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Black grandpa in an olive cardigan scrubs a soapy black Labrador with a blue sponge in a galvanized tub in the yard. 29 / 33

Most Dogs Dread Bath Day. Duke Stood in the Washtub and Did the Opposite.

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A big galvanized washtub sits in the middle of a cluttered backyard, brimming with white foam, and Duke is standing right in the middle of it. The black Lab's coat is slicked down and spiked with suds, a few bubbles clinging to his ears, and yet his mouth is wide open in a happy, panting grin. Grandpa Walter leans over the rim in an olive cardigan and blue T-shirt, glasses on, scrubbing Duke's shoulder with a bright blue sponge and smiling the patient smile of a man who knows he is about to get very wet. A plastic cup for rinsing floats nearby, and buckets, garden tools, and a basket of laundry fill the yard behind them.

Labs usually do not need frequent baths. Their coat produces natural oils that help repel water and dirt, and bathing too often can strip those oils and leave the skin dry. Many Labs do well with a bath every so often, or whenever they roll in something memorable. Use a dog shampoo, rinse very thoroughly, and towel off well, paying attention to the ears. A secure, nonslip footing in the tub helps a heavy dog feel steady. And be ready for the shake: dogs are remarkably efficient at flinging water off their coats, so stepping back with a towel held up is a wise move when the bath is done.

Duke seems to be one of those rare dogs who actually enjoys bath day. Walter, on the other hand, may want to change his cardigan in about two minutes, right after the big shake.

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