There are many things to be careful of when you decide to groom your dog at home. How big is your dog? Do you have the right products and resources? Can you handle a slippery wet dog? Is your bathtub big enough? If you feel confident enough to take on the challenge, then here's how to begin!
First, you'll want to check your dog's ears. Make sure they are free of debris and foreign matter, but DO NOT shove anything into your dog's ear canal in an attempt to clean it. This can do serious damage. The insides of your dogs ears should be soft and light pink, without any spotting or discolorations. Excessive discharge or dark colored spots can be an indicator of a more serious problem.
When you bathe your dog, you will probably want to tie your lead to something in the bathroom. Be mindful of what you tie off to, though! do not tie off to a piece of plumbing, or other such fixture that could easily rip away and do serious structural damage to your bathroom! You will also want to make sure that you have all of the proper supplies. DO NOT use human products on a dog, it can seriously damage the chemistry of their skin. There are plenty of readily available pet shampoos, choose one that you like there isn't a whole lot of difference. Another thing to be mindful of: make sure that you rinse your dog completely. If soap is left on its skin, "hot-spots" can form. Rashy sources of irritation that are difficult to deal with once they occur. One good way to prevent this is to dilute your soap to 1/2 strength, and wash in two rounds as opposed to one. Your dog will be just as clean, and you'll be twice as happy.
Remember to be careful of water temperature as you wash your dog. Lukewarm water is fine. Dog's don't have the same pleasure principle as humans, and while a nice soothing hot bath might sound great to you, a bath in water closer to its own body temperature will suit your dog better. That's not to say that COLD water is appropriate, just not piping hot.
When you begin scrubbing your dog, begin at the head and work back towards the tail. Be extra careful to avoid the eyes as you do this, getting soap in your dogs eyes can seriously irritate them. You should also not be squeamish about washing your ENTIRE dog, even the awkward rear parts. Just remember that those parts of your dog are more tender than the analogous parts of a human, so be as gentle as possible. It is generally unwise, though, to undertake anal-gland expression on your own, it's best to have a professional do that.
Dry your dog thoroughly with a hair dryer set to high cool. Make sure to dry the undercoat as well as the topcoat. Don't forget to dry the feet, which can be a source of fungal infection, and be careful not to blow air into the eyes, nose, mouth, or ears.
Once you are done, be sure to give your great-smelling dog a hug and a treat!