Bathing a dog at home saves money and, once you've got a routine down, is a lot less stressful than it sounds for both of you. The main things that trip people up are water temperature, product choice, and rinsing — all fixable with a bit of preparation.
How often is actually necessary
Most dogs don't need bathing more than once every 4-6 weeks, and some go longer. Over-bathing strips natural oils from the skin and coat, which can cause dryness and irritation — more isn't better here. Dogs that swim regularly or roll in something they shouldn't have are the obvious exceptions.
Before you start
Brush your dog first, especially if they have a medium or long coat. Matting gets worse, not better, once it's wet. Lay down a non-slip mat in the tub or shower if you don't already have one — a dog that feels unstable on a slippery surface will be far more anxious about the whole process.
Water temperature and technique
Lukewarm water, similar to what you'd use for a baby, is the standard — not hot, not cold. Wet your dog thoroughly from the neck down before applying shampoo, working from the back toward the tail and legs. Avoid getting water directly in the ears; a damp cloth for the face and around the ears is safer than pouring water over the head.
Choosing a shampoo
Use a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs — human shampoo has a different pH and can dry out a dog's skin. If your dog has sensitive skin or any diagnosed skin condition, ask your vet for a product recommendation rather than guessing.
Rinsing is the step people rush
Leftover shampoo residue is one of the most common causes of post-bath itching. Rinse for longer than feels necessary — run your hands through the coat as you rinse to check for any remaining suds, particularly around the belly, armpits and base of the tail where product tends to collect.
Drying and finishing up
Towel dry as much excess water as possible before letting your dog shake (they will, regardless of timing). Long or double-coated breeds benefit from a proper blow-dry on a cool or low setting, since air-drying alone can leave the undercoat damp for hours, which isn't great in cooler weather.
A good bath is also a natural moment to check for anything unusual on the skin — lumps, redness, or areas your dog seems sensitive about — while you already have your hands all over them.