How to Train Your Dog to Love Bath Time
Introduction
If you are used to that sound of little claws running across your tile to get far away from you, you just might have a dog who hates bath time. Bathing your dog too often could cause skin irritations, so if your dog hates to be bathed, you might be able to get away with not doing it every week. However, since there are most definitely times your dog is going to need a bath, you might try some techniques to train him to love bath time. Some dogs will jump in, play with the water, even swim, lap at the running water, and not want to get out when bath time is over. However, other dogs fear the running water, are terrified of being dipped in a pool of anything liquid, and will run from you as quickly as they can to get away from the bath.
Defining Tasks
Dogs who do not particularly enjoy bath time are often reacting out of fear or discomfort. A trick to get your dog to enjoy bath time is to make it comfortable for him and without the noise of running water which could scare him. Warm water will make bath time all the more comfortable, especially for smaller breeds. Not every dog can be bathed in the bathtub because of their size and the inconvenience, but maybe you can consider bathing your dog in your shower instead of outside with a hose and colder running water. Teaching your dog to love a bath will require dedication and commitment from you along with patience and excitement so he knows this is something you think is cool and fun. With your excitement, maybe he'll come around.
Getting Started
To get started teaching your dog to love bath time, you are going to need a place to bathe your dog. Ideally, this would be in your own bathtub or at a do-it-yourself dog grooming center or even in your shower. Try to set yourself up for success by having the bath already drawn with comfortable, warm water. Be sure to have your shampoos and products ready before you bring your dog in so you do not leave your dog unattended. Anytime you have your dog in a bathtub, or even your shower, consider placing a towel on the floor of the tub or shower or use a non-slip bath mat, so your dog does not slip and slide. This will help keep him more comfortable and safe. You also may want to consider having a special bathtime treat that is only available for your dog when he takes a bath.
The Good Preparation Method
The Warm Him Up Method
The Shower Together Method
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Paris
How can I make Paris like taking a bath
662 Dog owners recommended
Hello Marisol, First, I suggest introducing water outside. Use a hole or something you can control the flow. Gently have the water running and toss treats a few feet from it. Reward pup for coming close, investigating, and generally being around the water. Don't spray her. Next, increase the water flow gradually as she improves. Reward any good responses and let her choose to come close and investigate on her own to earn food. When pup is completely comfortable with the hose running, use lukewarm cups of water from a bucket outside, gently trickle the water over her while feeding treats at the same time. Start with small amounts, and only increase the amount of water as she gets comfortable. When pup is used to the water, start the same process in the bath, getting her used to the sound of light running water while out and then in the tub using treats for both, then gradually turning up the sound of the water, and finally getting her used to water over her with a cup...I like to bring a few treats to every bath time long-term for my own dogs just so they continue to love bath time, even after they are over fears. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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Would it help If i got in the bath with Izzy to get over her fear. Also she sort of swims in the river but doesn't like the bath
Thanks, RobynW
85 Dog owners recommended
Very cute photo! Getting in the bath may help but Izzy may not like the crowdedness either. Now that the warm weather is here, why not bathe her outside in a baby pool? Because the pool is shallow, it often feels less intimidating to a dog. Purchase a hard pool, not soft, as her claws may go through a soft-bottomed pool. Then, once she is used to the pool and enjoys it over the summer, she can transition to the bath. Also, if Izzy is not that dirty, then use pet wipes to clean her, instead. Good luck!
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