We have an Onzen tub (deep soaking, square) in the MB, so DH showers with the dog when the dog needs a bath.

36x36 or 36x42 isn't big enough for including a seat, but if you can annex a closet or other space enough to add in at least an 18"x 36" bench, that's perfect for washing the dog if you add in a hand shower with either a long line, or just separate location above the bench. Just add in a tether line, like at the groomer's where you can have him hop on the bench, secure the tether, and then lather up. Having him be high enough where you don't have to bend so much is the best way to wash a large dog whether you are young or old. (It's also pretty key to aging in place in your home.) I'd suggest an aftermarket mesh drain shield be installed for those times, because German Shepherd hair is pretty coarse and sheddy.

allison, how big is the shower?

live wire oak, we've annexed all available space -- think cabinets built into interior walls, etc. We're talking 845 s.f. for 2+ dog. I can vacuum the entire house from one plug (normal cord) :-)

a 7.5 x 10 foot bath should be able to hold a full sized shower with bench (ie, 36 x 60 minimum).
Post your plan and we can help.
And, yes, with the larger shower, you can shower with the dog and a hand-wand to wash him.

Do you only have one tub in the house? Some on here have said that code in some places requires at least one tub in a house. You might want to check your local code before proceeding too much further.

Install a hand held shower spray. For washing the dog, you're better off with it, anyway, even with the tub, Trust me-- I know!

Cute, Bill.

Our shower is about 4x4 feet.

We have a 70-pound goldendoodle who loves his showers. Currently we have one bathroom with a 42 x 48 shower. I get in the shower with the dog after rolling up my pants legs, and use the handheld shower. Works very well and dog really likes the warm water.

We're adding on to our house and will add 2 more bathrooms, but the best thing will be the outdoor shower with hot and cold water. Then we'll wash the dog outside. I'm looking for a shower fixture for that shower, with a handheld.

I suggest you use a freestanding teak shower bench, rather than building one in. Or install one on the wall that folds. A built-in non-folding bench will take up too much space for your dimensions.

Sorry, forgot to say all our showers have freestanding teak stools - purchased at Smith & Hawkin before they closed.

Thanks, everyone, for the great feed-back. We are checking into the possible code issue, dekeoboe. Thanks for the heads up.

Because the bathroom used to be much bigger, it houses a large built-in vanity which makes positioning utilities less than efficient. That's why the small shower. I'll see if I can figure out graphics to post a layout for more help.

Bill, I love your picture. Well, your dog's picture. I was raised by a rough collie and have always loved them. And I have clipped many of your posts to get pointers for when we try our hand at tiling the bathroom -- porcelain ceramic tile, right? (Wood floor now; what a disaster!) In fact, I was going to ask you if you recommend one of those kits for building the shower: Schluter or Kerdi?

We have been struggling to figure out if a free-standing stool is best or built in. Sounds like several of you are recommending stools.

I love THS. We are in our 60's with a limited budget, getting our tiny cottage as low maintenance as possible as the arthritis advances and the hairline recedes. You people have been invaluable. Thanks, all. Deb

So glad someone brought up this topic! I used to bathe my German Shepherd (over 100lb right now) in my main bathroom in an old harvest gold cast iron tub. When I remodeled the bathroom a few years ago, I switched to a deep soaker acrylic tub. I'm afraid to try to put my dog in the tub because I worry her nails will scratch/gouge the acrylic. I also am concerned about the depth of the tub as she is getting old and has problems with her hips. She recently developed a skin condition that requires bathes 1-3x per week, which so far has been possible outside with the warm weather, but I don't know what I'll be doing when it gets too cold to bathe her outside.

pricklypearcactus: We are installing a hot & cold sill faucet outside for bathing in the warmer New England weather (Moen has one) but need the inside backup for colder weather. I hadn't thought of the problem with the shower pan because our tub is an old cast iron. Glad you mentioned it. It will change the design. And, unfortunately, our GSD has also developed a skin problem requiring frequent bathing.

pricklypearcactus: We are installing a hot & cold sill faucet outside for bathing in the warmer New England weather (Moen has one) but need the inside backup for colder weather. I hadn't thought of the problem with the shower pan because our tub is an old cast iron. Glad you mentioned it. It will change the design. And, unfortunately, our GSD has also developed a skin problem requiring frequent bathing.