How to Wash a Dog. 145 



that too much washing softens the coat, and a similar 

 effect is produced by over-grooming. The brush or comb 

 may be used on the frill and coat to a limited extent ; they 

 bring out the " mane " to perfection, and prevent matted 

 growth of coat which is so often seen on the hind-quarters 

 and about the ears, and the latter stand out better and 

 appear of smaller size where particular attention is paid to 

 the hair about their roots. Any of the dog soaps may be 

 used when the dog is washed the day before going to a 

 show. 



Some persons wash their collies two days before the 

 exhibition takes place ; others do not wash them at all r 

 simply giving clean bedding daily prior to their exhibition. 



One animal will look better under the one regime, a second 

 under the other, and the exhibitor must use his own judg- 

 ment under the circumstances. The washing is best done 

 by having the dog standing in a tub or wooden utensil made 

 for the purpose with lukewarm water reaching up to his 

 belly ; he can thus be thoroughly drenched and soused. 

 Care must be taken to keep the water and the washing off 

 the head of the subject until all the body is thoroughly 

 completed. Dogs do not like their heads wet, and if you 

 commence on the head the creature remains uncomfortable 

 during the whole of the time he is undergoing the ordeal. 

 " Elbow grease " is almost as good as soap during this 

 tubbing operation, and dry him as thoroughly as possible 

 before allowing him to go on to his bed or kennel. Hand 

 rubbing and a stiff brush will give the finishing touches and 

 make the dog tidy enough and fit to go before any judge in 

 the land. When in the ring see that you show the dog and 

 not yourself. The latter is often done by the exhibitor 

 walking round with his own person between the eyes of the 



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