Use a soft brush or grooming glove to go over his whole body, knocking off any stray dirt. You can even use a towel or rag. Boxer skin is sensitive, so don’t use a stiff brush and don’t press too hard.

A young dog’s body should be shiny and smooth. While you’re cleaning him, check for any bumps, bare patches, or scrapes. If he’s been roughhousing or ran into a fence or tree, he could have minor cuts. Clean any cuts and apply antibacterial cream the first day. If he has a scar that’s trying to heal, you can help it along with vitamin E oil. Use your finger, a towel, or a cotton swab to dab it directly on the blemish.

Boxer’s don’t have deep wrinkles like Bulldogs or Pugs, but it’s still important to check his facial wrinkles by running a towel or cotton swab over them. If his nose is dry and crusty, apply a dab of petroleum jelly to soften it. Boxers do shed, but if you groom once a week to remove the dead hair, you will see less of it on the furniture. Boxer coats repel dirt, so it’s not necessary to bathe him often. However, if he’s rubbed himself in some awful odor, as dogs love to do, it’s time for a bath. The easiest place is most likely your own bathtub. In the summer, a bath can be given outdoors. Another possibility is to sponge-bathe him on the grooming table.

Pet stores are full of dog shampoos, so you have a wide choice, from flea shampoos to oatmeal shampoos to old-fashioned formulas. Pour the shampoo on his back and mix with water to lather and spread all over his body. As soon as he’s out of the tub, he’ll shake his whole body and water drops will fly everywhere. Use a towel to get him dry.