I don't have a lot of room, and have 2 water-loving doggies (a springer and a lab puppy). In the summer it's been OK, they can hang out damp in the garden.

But I'm concerned that, as it gets colder, coming in with muddy dogs won't work so well.

I'm wondering about having an outdoor rinsing-off area, then a quick towel down and in front of the radiator.

Would you do this, and if so, can you recommend where to get a good robust outdoor bath/trough? I'd need to be able to empty it easily. Thanks!

I have a White long haired gsd and he gets sooo muddy especially in winter!! I have a couple of methods as I don't like washing him in the cold so depending on how bad he is:
Dog anti bac wipes- a quick wipe over the worst areas works well
Dry shampoo spray and then a thorough brush
I let him dry in the utility room then brush him
Worst case he goes to the Groomers!!

My ESS Jessie hates having baths. It takes two of us to keep her in it, and it becomes such an ordeal. However in the summer we found she would let us wash her down in the garden... she's been getting pretty muddy from the fields etc now the 'sludge' is here, so ive been thinking the same.

I dont want her to be cold.. but i dont want her to be filthy either. Atm im making do with sprays and wipes..things like the dirty dawg no rinse shampoo...and a good brush.

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Would you be filling it up with cold water or doing trips to and from the sink with warm water? In winter my water mad Spaniels are brought upstairs for a proper bath, I didn't think it would be possible to wash them outside and avoid them getting sick.

we have 3 dogs ..2 labs and a springer ...in the summer we use a builders bath ( the sort they mix cement in ) in the winter they go to a groomer

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I use one of those shower heads that pushes onto the taps. If you cut the pipe in half you will find the cut ends fit nice and tight into a hose pipe. Push the ends onto the taps, push the cut end into a hose pipe, push the other cut end with the shower head on into the other end of the hosepipe and you have a warm outdoor dog shower.

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brilliant idea

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I have been searching around and found an outdoor mixer tap that does not freeze. I was thinking of using a short hose with a shower head. Link to company here Freeze Proof Outside Wall Taps | Harrier Hydrants & Taps

If anyone has one of these I would be interested to hear