I tested the ph. It was recommended that it be around 7 and I came right in around 6.
I've been doing it a few years, but this is my first go with dog soap. I used a high percent of olive, castor, and neem. All which are supposed to be better on dogs skin. I could have hit a 7, but I didn't want to over do it on the olive oil. I wanted the bar to be hard enough to last. I make baby soaps that are gentle enough for babies too. I use them on my own son. I just formulated a recipe around that. We shall see how it works. I only scent my soaps with E/Os so all of those are pet friendly too.
The cost is partially why I recommend buying a kit to try it out first.