How to Wash a Reluctant Dog
Medium
15 - 30 Minutes
2 Weeks
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Some dogs love water. Some dogs love bathing. There are dogs who lie in a bathtub waiting for the water to run out of the faucet, ready for playtime.
But you don’t have one of those dogs. Your dog hates water. He hates baths. He runs from the bathroom anytime you go near it in fear of being put into the tub.
Your dog does not want a bath.
Nope. No way. He’s not going to do it.
But he’s filthy and needs a bath. So, just how to do wash a reluctant dog?
Dog's Perspective
Yours isn’t the only one to fear water or the sounds of the bath running. He isn’t the only one to worry about what might happen or to feel extremely cold during and after his bath. But he does feel these things, and he might be the only one you have to worry about washing.
The Wipe Down Method
Effective
0 Votes
Shampoo
Towel
Step
1
Supplies
Gather the supplies you’ll need to wash your dog by wiping him down and washing him well enough to look and smell clean. You’ll need a bowl of warm water, dog shampoo, a dry towel, and some treats for rewards and redirection.
Step
2
Warm water
Add some dog shampoo to a bowl of warm water. Mix them well as the water is running to make the water sudsy.
Step
3
Washcloth
Dip a washcloth into the warm water and wring out the excess. While you are working with the water and cloth, let your pup see what you are doing. Do not let him drink the water, but you can allow him to sniff your supplies and give him treats along the way.
Step
4
Wash
Choose the areas that need washing most. For instance, if he has muddy paws, focus there. If his neck is dirty or his face has food stuck in his beard, plan on only washing these small areas at first. You’ll need to get him used to washing before you try to tackle the whole dog.
Step
5
Scrub
Use gentle circular motions to scrub the dirty areas on your pup. Let him sniff the washcloth before you begin washing him. This will help raise his comfort level. You may have to rinse the washcloth a few times before he is clean, but try to get the area clean before you give up for the day.
Step
6
Timing
Do not spend too much time washing your pup the first few times you try. Remember he is reluctant for a reason. He’ll need time and several tries to get used to this task before he allows you to clean his whole body.
Step
7
Rewards
Be sure you are rewarding your little guy during his washing and again once you are done.
Step
8
Repeating
Try to do this on a regular basis, only each time try to wash more than the last time. Take your time adding more water and getting your little guy wetter. Keep the rewards high and let him guide you each session. He will let you know just how much he can tolerate.
The Quick Wash Method
Effective
0 Votes
Shampoo
Towel
Step
1
Tub
Prepare your dog’s bath before you bring your pup to the tub. If you are bathing in a bathroom, heat the room with hot water running in the shower or sinks with the door closed. Once the room is warm, fill the tub with warm water. Only fill a few inches, so the water covers your dog’s paws. Making it too deep may scare him a bit.
Step
2
Introduce dog
Once you have everything set up, including your shampoo and towels necessary for drying your dog after his bath, bring your dog into the bathroom. You might consider bringing him into the bathroom on a leash. Once you are both in the room, close the door. This will keep the room warm and keep your pup contained in the room.
Step
3
Treat
Avoid taking your dog straight to the bathtub. Spend a moment or two away from the tub talking to him with a calm tone. You can also give him a treat. A treat will raise his comfort level and distract him from whatever fear he might be feeling. Make this treat a high-value food, not just any food.
Step
4
Water
When it’s time to set your dog in the water, do so slowly with a calm voice and some treats ready for him.
Step
5
Wash
Once your dog is in the water ready to bathe, only wet down a small section of him. This first time you bathe him, depending on how well he takes the water, you might only get his feet wet or wet and washed but not much else of him. Take your time and try this several times before washing too much of your dog. You may be able to wash his face once and get him wet down but not washed the next time.
Step
6
Patience
Have lots of patience and make this acclimation slow for your dog. He will want time to get used to what you do each time you wash him. Try not to change your routine. Doing the same tasks each time, such as heating the bathroom, will provide comfort for your dog every time you wash him. His overall comfort will, in turn, improve as well.
Step
7
Treats
Give your pup treats throughout the bath and after each bath. These rewards remind him of security and comfort.
Caution & Considerations
- Try to remember your dog is reluctant for a reason.
- Your little guy may be fearful of getting wet, or he may be afraid of the sounds of running water.
- You can prepare before your dog's bath by filling the tub with warm water before you even bring him into the bathroom.
- Gallon jugs of warm water can help you rinse your little guy without having to run the shower or faucet.
- Keeping the bathroom door closed while you’re bathing your dog will help keep him warm.
- Another way to make your little guy comfortable is to warm up the bathroom before you bring him in. To do this, run a hot shower with the door closed before you fill up the tub with warm water. The steam from the shower will heat up the bathroom.
- Changing your dog's attitude towards bathing is key to making him comfortable during his much-needed bath.
- Never under-estimate the power of treats. Cheese and meat during bathing times can help calm an anxious dog. If not calm, then it might at least distract him.
- You can create a calm environment with soft, relaxing music or sounds of nature playing in the background.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how to tell your best friend he stinks and needs to be washed, knowing how to make him comfortable is key. He will always be your best friend, but it might take him time to become your pampered pet. Take this slow, and one day, maybe he won’t be as reluctant to bathe as he is now.Â
