How to Train Your Dog to Love Bath Time

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. 

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.

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.