i soak my pythons in an appropriate sized Sterilite tub with some holes in it to let air in. i put down a small hand towel in the bottom and put enough water in so the snake is in the water but does NOT have to swim. i leave them in for 20 to 45 mins depending on how bad the shed is. then i remove them and put them into a small towel to dry them and let them move around a bit which usually helps get the shed off. but since its on the tail tip once out and dry lightly rub at it till it slides off.