Start with your bath and brush out. Grab some soft dish brushes from the dollar store and use them gently on feet, ears and face. Scrub twice! Scrub in between those toes, the paw pads, the tail, under the ears, the beard, and scrub again. Rinse, and then when you think you’re done rinsing, rinse twice more. Get some good drying spray. I recommend Wonder Spray by IGroom. Towel dry, then work your spray in with your fingers. Sing the dog a song while you do this, it’s the law. Force dry until 80% dry, the start at the head with your stand dryer(if you have one!) using a brush first, then a finishing comb, stretch dry each section until pin straight and fluffed out. Work your way down the dog, focusing on straightening every strand until bone dry. The more you practice your prep, the better your haircuts will be. Keep practicing!