The dogs bath

Believe it or not there is a certain methodology to bathing a dog that goes beyond just sticking them in the tub and hosing them down for a couple of minutes.
Firstly bear in mind that the cleaning products need to be for a a dog, don't go using the wife's favourite shampoo as the dogs shampoo is formulated to attack the bacteria and dirt that dogs harvest when ever they go outside. Don't be a afraid to splash out a little on this as the oils available for dogs are also very good for their skin and help reduce the chances of any skin issues or infections.
Be mindful of preparations.  Don't try to bath you dog when it is full of energy, and also don't let it outside just after a bath as its body temperature may leave it vulnerable to cold weather after the heat of a bath.  So make sure it is well exercised before to reduce the resistance it can sometimes put up if not keen on this activity.
If you have a long haired breed make sure you are cutting out any tangles that it may have developed but don't do this while your dog is in the bath, remember it will be getting progressively colder the longer it is in there so get it clean and get it out.
Really work the shampoo on breeds that have long hair or wrinkles. 
Don't soak their heads when cleaning, keep that bit dry as they will get stressed if water –boarded, when it comes to the face just use a rinsed flannel.
Womens' tampons make excellent ear cleaners so have a couple of these handy as dogs very easily develop ear problems due to dirt in the ears.
If you can, use a hair dryer to get them dry quickly.  Most dogs love this and it helps in encouraging them into the bath next time.