The Complete Guide to Grooming Your Dog at Home

Happy golden retriever being groomed at home with a brush — complete guide to at-home dog grooming

Grooming your dog at home isn't just about keeping them clean — it's one of the most important things you can do for their health, comfort, and happiness. A well-groomed dog has healthier skin, a shinier coat, fewer mats, and less shedding. And with the right products and routine, it doesn't have to be a battle.

This guide walks you through everything: understanding your dog's coat type, building a complete bath routine, choosing the right tools, and keeping the coat healthy between baths. Whether you're grooming a Husky, a Poodle, or a Labrador, this is your go-to reference. For more grooming guides, visit our Dog Grooming Guide hub.

Step 1: Know Your Dog's Coat Type

Not all coats are created equal. The right shampoo, conditioner, and tools depend on what kind of coat your dog has.

Short, Smooth Coats

Breeds like Beagles, Boxers, and Dalmatians have low-maintenance coats that shed moderately. They need regular bathing and brushing but don't require heavy conditioning or detangling. DOGDAYS Hydrating Dog Shampoo is an excellent everyday choice.

Double Coats (Heavy Shedders)

Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labs have a dense undercoat that sheds heavily — especially seasonally. These dogs need a dedicated de-shedding shampoo like THE SHEDDER or DOGDAYS De-Shedding Shampoo to manage the fur load. See our Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding guide for a full breakdown.

Curly and Non-Shedding Coats

Poodles, Doodles, Bichons, and similar breeds don't shed much but are prone to matting. They need a moisturizing shampoo like THE NON SHEDDER, regular conditioning, and frequent brushing and combing to prevent knots.

Sensitive Skin

Some dogs react to standard shampoos with itching, redness, or dryness. If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, use DOGDAYS Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo — a hypoallergenic formula free from harsh sulfates and artificial fragrances.

Step 2: Build Your Bath Routine

A complete at-home bath has four steps: wet, shampoo, condition, rinse. Here's how to do each one right. For bathing frequency by coat type, see our How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog guide.

Wet the Coat Thoroughly

Use lukewarm water and wet the coat all the way down to the skin before applying shampoo. A dry or partially wet coat won't lather properly and the shampoo won't distribute evenly.

Shampoo — Choose the Right Formula

Apply shampoo generously from neck to tail and work it deep into the coat with your fingers. For de-shedding shampoos, focus on the undercoat. Leave on for the recommended time (3–5 minutes for de-shedding formulas, 5 minutes for THE SHEDDER) before rinsing.

Pride+Groom shampoo lineup at a glance:

Condition — Don't Skip This Step

Conditioner is what separates a good bath from a great one. After rinsing out the shampoo, apply conditioner evenly through the coat and leave on for 2–3 minutes before rinsing. It replenishes moisture, reduces frizz, and makes brushing dramatically easier. See our Leave-In vs. Rinse-Out Dog Conditioner guide to choose the right option.

Conditioner options:

Rinse Completely

Rinse until the water runs completely clear. Shampoo or conditioner left in the coat can cause skin irritation and dullness. Take your time — especially with thick or double coats.

Step 3: Dry and Brush

After the bath, towel dry thoroughly and let the coat air dry or use a low-heat blow dryer. Once dry (or mostly dry), it's time to brush. See our Best Dog Grooming Tools guide for the full toolkit breakdown.

Brushing

Use THE BRUSH to work through the full coat in the direction of hair growth, removing loose fur and smoothing the coat. For long-haired or curly breeds, spray DOGDAYS Leave-In Detangling Spray before brushing to make the process easier and more comfortable.

Combing

Follow up with THE COMB to finish the coat, catch any remaining tangles, and groom detail areas like the face, ears, paws, and tail that a brush can't fully reach.

Step 4: Between-Bath Care

A great grooming routine doesn't stop at bath day. Here's how to keep the coat healthy between baths.

Leave-In Conditioning

Spray THE LEAVE IN onto dry or damp coat after bathing or between baths. It conditions, protects, and adds shine without rinsing — safe for daily use on all coat types.

Waterless Shampoo

For quick freshening between baths, DOGDAYS Waterless Dog Shampoo cleans and deodorizes the coat without water. Spray on, work through, and brush or towel out.

Paw and Nose Care

Don't forget the extremities. Hot pavement, icy sidewalks, and everyday wear take a toll on paw pads and noses. Apply THE BALM regularly to heal, protect, and moisturize dry or cracked paws and noses.

Coat Health from the Inside

Omega-3 fatty acids support skin and coat health from the inside out. See our Omega-3 for Dogs guide for how fish oil complements your grooming routine.

Product Recommendations by Coat Type

Heavy Shedders (Husky, Lab, German Shepherd)

Curly/Non-Shedding Coats (Poodle, Doodle, Bichon)

Everyday/All Coat Types

Sensitive Skin

Related guides: Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding → | How Often to Bathe Your Dog → | Best Dog Grooming Tools → | Leave-In vs. Rinse-Out Conditioner → | Omega-3 for Coat Health → | Dog Grooming Guide →

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.