How to make your dog enjoy bath time

You’re probably tired from persuading your dog or forcing him to take a bath every week. If your dog hates bath time and acts fussy, it may be difficult for you to imagine that you could turn it around and start viewing a bath as a fun time and a time for bonding with your little one instead, but it is very much possible! The key is to have a strategy to bring about a change. Here are a few tips for increasing your dog’s love for his bath time:

1. Take your dog for a nice, long walk

With the heat rising, many dogs naturally enjoy a dip in the water because they’re feeling hot and exhausted after exercising or going for a long walk. So, use these natural instincts to your advantage. This would be the perfect time to persuade your dog to have a bath and moreover, your dog will have less pent-up energy to fight the process. It’s a win-win situation!

2. Don’t rush it

It’s difficult to stay balanced and live in the moment if you have a limited amount of time and energy to get the bath done. Find a suitable time when you can relax and focus on your dog so that the bath is fun and not a chore for you and the dog.

3. Make it fun

It can be tough to feel positive about the bath if you don’t see a possibility of anything changing and your dog never liking his bath time. One way to change both yours and your dog’s attitudes is to think about bath time as more of a playtime. This can be particularly effective and enjoyable for dogs who really love playing with toys. Bring these toys into the bath tub or bath area to start associating the bath with time to spend playing and bonding together.

4. Get some canine assistance

The best teacher for your dog is often another dog. If your dog is properly socialized with other dogs, taking a bath with another dog who is having a great time can help teach your dog learn how to relax and enjoy the experience of bath time. Make sure the dogs meet well in advance of the bath, so you can ensure they get along during their bath time.

5. Make the water temperature comfortable

What seems like a great temperature of water to you might not be comfortable for your dog or what your dog prefers. Very warm water can actually sometimes be a shock to your dog, especially during summer, so keep the temperature lukewarm to ensure that temperature isn’t part of the problem.

6. Begin when they’re young

Some humans make the mistake of assuming that their puppy is adjusting well to bath time when he just stands there rigidly or worse, shaking in fear, during the entire process. But if your puppy doesn’t seem relaxed, then you may face problems down the road. So, help your little one to enjoy his bath time. Make sure to let your puppy explore the bathtub or bath area when it’s dry and therefore less intimidating for him, before starting with their bath.

7. Go slow and steady

Firstly, let your dog get comfortable with the sound of running water before adding a little water to the tub. Start by getting just his feet wet, and then his legs and then keep going from there. Make the bath time process gradual, allowing your dog to get used to each step, instead of trying to rush the process by dumping a bucket of water on him. The goal is just to get your dog comfortable.

With some time, patience and a few tries, your dog will soon start associating his bath with fun, playing time with you. For any queries and more tips, contact us right away!