We Love Doodles puppy shampoo guide
Learn how to make your puppy's bath feel calmer and more comfortable.
Before you begin
Bath time is a new experience for your puppy. A little preparation helps them feel more secure and makes the process easier for both of you.
Reward relaxed behaviour throughout the bath to help your puppy build a positive grooming routine.
The routine
Brush, wet, wash, rinse, dry. Keep it calm and keep it short.
Gently brush through your puppy's coat before bathing to remove loose fur and work through small tangles. Water can tighten existing knots, so it is best to address them before the coat gets wet.
Keep brushing sessions short and use gentle pressure while your puppy gets comfortable with being handled.
Slowly wet the coat with lukewarm water, beginning at the shoulders and working toward the tail.
Avoid spraying water directly onto your puppy's face or into their ears.
Apply Puppy Shampoo in sections and gently massage it through the coat and toward the skin. Focus on areas that tend to collect dirt, including the paws, legs, belly, chest, and around the tail.
Let the shampoo stand for five minutes for best results.
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and the coat no longer feels slippery from shampoo.
Wrap your puppy in an absorbent towel and gently press moisture from the coat without rubbing roughly. Dry the coat thoroughly and keep your puppy in a warm, draft-free space.
Brush long, curly, or tangle-prone coats in manageable sections as they dry.
where to apply
Apply shampoo across the back, chest, belly, legs, paws, and tail. Massage it gently through the coat and down toward the skin.
Use extra care around the face.Even with a tearless formula, avoid applying shampoo around the eyes, inner ears, nose, and mouth. Use a damp washcloth for the face, and never pour or spray water directly over your puppy's head.
How often
Most puppies do well with a bath every two to four weeks. The right schedule depends on your puppy's coat, activity level, skin needs, and how quickly they become dirty or oily.
Better together
Four stages, and the right tool for each one.
Use a slicker brush or detangling tool to remove loose fur and gently work through knots.
Use your preferred We Love Doodles shampoo and massage it evenly through the wet coat.
Follow with a conditioner or detangling product when needed to support softness, slip, and easier brushing.
Use an absorbent towel, brushing tool, and controlled airflow to dry the coat evenly and prevent new tangles.
The rest of the kit
Pair your Puppy Shampoo with the tools that make each stage of the bath easier.
Removes loose fur and works through knots before the coat gets wet.
Shop brushesAdds slip and makes brushing easier between baths.
Shop detangling productsWe Love Doodles
At-Home Grooming Guide
Puppy bath steps · brushing · coat care
Take it with you
Help your puppy get comfortable with grooming from the start. Get the complete We Love Doodles At-Home Grooming Guide, including puppy bath steps, brushing tips, coat-care guidance, and common mistakes to avoid.
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After the bath
Tell us how your dog's bath turned out. Your review helps other dog parents find the right routine and helps us continue improving our products.
Appendix
Wait until your puppy is at least 8 weeks old for their first full bath. Before then, introduce them to the grooming routine and use warm damp cloth baths.
Most puppies do well with a bath every two to four weeks. Active puppies, or puppies that get dirty outdoors, may need more frequent cleaning.
Yes. We Love Doodles Puppy Shampoo has a gentle, tearless formula. Even so, shampoo should be kept out of your puppy's eyes, inner ears, nose, and mouth.
Gently rinse the affected eye with clean, lukewarm water. Contact your veterinarian if redness, squinting, or irritation continues.
Introduce the bathing area, water, and grooming tools gradually. Use a non-slip surface, keep the water lukewarm, reward calm behaviour, and keep early baths short. Avoid forcing your puppy through a long grooming session when they are overwhelmed.
It is best to towel-dry your puppy thoroughly and keep them in a warm, draft-free space. Curly, long, and tangle-prone coats should be brushed in sections as they dry to help prevent knots and mats.
Many dogs transition from puppy shampoo at around 12 months old. Puppies with sensitive skin or fine coats may continue using a gentle puppy shampoo longer, depending on their individual needs.
Keep going
Explore puppy-friendly grooming products created to make bathing, brushing, and caring for your puppy's developing coat a little easier.
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