How to Bathe an Aggressive Dog
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Introduction
Some dogs are fearful, or just plain hate being bathed, and can become aggressive during bath time. They may have developed a negative association with the bath or have experienced discomfort being bathed previously. Perhaps the water was not the right temperature, or they slipped from insecure footing. Other dogs are not used to being handled or put in an enclosed space and do not adjust to the new experience well. Rescue, shelter, farm, working, or guard dogs often fall into this category. If your dog reacts aggressively the minute she realizes you are going to take her into the bath, you are going to have to adjust your technique. The task may require some assistance or additional tools and you are going to need to take precautions to ensure you and your dog are not injured during the bathing process.
Dog's Perspective
The Use Restraints Method
The Create a Positive Association Method
Caution & Considerations
- Take precautions to ensure you, your dog, and anyone assisting you is not injured. You may need to use a muzzle, sedation, a leash or restraints in the tub.
- Using non-slip mats will make bathing safer and your dog feel more secure, which can lessen aggression.
- Ensure no medical conditions or pain are causing your dog to react aggressively.
- Only use sedatives on the advice and direction of a veterinarian.
- Make sure you are using dog-appropriate products that do not irritate skin or eyes.
- Do not rush. Be firm, and patient to reduce anxiety and establish leadership.
- Do not allow an aggressive dog to have his way, as this will only create a positive association with the aggressive behavior and encourage it in future.
Conclusion
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Dudley has recently had a lot of issues with recurrent ear infections and has been back and forth to the vet over the past 6months. He has always been fine in the shower up to now, Although never particularly enjoyed being showered. But the last time I showered him be became aggressive and I had to cut it short and today I tried to get him into the shower and he snapped, so we just left it. He is supposed to be washed twice a week with allergy shampoo but at the moment this isn’t possible with his temperament. He was always such a happy placid dog until this happened, so it is quite out of character for him to act this way. We always bring treats for him to the bathroom while he’s being showered so I don’t know what else to try. What can you suggest?
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Hi Laura! Im sorry to hear about Dudley's ear infections and allergies. My advise is that you rule out anything during bath time that could be causing pain. You may need to check with your vet to verify. Something as simple as placing a towel in the bottom of the tub can help with steadying painful joints. Another option is to move the bath outside so that he he has more room to move around and take breaks as needed. If the biting continues a muzzle may be necessary to keep everyone safe. Good luck and thanks for your question! Paige
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I rescued Griffin a couple of months ago and have not been able to give him a successful bath. He did OK with the groomer his first time, but I tried to give him a bath a couple of times since and he refuses to walk into the tub even if it is dry. If I try to pick him up and place him in he will bite. If I pull him in with his harness he can be dragged in but starts slipping around and will try to get out. I have even put full hot dogs in the dry bath tub and peanut butter on the walls and he refuses to go in. I took him back to the groomer and he bit! Should I go the muzzle and restraint rout, or do you have any other recommendations on how to get him to tolerate a bath?
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Hi Michael, little Griffin may have had a bad experience with the bathtub before you rescued him and that is why he is acting aggressively. For some unknown reason, he has a fear of the tub. I would suggest bathing him outside with just a container of water and a washcloth. He may take to that method better. Another alternative is a dry shampoo recommended by your veterinarian. If you clean Griffin by rubbing him down with a towel each time he comes in from his walk, he shouldn't get very dirty and won't require baths often at all. As for returning to the groomer, start with short easy visits, gradually increasing the grooming session as Griffin learns that the groomer isn't all bad.
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HI Cooper is a rescue dog from the SPCA.He has been with us for 4 weeks now. tried to bath him but got bitten in the hand rather bad, was this too soon to bath him as we don't have any history on his back ground before he was adopted. he does not come across as being an aggressive dog, so far he is settling in nicely
should i rather let a dog groomer bath him using a muzzle as precaution ? please advise
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Thank you for the question. Cooper may have had a bad bathing experience before you got him and that is why he bit you. If you live in a warm climate, try bathing him outside in a kiddie pool as opposed to the inside tub. Other options are to use a dry shampoo or pet wipes to keep him clean in between baths. Being a Border Collie, Cooper should not need to be bathed more than a couple of times a year. Brushing him often to keep tangles out of the coat is more important. As for the muzzling at the groomer, you don't want to make the visits there a fearful and dreaded experience. Take him to a groomer a few times for a meet and greet, as well as easy sessions of nail clipping, etc and then he may be comfortable for a bath there. Find a groomer that is used to fearful dogs. Good luck!
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MAX HAS PERINEAL CANCER. HIS TUMOR IS HUGE. IT DRIPS AND SMELLS BAD. HE WON'T LET ME WASH AROUND IT AND THE GROOMER NO LONGER WILL GROOM HIM. IT BOTHERS ME BECAUSE IT IS GETTING MATTED AND HE BIT ME WHEN I TRIED TO CUT THEM OFF. HE SEEMS FINE EXCEPT THE TUMOR IS SO HUGE.
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Hello, thank you for the question about Max. I'm not a vet of course, but my recommendation would be to take Max to the vet who is treating him and see what they say about the dripping and smell. As well, they will have a solution as to how to get Max cleaned up and more comfortable. Perhaps Max acts aggressively when someone goes near the tumor because there may be pain that you are not aware of. The vet can clean him up and prescribe pain relief. All the best to Max!
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How could i bath my pet since he will almost bite me. During his first two years i could easily give him bath but now almost how many months he refused taking a bath. We bought him to a pet salon but they are also afraid because he is very strong and almost bite them. What to do with his behavior? Pls help
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Hello and thank you for the picture of handsome Chummy. The first thought that comes to mind is why the sudden change? It leads me to think that perhaps a vet visit would be a good idea. If Chummy has an underlying illness or pain of some sort, that could explain why he does not want to be handled and put in the tub. That would be my choice of step to take, just to rule out a medical issue. As well, sometimes a baby pool is less intimidating than the bath. Now that it is getting warmer out, you could try that. Until you see the vet, you could use pet wipes to clean Chummy's fur. They also work well. Good luck!
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Grooming Success Stories
The most affectionate rescue. Have had him 2 years. Fearful of baths, have tried treats, toys, vet prescribed relaxers, yet he will bite or hide under my bed for hours. Muzzles don’t contain him and no groomer will take him. I’m going to try doing it outside today, but not optimistic. Sigh. He really needs a bath!
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