It is very important to only use canine shampoo. One may think that no harm would come from using human products; however this is not true. Canines are often allergic to human products and human shampoo has a completely different pH balance than what this breed requires for healthy skin and coat. Therefore, it is suggested to always use a effective canine shampoo, followed by a quality canine conditioner.
Bath time should be a fun time; though serious attention must be given in order to do a thorough job. Choose a time when you won't feel rushed. Dogs pick up on their owner's vibes... If you're feeling frustrated or are in a hurry, your Boxer may resist baths or feel stressed when being cleaned.
Plan ahead of time so that the bath is already filled; rushing water can scare a puppy. The water should be warm. Use your wrist to check the temperature. If it feels hot to you, it will be too hot for your dog.
Since an adult is rather large, you may opt to bathe your dog outside and this is fine as long as it's 'weather permitting'. Do keep in mind that this should be done only if your dog has learned to love baths, doesn't mind being sprayed and you can do this in an enclosed area so that your dog will not run off.
If choosing to clean your Boxer outside, it's best not to use a garden hose unless it is very hot outside or the water will just be too cold and may give a Boxer a case of the shivers. You can use a large bucket of warm water to clean your dog and then use buckets of fresh, warm water to rinse.
Choose the
shampoo for your Boxer
wisely; you'll want a brand that cleans away accumulated body oils without stripping the fur of its outer layer (the cuticle) while moisturizing the skin to avoid drying issues without clogging skin pores. Those that contain oatmeal and aloe are great and the scents of almond and/or vanilla tend to remain longer on this breed than some other fragrances.