I was a groomer for one year to at North Star Kennels. I never want to be a groomer ever ever ever again. The shake starts at the head. Like when a duck wants to flog you with it's wings, u hold that bird by the neck and it will be as good as gold. I found out I was allergic to dogs a few years ago. I have heard of other people that have had mass exposure to kennels having this happen to them as well. the doc said he never saw such a reaction. Told me they had to go. Might as well have to me to part with my arms and legs.....so these guys get a bath every other day. Their coats are clean and slick (i use my shampoo and cream rinse so their skin doesn't dry out) and no allergy reaction. I like having dogs that smell good and feel great too. They have to stay in the tub until the water has drained out, and then lay down in the tub and be covered with towels to steam dry for awhile. They actually learned to love it. When Bronki got the cancer the bath was all important to him, i think the steam relieved the pain I didn't know he had in his treachea. (I had him put down as soon as we found out. He didn't suffer long. We thought he had a bronchial infection.) No messy water, no shake.....because when it gets to the head I use a wash cloth and do they ever like that part. When I am gentling a puppy that hasn't had much exposure to people I get a warm wash cloth and gently rub it in the direction a mother's tongue would go. I do not ever get soap in their eyes or water in their ears. They are easy. Washing my Mom's dogs are not. Put your head on the top and no shake I promise!!!!!!! Mary now wants her bath on her bad arthritic days like today when the wind is bad out of the north. i ache and so does she so I let her soak for a while. It is so funny to see them getting sleepy, and trying not to dip their snouts in the water as their heads nod. The neighbor takes his dog out and uses the cold hose. I think he should do the same with himself. Warm water is wonderful and if the bath is a good temp, not to hot for some, warm as toast for others, the dogs will love it.