You turn on the tap, and your dog is suddenly in another room. Or they come, but they plant all four legs outside the tub and go stiff as a board. Either way, you end up wetter than they do.
Most dogs who hate baths aren't scared of being clean. They're scared of a mix of things: slipping on a slick tub, the rushing water sound, water in their face and ears, and being held still. Take those away one by one and baths get a lot easier.
Get everything ready before your dog sees anything
Have it all within arm's reach so you never have to let go or leave the room:
- Dog shampoo. Human shampoo isn't made for a dog's skin and can dry it out.
- A cup or handheld sprayer on its lowest setting.
- A non-slip mat or a towel on the tub floor.
- A lick mat with a thin layer of xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Two towels. A quick-dry towel saves a lot of time here.
Step by step
- Tire them out first. A walk or a game of fetch before the bath takes the edge off.
- Run the water before they come in. Lukewarm, a few inches deep. The sound of a filling tub is often the scariest part, so get it over with.
- Stick the lick mat to the tub wall at nose height. Then lift or lead your dog in. Treat right away.
- Start at the back, not the head. Wet the legs, back and body first. Save the face for last, and use a damp washcloth there instead of pouring water.
- Keep water out of the ears and eyes. Tilt the head slightly down when you rinse near it.
- Lather, then rinse more than you think you need to. Leftover shampoo is a common cause of itchy skin after a bath.
- Squeeze, then towel. Run your hands down their body to push water off, then drape the towel over them before they shake.
Drying without the drama
Pat and squeeze with the towel rather than rubbing hard, especially on long or curly coats where rubbing makes tangles. If you use a blow dryer, keep it on a cool or low setting, keep it moving, and hold it away from their face. Many dogs who hate the dryer are fine with a good towel and a warm room.
How often should you bathe a dog?
Less often than most people think. For many dogs, every four to eight weeks is plenty, or whenever they roll in something. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils from their coat. In between, brushing does most of the work, and a paw cleaner cup handles muddy feet without a full bath.
If your dog is truly terrified
Go back a few steps. Spend a few days just walking into the bathroom for treats. Then standing in the empty tub for treats. Then a little water on the paws. It's slow, but it works better than forcing it. If your dog shakes, growls or tries to bite, stop, and talk to your vet or a trainer who works with fearful dogs.
Keep it short
The goal is a bath that's over before your dog decides to panic. Everything ready, lick mat on the wall, body first and face last. For nail trims and brushing, our guide to grooming a dog that hates grooming uses the same ideas.
