Star, dane, loves baths because she loves treats. We bathe the dogs in the kids' bathroom, so if I go in that room (to put towels away, or whatever) Star will jump in the tub, waiting for her cookies. If I have to make her get out because it's not bathtime, she's so disappointed!
Max, Akita/chow mix, hates water. He walks around puddles because he hates for his feet to get wet. But he's learned that the bath will happen no matter what, and there are cookies during bathtime! He stands there, looking miserable, but happily accepting the cookies. He's too old/arthritis to jump in or out of the tub, so I lift him in (front feet, then back feet).
To prepare for bathtime, I get out towels, and break up dog biscuits into small pieces (don't want anyone to get fat from their cookies!). Usually, when I'm getting ready, Star is already in the bathtub. Max will hang out outside the bathroom, to make sure he doesn't miss anything. While I bathe Max, Star will scratch at the door! I found that I need an assistant during bathtime, who will feed the treats all through the baths so I can focus on the bath part. I have a hair catcher thingy in the drain, and have to empty it a couple of times during each bath so the water will drain (because Max becomes distressed if he has to stand in water). But with my "assistant", I can easily throw the fur from the drain into the trash without slowing things down much.
Star's coat is so short/smooth compared to Max's heavy double coat that they take about the same amount of time to bathe, even though she's twice his size!
Hope this helps!
Tracy