4 Tips For Giving Your Dog A Bath
Dogs love to be clean, even if they seem to do everything in their power to resist a bath. When you properly clean and groom your dog, you’re actually providing several benefits. You’re giving him attention that he loves, making him feel and look clean, and preventing hygiene issues from causing problems in the future. That said, giving your dog a bath can be challenging. After all, he may not be predisposed to allowing you to clean him. Below, we’ll give you 4 useful tips for giving a bath to your dog while minimizing the struggle.
Tip #1: Mind The Temperature
Just because your dog has a coat doesn’t mean he enjoys standing patiently while you drench him with cold water. At best, he’ll shiver. At worst, he’ll resist getting a bath as much as possible. If you’re bathing your dog outside using water from your garden hose, mind the temperature. The water can become cold quickly.
Tip #2: Buy A Raised Bath
Millions of owners intimately know the frustration of wrestling their dog to keep him in a small tub (or within a confined area) during the bath. Consider buying a raised bath. Not only will it save your back from the discomfort of kneeling over, but it will also keep your dog from escaping. As an added benefit, many of these baths have a valve that allows you to keep the water warm.
Tip #3: Come Prepared
A bottle of shampoo and a garden hose may seem like a complete dog-bathing arsenal at first, but it’s hardly exhaustive. One of the keys to making your dog comfortable - and yourself less frustrated - is planning ahead so you won’t waste time. Bring cotton balls to plug his ears, so water doesn’t get into them. Have a dog shampoo ready that is formulated for his skin (i.e. dry, itchy, flea-infested, etc.). Also, have towels, brushes, and a pet dryer on hand to complete the job.
Tip #4: Start With The Head
Not only is starting at the head useful when your dog has fleas, but it trains him to become accustomed to the bathing process. If your dog is uneasy, gently massage the shampoo into his scalp. Doing so will calm him and keep him settled during the remainder of the bath.
Making Your Dog Comfortable
Even though your dog may initially put up a struggle, there’s plenty you can do to make him more comfortable. Mind the water’s temperature, used a raised bath, have all of the required supplies on hand, and start with his head. In time, he’ll become accustomed to the process, enjoy the attention you’re giving him, and remain calm throughout. Plus, his shiny coat will make him noticeably happier.
Make sure to give your dog(s) plenty of all natural dog treats after their baths to keep them happy!
I use to watch in absolute bewilderment at the stupidity of a former neighbor as he often bellowed and screamed at his lovable lab. It was almost a daily ritual with the bouncy lab zooming out the front door heading down the street, tail between his legs with his Master cursing behind him. This would continue for half a block before the owner would finally give up and stomp home, leaving the lab to his mischief. When the lab picked up the nasty habit of chasing cars, it was no longer a laughing matter.
In my opinion, every dog owner should be required to ensure that their pet has the “Come” and “Stay” commands drilled into them until it is automatic to immediately obey. A dog’s life could be a stake.
Teaching the “Come” command is one of the quickest and easiest ways to build communication between you and your dog. All it takes is a friendly voice and an all natural dog treat, like bully sticks. Note: be sure to offer age and size appropriate all natural dog treats. You should begin the training the first day you bring your new puppy home.
- Let the puppy see and smell the treat - give him a small taste so he will want more
- Each time the puppy wonders away from you, call him by name in a friendly voice
- When he comes to you, offer the treat and lots of praise and affection
If you do this over a period of a few days, the puppy will learn to associate coming to you with reward. Continue reinforcing the training and before long it will become part of his nature to happily respond to your call.
Never scold or hit your dog for coming to you, even if they didn’t immediately obey. Dog’s are not stupid, if someone is screaming at them and acting in a threatening manner then they are going to run. Wouldn’t you?
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