Depending on his living and working circumstances, a Bernese Mountain Dog might need to be bathed every couple of months or only twice a year. If he takes on that “doggy” smell, he needs a bath. If he has fleas or another skin condition, he might need to be bathed with medicated shampoo. A working Bernese might not need a bath as often as a conformation show ring Bernese does.

How To Do the Bathing

Teach your Bernese to stand in a tub (either outside or inside) with encouragement and treats. Let him become accustomed to water splashing on his feet, then his legs, and then his back, and tell him constantly that he is a brave Bernese indeed.

When he is comfortable standing in the tub and he accepts the spray from a shower or hose, put cotton balls in his ears to protect the canals. Then wet his thick coat thoroughly, from head to tail. Starting at his head, squirt the shampoo along his back, legs, and his sides and into his tail.

Massage the shampoo into his coat gently, taking special care not to get soap in his eyes. To clean his head and face, use a soft, soapy cloth. Don’t neglect his belly. Talk quietly to your dog during his bath, and offer praise and bits of treats when he cooperates.

Rinsing the shampoo out of the dog’s coat should take twice the time it took you to lather him up. Begin at his head, and use either your hands or a soft brush to squeeze the soap out of his coat. Rinse until no more soap runs off the dog.

A Bernese will likely shake vigorously when he exits the tub, so prepare to get wet. Have plenty of thick towels available to wring the water out of his coat—and off of yourself. Some owners let their dog air‑dry; others use high-powered forced air blowers, which use cool or slightly warm air to blow-dry the dog’s coat.