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I have heard in the past that regular baths are not necessary for German Shepherds because if their coat... but I have had my pup for just over 3 weeks, and the first night we brought her home she had a bath because she had been romping out in the mud and such that day... and just the other day I gave her another bath because she began to get a funky smell to her... it had been raining here for over a week straight so she was dirty from going outside, anyway both times there was a nasty dirt ring left in the tub! Is it ok to bathe them once a month if they are dirty?? Or is it not good for their coat? She likes to romp outside, but then she does come in and curl up on the couch with me so I'm just wondering how often would be good to give her a bath without harming her coat or skin.

>>I have heard in the past that regular baths are not necessary for German Shepherds because if their coat... but I have had my pup for just over 3 weeks, and the first night we brought her home she had a bath because she had been romping out in the mud and such that day... and just the other day I gave her another bath because she began to get a funky smell to her... it had been raining here for over a week straight so she was dirty from going outside, anyway both times there was a nasty dirt ring left in the tub! Is it ok to bathe them once a month if they are dirty?? Or is it not good for their coat? She likes to romp outside, but then she does come in and curl up on the couch with me so I'm just wondering how often would be good to give her a bath without harming her coat or skin.

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What I used to do when I had a breed that can develop "doggy odor" (which includes the GSD) is use plain water for bathing, and often do it as a sponge bath with warm water in a bucket, a washcloth and a towel to dry. You can even do the dog in sections. That way you do not strip off too much of the healthy skin oil.

A daily rubdown also helps stop doggy odor. Your hands or a rubber curry groomer are good tools to use. This care is good for your dog's temperament and training as well. It is great for health of skin and coat, and after a few sessions (which may be very smelly as that rancid oil moves up off the skin), you'll notice your dog smells much better. I have an article titled Grooming at the link below my signature that gives some details of the incredible benefits you get from a few minutes a day to groom your dog.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47