i love giving zack a bath. He doesn't act like he's thrilled, but he just stands there and doesn't try to get away, and he gives me kisses if i ask for them, which is a good sign.
I don't actually give him baths, i spray him, i have one of these:
http://pet-guys.stores.yahoo.net/-706738614740.html
I LOVE this thing, it makes the bathing so easy. I have one of those little shower benches that elderly and disabled people get for the shower or bath, and i put him on that, and i usually stand and bend over, but i could sit down in the tube if i wanted, or sit on the side of the tub. I have the sprayer hooked up to the shower head. You can still use your shower when it's attached. the thing i love most about it is i press down with my thumb and the water sprays out. I let go with my thumb and the water stops, so i can let go of the hose and let it drop and use both my hands to rub shampoo in, or just comfort Zack, and then pick it up again, the on/off thing is great, good control over the water.
and yes, lots of "you are SUCH a GOOD boy, yes, good boy, good Zack.." etc. The last time i gave him a bath, i was washing insecticide (Advantage) off of him, and i was singing the whole time, "SINGING IN THE RAIN, SINGING IN THE RAIN, WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING, I'M HAPPY AGAIN!!!." we had a great time.
i love the part at the end when i get the big fluffy towel and wrap him up in it and carry him downstairs and let him loose, at first he stays on my lap and lets me rub him, then he starts partying, such excitment, it's great entertainment.
I just let his hair dry the way it dries, i like how his coat looks.
I use Four Paws Magic Oatmeal shampoo, it's supposed to be good for their skin and hypoallergenic etc. I give him a bath about once a month.