Most dogs dread bath time; whenever they hear “bath,” they recognize it quickly and hurry to find somewhere to hide.
Grooming is essential for any dog, so bath time doesn’t have to be all about chasing and convincing your dog to succumb to it. But there are ways to correct this.
There are ways to make your dog appreciate bath time more so that the next time, he won’t have to act like a mad dog to avoid bathing.
A little tweaking on your dog’s bath routine could improve the experience; make it rewarding so that your dog will interpret bath time as a rewarding experience. This way, you won’t have to force your dog to take a bath every time.
Also, try these tips and tricks to make bath time more accessible for you and your dog.
1. Create a new routine for your dog before bath time
First of all, create a pleasant routine for your dog.
Don’t just pick him up and drop him in the bathtub. He will undoubtedly dread bath time every time that happens!
Here are some of the steps you can incorporate into your bath routine to make the experience more pleasant for your dog:
a. Walk your dog until he’s tired.
b. Brush your dog’s coat, and make sure to remove mats.
c. Trim your dog’s nails and clean your dog’s ears.
d. Brush your dog’s teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
e. Ensure everything (including bathing supplies) is in place before bathing him.
2. Keep your calm before your dog
Dogs are better at detecting our emotions, even more than you think!
So, if you show your dog a calm and collected exterior, he will feel secure and will most likely give in to bath time.
If your face shows otherwise, it’s not surprising if your dog starts wiggling and struggling—he will become anxious at your demeanor! So, keep calm and relax, then do your thing.
3. Give your dog treats
Dogs often equate treats with good experiences. So, keep those yummy dog treats handy during playtime, before, during, and after bath time.
With these treats, your dog will look forward to every bath time!
4. Make sure your water temperature is just right for your dog
Just like humans, dogs can’t tolerate too much heat or cold. So, make bath time easier for your dog by bathing him with warmer water than at room temperature.
Also, don’t startle your dog by pouring water on his face; start on his feet and work your way up.
5. Use the appropriate bath essentials for your dog
Dogs have susceptible skin; even the gentlest baby wash can irritate it. Therefore, the bath essentials you will use on your dog should be made specifically for them.
Also, make sure that after shampooing your dog, you rinse out any shampoo residue on your dog’s body.
6. Practice the craft of dog bathing
The abovementioned tips are usually practical, but the whole bath process becomes even easier if you practice, practice, and practice! Good luck!
