This is not an easy question because each breed, of course, is different and requires separate consideration. We have raised Dalmatians for over 25 years and have some excellent experience with their needs. Many other "short hair" dogs have similar needs and characteristics. How often do I wash my dog is an important question for every dog owner for many reasons described below.
Early Training
The simplest answer for washing a dog is - teach them early! We have raised most of our Dals from pups. You probably know you wash and groom your dog as frequently as their level of activity demands. Dalmatians are very active so they get a more frequent - as much as weekly - washing. You better believe that requires some training. So the first thing part of the answer to How often do I wash and groom my dog is in the training. The more enjoyable it is for you and your dog - the more agreeable to a necessary frequency you will have.
There are many owners that don't have a reasonable schedule for washing and grooming their dog. We have to remember the obvious, your dog cannot just stay clean on his or her own. They may be capable of cleaning themselves to a certain degree, they still need more help.
So your early schedule should be no more than on a two week cycle until you have established an acceptable routine.
Routine Schedule
We start out with the puppy as soon as weaned. Most of us are families and use the family bath. We have a detachable shower head that hangs down almost to the base of the tub. We put the pup in the center of the tub and let the water "flow" over their feet, legs and then their back. Expect a lot of excitement early on. But be patient. Puppies are generally very active. They are also very trainable when done firmly and with purpose. We simply put our hand on the puppy's back and hold him close the tub.
A few "tussels" and all of our kids have gotten the message. Winston, today actually hops into the tub now! Believe me, when he started he was looking for any way out - fast. It just takes time. So training is the first ingredient.
Maybe you need some motivation to wash and groom your dog every week or every two weeks. It is that two week cycle that we draw the line. So how often do I wash my dog is a critical question. After that, their skin seems to draw dirt and the ever present doggy smell starts to assert itself.
This Routine Will Encourage Good Physical and Mental Health - For You Both!
Washing and grooming your dog encourages health of its skin and coat. Regular brushing and grooming is also important. These two regular regimens encourage new hair, remove the old or loose hair, invigorate blood flow and help encourage muscle development and maintenance.
A dog's skin is an organ just as important as its heart or lungs. That organ needs regular attention and care to ensure it is clear and free of obstructions. It has to be able to throw off toxins and other normal waste in order to maintain a health body circulation. Washing the outside is like the body working on the inside to flush out toxins through the kidneys.
If you think of it that way - it makes perfect sense to wash them as frequently as needed to keep them clean. This is because clean equals healthy. There are a number of soaps at the pet's store. Look for one that is gentle and has a mild scent. If you have more than one dog - be sure to wash them both at the same time. Trust me, I learned early that will make a big difference in their "social interaction".
Washing and grooming your dog will ensure that your dog stays in good mental and physical shape. Dogs, much like people respond very well to personal and frequent attention. The washing and grooming are ideal opportunities to encourage that attachment and improve mental health for the dog and the owner as well.
Washing and grooming also discourages the development of problems that lead to illness, infection and infestations of all descriptions. No need to be graphic here. Just suffice it to say - just like humans a dog will faire much better when regularly washed and groomed than if neglected or left to its own natural devices.
We are constantly concerned with keeping a clean and healthy environment for the whole family - which includes our Winston, Lady and Mia. Winston and Mia we have raised from pups. Lady came as a rescue when she was nearly 8 years old and cast off by her owner. In fact Lady was abandoned in her back yard for days. Fleas and other pests did their worst - so Lady's skin is very sensitive. We know how to be attentive - believe me. This point applies to both your dog and your home.
Gentle Conversation and Soap - Do The Trick
Finally, frequent washing and grooming cuts down on all the bills you can imagine. The vet's costs will fall - we can attest to that fact. Once we got Lady, for example, on a bi-weekly schedule, her health improved markedly. Sure there was a lot we did to improve her health, but we are convinced that the basis for the success started in the tub with our favorite dog soap, warm water and a lot of gentle conversation and encouragement. She "warmed up" to the washing in a few sessions. You can imagine her reaction to humans when she arrived in our home after weeks of maltreatment. It just took a lot of patient encouragement to overcome her fears. Now she takes to the washing much like Winston.
And that leads to the last and most important point. The whole experience of washing every two weeks has created a bond with each of our best friends that has lasted for years. There is no way to describe how much that means to us and we believe to them as well.
There you have it. Training early, routine schedule, gentle conversation and soap and patience. How often do I wash my dog becomes a secondary issue. You do it when it is necessary and the rest of the issues just seem to wash down the drain. But you need to learn as much as you can about your dog's needs.