It's nothing new if your dog starts to panic and run away when you try to give him a bath. The sensation of getting wet with water and the sound of water running from the faucet can startle and frighten a dog. However, with hard work, you can gradually make your dog feel more comfortable when bathed. Maybe he won't necessarily like being bathed, but at least you don't have to go around the house chasing him when you're about to give him a bath.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Place
Step 1. Cover the floor of the room that will be used to bathe the dog with a rubber rug
This way, your dog won't slip when the floor gets wet. This kind of rug is important, especially if you want to bathe your dog in a soaking tub. The floor of the tub will feel slippery and your dog may slip and fall. This can make him panic so that the bathing experience will be unpleasant.
Step 2. Prepare the necessary equipment in the bathroom before you start bathing him
Before you start bathing your dog, the equipment you need should be readily available and easily available. If you tell him to get into the soaking tub and then you leave him to get some shampoo, he'll have a chance to escape. He may also think that you are playing a game and, eventually, will come after you. Therefore, make sure all the necessary equipment is available before you take your dog to the bathroom.
Some supplies that need to be prepared include snacks, shampoo, brush or comb, and sponge (if you use one). It's a good idea to use a hypoallergenic shampoo or a shampoo with a mild conditioner. If you feel that the shampoo foam could get into his eyes, try using a shampoo that won't cause eye irritation
Step 3. Make sure you use warm water
Dogs don't like being bathed if the water is too hot or cold. Before wetting his body with water, place or put your hand in the water to check the temperature of the water. If the temperature is not right, the first splash of water can make him rebel and try to escape.
Step 4. Ask someone to help you
If possible, it's a good idea to ask someone else to help. He can help hold and hold your dog, as well as distract him while you bathe him. He can also give your dog treats during and after a bath so you don't have to stop bathing him and give him a chance to escape.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Dog for a Bath
Step 1. Learn the process of bathing a dog
The techniques described in this article are focused on keeping your dog calm while bathing. For a complete explanation of the process of bathing a dog, read the article on how to bathe a dog. The article contains complete and detailed information about the techniques for bathing and combing your dog's hair, as well as the products that need to be used.
Step 2. Start bathing her from a young age
If you can get him used to being bathed at a young age, it will be easier for you to bathe him once he grows into an adult dog. Young dogs are smaller in size so it will be easier for you to hold or handle them. In addition, he can also learn early on that bathing (or being bathed) is nothing to be afraid of so he can be more calm when you give him a bath later on.
Make sure you always provide a pleasant bathing experience. Never simply toss or lower your dog into a tub of water. This can make him panic and afraid to be bathed, until any time. Make sure you wet him gradually so he gets used to it
Step 3. Teach your dog certain signals that signal it's time to bathe
When you simply pick him up and take him to the bathroom, he will be so shocked that he may rebel and start panicking. Instead of taking him straight to the bathroom, signal him by saying a specific word or phrase. If he's prepared for what's to come (in this case, a bath), there's a good chance he'll be able to calm down a bit. Use words that signify bath time; You can say, for example, "Bath time!" Repeat the word or phrase several times during the first few showers. Over time, he will learn that the word or phrase signifies bath time. By reducing the "shock" before the bath, he can act calmer because he knows what's going to happen.
Step 4. Avoid chasing your dog as much as possible when he is running away
If he starts to panic before his bath, there's a good chance he'll try to run away. If he runs away, don't chase him. The chase will turn into a chase 'game' so your dog will keep running. If he likes it, he will run right away every time you try to give him a bath. Instead of chasing him, try to persuade him to come closer by giving him a treat. If the distance is close enough, immediately take him to the bathroom by pulling the necklace.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Dogs Calm While Bathing
Step 1. Give him a treat when he gets into the soaking tub
To keep him calm, teach him to associate bath time with fun things. The easiest way to do this is to provide a snack. You can give him some treats during the bathing process. The first treat needs to be given right after he enters the soaking tub (before you start bathing him).
Step 2. Wet the body gradually
Even if the water temperature is correct, your dog may still be surprised when he gets wet. If you startle him suddenly with water, he will startle and start to rebel. Instead of splashing water suddenly, start spraying water on his chest first with low water pressure. If he remains calm, increase the water pressure. After he feels comfortable, gradually pour water on other parts of his body.
Step 3. Keep giving him compliments
Use a cheerful tone of voice and say compliments like “Smart dog!” or other compliments that show your joy for him. The compliment can comfort and keep him calm, and distract him if he starts to feel nervous or anxious.
Step 4. Place the toys in the soaking tub
If your dog has a favorite toy, take it to the bathroom. This way, he can nibble or play with the toy while you bathe him. Toys can also distract her so you can bathe her easily, without having to deal with her "rebellion."
Having toys also helps your dog associate bath time with fun and play, not fear. This is useful for you when bathing him later because he will be more excited to bathe while playing
Step 5. Pour the shampoo into your hands before rubbing it on the dog's fur
The sensation of the shampoo dripping directly on his hair can startle him so much that he may rebel. To prevent this, first pour shampoo into your hands, then rub your hands together. After that, rub the shampoo on the hair.
Step 6. Prevent water from getting into the dog's ears
Ears are very sensitive parts of a dog's body, so water entering their ears can cause pain and discomfort. To avoid this, it's a good idea not to splash or spray water on his face. Alternatively, you can use a washcloth to clean the area around his eyes and mouth.
Some people suggest sticking a cotton ball in the dog's ear to keep water from getting into the ear. While these preventative techniques may work, there's a chance that your dog will be even more startled and frightened. If your dog gets nervous easily, it's a good idea not to put anything in his ear. You just have to be careful when bathing him so that the water doesn't get on his face. If you want to clean his face, head, and ears, use a washcloth that has been dripped with shampoo (just a little). After that, use a wet washcloth to remove the soap and dirt from the fur. Most dogs love when their head, ears and face are rubbed
Step 7. Purchase a shower head with a water pressure regulator
If the shower head you are using is releasing water under high pressure, your dog may be frightened. Pet shower products such as the Bamboo Deluxe Pet Shower Spray have a shower head with a pressure regulator so you can lower the water pressure to keep your dog comfortable and happy when bathed.
Step 8. Give your dog another treat if he seems restless
Prepare some treats so you can give them to your dog right away if he starts to rebel. You can put the treats in an easy-to-reach place or ask someone to pick them up right away. Since you're only bathing him regularly, it's okay to give him more treats than his daily snack allowance.
Step 9. Don't show your anger or annoyance
Bathing a dog can be upsetting, especially if he is uncooperative. However, don't let him look at you when he's angry or upset. Swearing at him will only make the bathing experience a scary thing so he'll be even more afraid to be bathed in the future. Instead of scolding her, try to show positive reinforcement when bathing her.
Step 10. Give him a snack after his bath
Bathing your dog will be easier if there is something he can hope for or get after. Never forget to give him a snack after his bath. In this way, he learns that when he is finished bathing, he will get a reward.
Step 11. Change the place to bathe him
Bathing a dog in a soaking tub can be a challenge. He may be afraid to get into the tub. In addition, it may slip when entering or exiting the tub. Plus, your bathroom might get messy and wet. If your dog doesn't like being in a soaking tub, change the bath to make him feel more comfortable so that the bathing process goes more smoothly.
- Bathe your dog outdoors. It will be easier to take it outside for a bath. This way, he doesn't have to go into the soaking tub. Make sure you put him on a leash if he doesn't like being bathed. This way, you can keep him in place when he's bathed. You still need to associate bath time with positive things so follow the previous steps, such as when you bathe in the bathroom. Wet him slowly and gradually, give him a treat, let him play with his toys, and ask someone to stand or squat beside him to distract him.
- Take your dog to a pet bath service center. Some pet stores and animal care centers have special cubicles or “stations” where you can bathe your dog yourself. Compared to a bath tub in a smaller or narrower bathroom, this shower cubicle has plenty of room, making it easier for you to bathe your dog. You will also be assisted by experienced employees. In addition, they usually also provide free shampoo and towels so you only need to bring your dog. However, it's a good idea to still bring toys and treats for him. Remember that he has to learn that bath time (or in this case, a bath) is a good thing, so positive reinforcement is key in building that mindset. Even if you give him a bath at a grooming center, do whatever you normally do to keep him calm while you're bathing.
Tips
- Calm down. You need to show him that you are calm to keep him calm too.
- Give him compliments and treats after his bath. In this way, he will learn to like bathing.
- Give him lots of compliments and treats if he makes it into the soaking tub. Make him think that the soaking tub is a place he can go to get lots of treats.
- Try chatting with him while bathing him. This way, he will feel more comfortable when bathed.
