

Use your washcloth to dampen Rover's coat, and scrub hard to work up agood lather. Rinse the washcloth well before you tackle Rover's head.Work very, very gently, one section of his head at a time. Be carefulto keep water out of Rover's eyes and ears.

Rinse all the soap off Rover. This is very important. If you have aspray attachment on your tub, that works well (keep water warm!). Ifyou're working outside, try the hose, if the water's not too cold.Otherwise, keep Rover in the basin and use several changes of cleanwater. Don't rinse off the flea ring until the very end!

Dry Rover well, using the big towels. Don't let him get cold! Ifyou're inside, keep Rover there for a while, until you're sure he'scompletely dry. If you're outside, try to get him indoors to completelydry off.

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The book has a lot of other stuff about dogs -- including how to adopt a pup and how to housebreak him when you bring him home.

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From Chris G.

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