by Erica Michaelson

Created on: September 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

This article will help you learn how to groom and bathe your silky terrier. I have two silky terriers Dash and Diamond. They are both two years old. We brought Diamond into our lives and we instantly fell in love with the breed. We had her neutered, and then we brought Dash, the male into our family. They are wonderful pets, and surely an important part of our family.

Among the many wonderful trait's of this breed such as, incessant playfulness, undying loyalty, and extreme intelligence, the Silky terrier is definitely high maintenance in the grooming department. Their coat is their distinct pride and glory, however, keeping it that way takes work. With these great tips you will have an easier task. You will actually come to enjoy this ritual, and I do mean ritual, Silky terriers require daily attention.

Not willing to spend a fortune on grooming costs, especially with two dogs, that require so much care, I am the one who does the grooming on these dogs. It took patience, forethought, a calm state of mind, and repetition to be successful.

At first it was disastrous. Silky Terriers really hate to get wet, at least mine do! After they are done with their baths, they go into what I call demon mode. They run about the house and try and dry themselves off. They chase each other and attack each other too. It is really funny. They don't hurt each other, they just chase and taunt each other.

I have finally found a method that works well. I use the laundry sink that has a hose attached.

Prepare for bath

At sink you will need the following items:

Dog shampoo

Dog hair conditioner

Dog towel (I use an old beach towel which works perfectly. I then wash it separately)

Hair cutting Scissors

Comfortable water temperature

Start with a comfortable water temperature. Test on your hand and make sure it is not too hot or cold. If you start off shocking your dog, that may cause trouble ahead in taking future baths. Check an recheck. Let the water run and in a gentle yet confident manner remove the dog's collar and place dog into sink. Have their front paws on the sinks edge while they stand on their hind legs. Reassure you pet and talk in a clam manner to him.

Run the warm water over the back of the coat form the head to the tail. Get the coat nice and wet. Open shampoo bottle and run shampoo along the center of the bag starting at the head and down to the tail. Lather and wash the dogs. Gently wet the face and with shampoo from anther area careful wash the face area. This area

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