Dog Community

Keeping the dog clean when it's muddy outside (conf.)

Posted : 3/24/2009 8:30:15 AM

Kaiser's first conformation show is this weekend. Surprise The forecast looks absolutely miserable with cold rain and/or snow -- which basically means MUD, especially this time of the year. How, pray tell, do you keep a dog clean before going into the ring? His bottom half is completely white -- fairly short hair, but he's a whiz at getting his entire body muddy and gross while going out for a potty trip.

I'm thinking I'll have to pack the car with a bazillion towels, but what else? Baby wipes? Or are those commercial doggy wipes better for a dog's skin/hair? Any tips for last minute cleaning tips for a potentially dirty dog???

rwbeagles

Posted : 3/24/2009 10:23:05 AM

he's small yes? Just carry him. When you need to potty him...use an expen full of straw or sawdust...usually shows have them for that purpose. If you walk him...walk him on the parking lot or some paved area...don't allow a sit unless it is a good spot. But honestly...if it's kept to the feet and breeches, and it's obvious an effort has been made to clean...a small "I'm sorry, it's so muddy out"...and most judges understand.

If need be you can use boots and pants to cover the "high traffic areas"...but removal would still be needed for potty of course lol. Might keep him crated a bit more too.

KarissaKS

Posted : 3/24/2009 10:41:11 AM

rwbeagles

he's small yes? Just carry him. When you need to potty him...use an expen full of straw or sawdust...usually shows have them for that purpose.

Really? That would make sense, I guess -- Obviously I wouldn't be the only one worried about a muddy dog. If they provide some sort of a "mud-free" potty area as you describe that would be awesome! The show itself is indoors, so it's only the potty breaks that are of concern.

But yes, he's small! I'm fast learning the advantages to having a wee 15 lb dog!! He's also not generally picky about where he goes to the bathroom, so that's a bonus. As long as he has something to "aim" at, he's fine.

I hope being around so many intact females all at once doesn't fry his brain this weekend. Stick out tongue

rwbeagles

Posted : 3/24/2009 10:47:32 AM

I've never been to a show AKC/UKC...without some sort of sawdust/straw ex pen set up. It helps cut down on the amt of dookey left on the grounds LOL.

Liesje

Posted : 3/24/2009 12:19:35 PM

Yeah usually they have those for the little dogs. The last UKC show we were in didn't and it was icky out, but it didn't really matter, everyone was gross and damp. I saw a small Border Collie come in looking like she just came off the field, muddy even, and she did fine.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 3/24/2009 12:30:35 PM

Good thing it's an indoor show, LOL. We've actually shown in mud up to Ena's knees. It was cool, though, because it gave her a HUGE advantage over all the dogs that do show circuits constantly. She LIKES mud!

Carrying and crating are the answer, for sure.