Ask The Trainer! - How To Make Your Dog’s Bathtime Enjoyable

Mar 26

„My last dog loved water but as soon as it was time for a bath, we’d have to drag him into the bathroom, and he stood there shaking the whole time. We just got a puppy and are worried bath time is going to be a nightmare again. He’s white and loves rolling in the mud!

Bathtime Blues”

Ah, the familiar saga of wrestling with a reluctant canine in anticipation of bath time—a timeless tale for many pet owners. The struggle is real, folks!

Bath time can be such an overwhelming sensory experience for dogs! Water! Human hands all over their bodies! Weird smelling stuff rubbed on! And they don’t even get to play but have to stand still and endure the ordeal. It's no wonder they're not exactly lining up for the spa treatment!

But fear not, for there are strategies to turn this soggy ordeal into a smoother affair. Here are some pro tips to transform your pup's bath time blues into a more tolerable experience—for all involved:

· Familiar space: Introduce your pup to the bathing area beforehand. Encourage exploration with treats, making it a happy space.

· Non-slip surface: Shower tiles and bathtubs can be slippery (especially if you add soap), and make your dog feel insecure and uncomfortable. Placing a towel or a rubber mat on the bottom surface will provide traction and stability, alleviating their discomfort.

· Distraction Techniques: Invest in a licking mat that sticks to the side of the tiles or tub’s side. Spread something sticky and yummy – peanut butter, cream cheese or that horrible squeezing cheese all work great. Your dog will get a good association with the special treat, and it will keep them calm and still.

· Start Slow: Begin with short sessions, gradually increasing the exposure to water. Maybe just run the water near them at first of wet one part of the body. Avoid overdoing it and poisoning the experience. Slower is faster!

· Temperature Check: Ensure the water temperature is just right – cold water is not pleasant and hot water can scald your dog.

· Be Mindful of Sensitive Areas: Keep the running water away from your pup’s eyes and ears. Water in ears may result in ear infections, especially in dogs with long, floppy ears. Use a wet towel to gently wipe their face and head.

· “Emergency” Bath Protocol: Sometimes, despite all efforts, a rogue mud puddle demands immediate action. In such cases, opt for an alternate bathing spot and reward generously.

· Time To Get Dry(er): Remember to reward for toweling off!

· Super-Secret Tip: Once you’re done with the spa time, give your dog a chewing stick or a filled Kong toy. This can be their big reward for enduring the ordeal and, more importantly, it will keep your wet, overexcited dog from doing zoomies all over your house!

With these tactics in your arsenal, you'll soon find bath time becoming less of a battleground and more of a bonding opportunity with your four-legged companion. After all, every dog deserves to feel pampered—even if they're not convinced at first splash!