Puppy has lost that lovely 'puppy' smell and I am starting to think she needs a bath. I don't want to do any harm to her lovely rough feeling coat so wondered if there is any brand of dog shampoo that would be better for a Border Terrier.

Also any tips on how to make the whole first bath thing as stress-free and fun for her as possible would be very welcome.

thanks

Border Terriers do nt need a bath unless they have rolled in something very very smelly, you will find that she will come out like a fluff ball, and certainly at this time of the year you will lose the waterproofing ability of the coat. Their coats seem to have a natural ability to keep itself clean.

If you want to bath them, the the only time would be just after they are stripped.

I can promise you that in all my years of keeping BT's I can count on one hand the times that they have had a bath and usually that has been when they have rolled in fox poo.

If you really have to bath her you can get a "Wire" hair shampoo from Shaws that does not soften the coat as much as others do. But I really would take the previous advice - only bath if you absolutely have to. A good brushing and combing will remove the dander and fluff and a lot of dust/scurf. You can also use a wet, well wrung out towel and give a good hard rub to remove doggy smell without actually bathing.

I never bath my Borders, but there are dry foam shampoos you can buy, that (I believe) do not alter the texture of the coat.
Dawn.

thanks for all your helpful advice. I don't mind a doggie smell at all but I think she must have rolled in something she should'nt have and really does pong a bit! Anyway I have tried the rub down with water on a towel and its done the trick although its amazing how just a bit of water has turned her into a fluff ball!

Thanks again....