Preparation: First, make sure you have on hand all the equipment that you require before starting: towels, shampoo etc. All pre-bath work should be done at your grooming station. It is important to keep to a regular routine, which will make you and your dog feel more secure about the process.
Check the ears to see if they need cleaning. Use an ear wipe if necessary and then plug each ear with a cotton ball to stop water from getting in.

• Use a quality, regular, all-purpose shampoo, massaging lather into all parts. Rinse and put on a light conditioner if needed and rinse again.
• Towel dry as much as possible. Allow the coat to dry naturally on a warm day, or use a hair dryer until the dog is completely dry. You can use a regular human hair dryer on a low or medium setting, depending on the dryer. Dry the main body first, not keeping the dryer in one place for too long, then move on to the legs. Dogs generally do not like dryers around the head, ears and eyes so great care must be shown here. And, of course, avoid getting the hair dryer wet.

1. Start by toweling dry as much of the body and underside as possible. Dogs often want to shake themselves when their coats are wet, and you should let the dog do this if it is so inclined.
2. Then towel around the head, paying particular attention to the ears and jowls if they are pendulous like the Basset’s.
3. Work around to the back end and towel up and down the legs.
4. If the dog has a stout tail, it is quite useful to grab this as a “handle” to give you extra control while drying the rump.
5. Then set to work with a hand dryer on a low or medium setting. Don’t have the temperature set too hot – test it for comfort on your hand first.
6. Gently hold the ears out so that the air from the dryer can circulate. But be careful using a dryer around the head – some dogs will shy away from it.
7. Use either your hands or a bristle brush to tease up the lie of the hair so that the warm air can get down to the roots. It’s no good just drying the top layer and leaving some of the coat wet.
8. Work the brush under the airflow in all directions, both with and against the nap of the coat. A low-slung dog might prefer to lie down.
9. It should only take 10 minutes or so to complete the job – but be thorough.