[HChellette]

I do most of my own grooming also to cut down on expenses. Also, I enjoy it most times because it's a special time for her to learn to trust me. When she was a baby, I played with her feet and her ears and cleaned her eyes often, so that doing those things to her didn't bother her. Now, I do take Silvia to the groomer maybe once every couple of months or so, just because they do a much better job than me. But, in between, I bathe her every two to three weeks and trim her hair and nails and (attempt to) clean her ears. If you start early as a puppy, it's much easier.

I normally bathe Silvia in our kitchen sink, because it is taller than a bathroom sink and I can sit in a chair and bathe her comfortably. I use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and luke warm water. I use a puppy tearless shampoo for her head, ears and around the eyes, but use the other for the rest of her body. I've gotten her used to the sound of a blowdryer on low, so it doesn't bother her to be blow dried, but I also towel dry her face. I normally just barely trim her hair to maintain length, mainly around her mouth, tummy and feet. I use tiny manicure scissors to trim hair around her eyes. I also use some peroxide on a q-tip to clean around her eyes and get some of the discoloration out.

It's not that hard to do if you start early and get your baby used to it, so it's not a fight. Silvia just sits there and even moves her head where I need it, because she gets lots of treats when we're through! LOL

Look up some articles online for more specific tips, and good luck!