Daily bichon frise grooming is a necessary component of owning this breed. However, while brushings are an everyday necessity, baths are a monthly requirement. You may think that giving your dog a monthly bath is excessive, but you will discover that this breed's white coat can easily become matted and dirty.

You can always have a professional take care of your bichon frise grooming when it comes to bathing your pet, but you may find this to be a costly convenience. Furthermore, if you accustom your pooch to this routine when he is a puppy, it will be less of a chore and become a nice bonding experience for you and your bichon.

If you choose to bathe your dog, the following are the items you will need:

• Metal comb and slicker brush

• Dog shampoo and conditioner

• Cotton balls

• Spray hose

• Rubber mat for wash tub

• Towel

• Hair dryer

These items can be purchased at your local pet store and online. However, to find out which bathing supplies are best for bichon frise grooming, consult your breeder.

The following is a brief step-by-step process to follow when bathing your pooch:

Step 1 - Brush bichons before bathing them. Remove all mats and knots from the coat.

Step 2 - Secure the rubber mat into the wash tub to provide your dog with a non-slip surface. This is both for his comfort and safety.

Step 3 - Place a cotton ball in your pet's ears to prevent water from entering his ear canal. Be sure to remove the cotton after the bath is done.

Step 4 - Make sure the water is at the right temperature before placing your pup in the tub. You will want a tepid temperature that is more cool than warm. You want to avoid using hot or warm water as this will dry out his coat.

Step 5 - Begin the bichon frise grooming bath by placing your dog in the tub and rinsing his entire coat. Avoid putting any water near his head. Soak him from the neck down. You can wash his face after with a wet cloth or by applying water by hand.

Step 6 - Apply shampoo to his coat and give him a good scrub with your finger tips. You do not need to use a lot of soap. Dog shampoo is not like human hair washing products. It will not lather and create soapy bubbles. If you apply soap until you see bubbles you have used too much of the product and risk drying out your bichon's skin. Leave the shampoo on for two mintues and then thoroughly rinse it off.

Though it is not necessary to use conditioner, it is a good idea because it will help to provide your dog's skin with moisture and make his coat softer and help prevent knots. Leave conditioner on the coat for a few minutes and then give a good rinse.

Step 7 - Encourage your bichon to shake his wet fur to remove excess water, then wrap him in a towel and take him to a quiet area where you can dry him off. When you have done all of the drying you can do with a towel, use a hair blower to dry his coat the rest of the way. Put it on a low and cool setting.

Step 8 - Once he is dry or almost dry, give him a thorough combing and brushing to remove any bath knots.

Once you are done your bichon frise grooming, always reward him with a good treat, and be sure to talk and praise him during the bathing process.