6 Foolproof Tips to Make Your Dog Love Their Bath Time
Taking care of a dog is not all fun and games. Aside from the love and joy you can share with them, you have to be ready to handle many responsibilities. One of which is making sure that your dog is clean and well-groomed.
Unfortunately, not all pups enjoy the process of dog grooming. Some would prefer to avoid any of it entirely and even become violent during your attempts to clean them up. If your dog is on its worst behavior during bath time, fur brushing, and nail cutting, of course, you have the option of training them to make the process easier on you.
Here are some tips that can help you train your beloved furry friend to fall in love with bathtime.
1. Have a Cue or Command to Initiate Bath Time
Dogs are intelligent beings, and they can retain about a hundred words or so. Just like your dog knows its name and remembers the cues for mealtimes, you can also help your dog prepare for their bath time by teaching him a command word.
Once your dog understands the word “bath” and what it entails, he won’t feel anxious or nervous with the surprise that bath time brings. As you remove the element of surprise, you remove the fear from your pup and give him the freedom to relax during the process.
2. Pair Bath Time with Something Your Dog Loves
If you want your dog to behave, you can pair grooming activities with something he enjoys. Soon enough, he will associate bath time with play or treat time.
So, for instance, you can bring your dog some specific treats that will only pair with bath time. You can also give your dog a chew bone or a food puzzle so that he will be occupied as you scrub him over with soap and water.
3. Use Warm Water
When a dog feels cold, he might panic, so it’s best to use warm water instead. Warm water won’t surprise your dog, and it might also lead to relaxation. Make sure to use an anti-slip mat on your floor to keep you and your dog strong and stable as you wash.
4. Use Small Trickles of Water
Speaking of water, make sure you don’t douse your pup with a bucket of water on the first go. Some dogs get nervous about being exposed to too much water at once. Instead, use smaller trickles of water, especially when you need to wash your dog’s face.
When you wash your dog’s face, use a warm, damp cloth, and be as careful as you can when wiping him down. This way, you should be able to avoid anything that will hurt your pet, such as shampoo in the eyes or a particularly strong splash of water.
5. Buy a Special Pet Shower Sprayer
You can invest in a pet shower sprayer to control your water flow. It is a specifically designed attachment that will meet a dog’s needs well, even that of a squeamish pup.
6. Prepare a SelfService Dog Wash Kit
If you want to be free from troubles for your self-service dog wash, you should stock a kit with everything you need. You need pet-safe gentle shampoos, all-natural soaps and bath products, soft towels, products for skin concerns, brushes, ramps or steps, and air dryers.
Final Thoughts
Bathing your pet pooch doesn’t have to be a hardship or a headache. In fact, if you follow these tips, you can make bath time incredibly fun and a solid bonding experience for you and your pet.
If you want your pet to get all it needs for a gentle and calming self-wash experience, shop at EarthWise Pet Fremont today. We offer a lot of local pet supplies for all of your beloved dog’s needs. Plus, we have a dog self-wash in Fremont; you can bring your pet, so you have everything you need for a good bath, and you won’t have to worry about messing up your home!