Today I’m sharing Stewart’s very first bath and exactly how I set it up so bath time stays positive for the next 15 years—scrub-a-dub with zero stress. This is week three of my Cavalier essential grooming series, and my biggest goal is confidence: I want your puppy to feel secure, safe, and happy in the tub from the very first second. I start with stability (a rubber mat so they don’t slip), then I gather my simple must-haves: a gentle puppy-safe shampoo, warm towels from the dryer, a washcloth, high value treats, and either a plastic cup or a handheld shower sprayer. I walk you step-by-step through the whole process: letting your Cavalier get used to the sprayer sound, wetting from the back of the head down (staying away from the face and nose), and using “a little shampoo goes a long way.” I focus on the spots that matter—belly, armpits, bottom, and those long feathers—then I do the face with a warm damp washcloth instead of the sprayer. I also show you how I protect the ear canal by folding the ears down and only cleaning the ear feathers, because keeping water out is crucial for preventing infections. Finally, I talk about rinsing really well (then rinsing one more time), towel drying in the tub, catching that headshake to protect those long ears, and keeping your puppy warm with a drying jacket or cozy towels.