How to Trick Your Dog into Loving Bath Time
Your dog is usually a loving, adorable angel that cuddles up to you every chance it gets–that is, until it’s time for a bath. Whether they hear the tap squeak on or the thundering rumble of the tub filling up, your dog just knows when it’s bath time, and they’ll do just about anything to get out of it as much as possible. Unfortunately, that probably means bath time isn’t your favorite, either, as wrangling a dog of any size into a shower or bathtub isn’t for the faint of heart.
While it may seem like an impossible dream for your dog to fall in love with bath time, the good news is that it can happen, turning what was a previously traumatic experience into a time to bond with mom or dad. You’ll need a lot of patience, practice, and love to make bath time fun instead of stressful. Here’s what you should know:
Set Aside Lots of Time
Getting your dog to love bathtime will take a long while, so you’ll need to free up enough time for each session. If you’re stressed during bathtime, your dog will sense it, and they’ll mirror your attitude and demeanor. If you want them to relax, make sure you demonstrate that you are, which means you shouldn’t try to speed through the session. By remaining calm, assertive, and encouraging, your dog will slowly open itself to the idea of bathing.
Use Plenty of Affection and Encouragement
If your dog doesn’t like being touched or handled, you’ll need to get them used to your touch over time, which will come in handy when they’re at the vet or the groomer. You can get them to relax by patting and stroking them all over, starting slowly with their head, neck, chest, shoulders, back, side, then legs. When they’re responsive or calm, be sure to reward them with lots of love and some treats.
When you start making material progress, try gently lifting their paws, one at a time, to get them used to being held. Offer plenty of praise and rewards for their excellent behavior, which will cause them to relax when handled.
Warm Your Dog Up
One of the primary reasons dogs–and many humans–are averse to baths is the freezing temperatures of the water. To circumvent this, get your dog warmed up by going for a run, long walk, or hike, which will make them look forward to cooling down in the tub. The exercise will also help them release pent-up energy, making them calmer during bathtime.
Brush Them Thoroughly
It’s essential to brush your dog before and after the bath, which will also help them get into the mindset of staying still when handled. Brushing your dog thoroughly will also help you get rid of excess fur, hair, dirt, dander, and debris before they set foot in your tub.
Take It Slow
When it’s time to introduce your dog to bathtime, start very slowly. Check the water to ensure it isn’t too cold or hot. Get your dog used to the sound of running water and give lots of praise when they’re calm. Gradually soak their feet, then slowly move up to their legs. You may not see immediate success when you just start, but the goal is to get your dog comfortable in the bath, which can take several tries.
If you have a removable showerhead, bring it close to your dog’s head. Gently stroke your dog’s head and move the showerhead over it, giving them lots of praises along the way. If they stay calm, consider giving them a treat. When they fully relax, start brushing and getting ready to shampoo them.
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Conclusion
By approaching each step with care and lots of love, bathtime can quickly become an enjoyable experience that your dog looks forward to for more bonding time with their parent. By using our guide, you’ll trick your dog into loving bath time before you know it.
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