how should i go about this?

would baby shampoo be okay for him at this age for the dry skin?

I've heard that too much bathing can make the skin dry, so tht might not be a good idea.  Then again, I've heard that you just need to use a good conditioner.  Maybe some others will have some suggestions on good brands.

I would try feeding him something while you have him in just a little bit of water.  I'm thinking like peanut butter or something that he could stand there and lick off while the water comes in.  Also don't to too much all at once.  Maybe one day have him stand in the tub, then the next day start some water, then pour some over him, then rub in his fur, etc...work up to it all.

Some dogs will never like water/baths. (Mine being one of them) but at the same time this doesn't mean bath time has to be miserable.

• Allow water to warm up.
• Place water proof toys in the tub.
• Place puppy in the tub and allow them to "hang onto" the side if they need to
• Use a lot of praise and happy voice, you need to let them know bath time is fun! Toys, Treats, Praise, etc
• Massage gently deep into their coat and avoid the eye area (of course)

As for shampoos... there are a lot of different ways to go. High in protein & moisture I suggest. They also make products for sensative skin. PM forum member Pwca or jennie_c_d for some good grooming tips (they both have helped me a lot).

well yesterday i had to shower after work so i took him in to the bathroom and let him play on the floor while i showerd i thought maybe taking a shower with him in the same room would get him used to the sound of the shower and the water running in the tub, as well as today i used just a little bit of baby shampoo. and tried to make bath time fun lol i looked silly with my pant legs rolled up kneeling in 3in of water rubbing him all over. the funny part was he didnt like the water unless i poured it over his head then he got all exsited was kinda odd he didnt really look upset over taking a bath but he also didnt look over joyed. i was thinking of maybe leaving him in the tub for a lot longer in the water so he could get used to it like maybe if he got over the first kinda upsetting moments that he would realize it wasnt bad. of course i wouldnt force him to stay in there but rather make it fun

he did spend some time when he was first in the water and it was running drinking the water befor i started to wash him... big doggy bowl lol but afterwards when he was dry he didnt seem to really care that he just took a bath

 I tried bathing my dog in the tub ONCE! It was a disaster. He was too strong and determined to climb out. Ever since I have showered him. I got a hand held shower head  which is great and I can stand right in there with him. Oh and when he shakes it doesn't go all over the bathroom. Of course I had to get used to having him see me naked! LOL!

I bathe Trudy in the kitchen sink with "no slip" pads on the bottom. I use the sprayer. Many dogs do not want to stand in water. I bathe weekly, that is great for allergies. Just find a great shampoo and conditioner. I use Solid Gold shampoo and conditioner.

Reassure as you bath and give a treat afterwards. Bundle him up in fluffy towels and hold him.  I have never had a problem with bathing doggies. I have always had little dogs. I had a Cocker too.

MOST important is to keep the ears clean and dry. Smell them daily. My cocker had awful problems. Ask your vet about Epi Otic drops. They clean and dry the ears. I use them after each bath and a couple of times a week. I don't think there were good drops when I had my Cocker years ago.

It is good to hear about how you are enjoying your dog.  I also like to use a shower sprayer when I bathe my girls.  That way I can rinse really well, even on the undersides. Rinsing really well is one of the most important things you can do. I also use Emu Oil Pet shampoo for my three Westies.  This seems to work really good.  I also put on a pet conditioner.  My girls don't love their baths (showers), but they do ok in it.  Also, like another poster stated, it is important to keep their ears clean.  I've heard this is especially true with Cockers.  They make special ear cleaner.  I usually get mine from my vet.  I think it is fun to groom my own pets, especially the Westies.  That way I can spend extra time checking them over and spending time with them.  I also bought a video that was just about grooming Westies.  I found it on the internet.  I am sure they have one for Cockers also.  It had information on their cuts and giving baths.  After doing it a few times, I think my girls look as good as when I took them to the groomers.  Keeping the hair brushed between shampoos and grooming is also important.  An added benefit of grooming or even just bathing yourself is the money saved.  Since I have three Westies and one Golden, that adds up. 

Have lots of fun with your little guy.

For the dry skin, try feeding him some fish oil. It improves any diet. It's very beneficial to the skin and especially the developing brain (DHA is a very important fatty acid). 

jennie_c_d

For the dry skin, try feeding him some fish oil. It improves any diet. It's very beneficial to the skin and especially the developing brain (DHA is a very important fatty acid). 

great advice. Currently we mix canned food & kibble then add a lil Wild Salmon Oil to it. This is a wonderful source of omega 3s. You can buy fish oils at your local pet store in the supplement isles.