How to give a very scared dog a bath?
Maye Gleichner
2025-08-18 09:01:09
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: 28
Try putting the leash on him and just walk him around the house, not near the bathroom, if all goes well, give him a treat, reward and release him. Get him used to having the leash not be associated with the tub. Using just his collar, lead him into the bathroom and close the door. Sit on the floor and play with the pup and then get up and leave. Don't make a big deal out of it. Once in the tub, hold him there for a few seconds. If you notice he relaxes, such as letting out a big sigh, then praise, give a treat and take him out. Make sure you place a rubber mat on the bottom so he won’t scramble when he pops those nails out. Also, keeping them trimmed short will help. Eventually, you should be able to convince him that bathing isn’t the big deal he thinks it is, especially if he thinks he’ll be getting lots of treats along the way for good behavior.
Tyler Wintheiser
2025-08-09 01:46:15
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: 21
If your dog doesn't absolutely have to be bathed, I recommend taking the time to train them to be comfortable with water and with being scrubbed. If you force your dog into the tub, you're probably signing yourself (and your dog) up for years of unpleasantness surrounding your dog's bath time. So avoid rushing this process if you can. There are a number of products on the market that are advertised as bath alternatives. You can try dry shampoos, which don't require any water, and if your dog is comfortable being petted over most of their body, you won't need to do much if any extra training before using it. Bath mitts are another option, which are disposable fabric pockets that contain a no-rinse shampoo, and the training to get my dogs comfortable with the sight and feel of the mitts was minimal. You can also use a damp cloth to "spot clean" your dog, which is a cheap option, as you don't have to buy a special dog bathing product.
Trenton Gutmann
2025-08-01 00:59:04
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: 19
Treats, a soothing voice, a reassuring “good boy”—these will all do wonders for your dog’s anxiety. Starting with gentle brushing is a good way to prime him for the tub. You’ll want to make sure your dog is at least a little zen before cleaning time. Long walks are a great way to bring anxiety down a notch. Any way you can associate the bath with a positive experience will help you in the long run, as well starting your little mate out young. Make sure the water is lukewarm and the pressure isn’t too strong. Start small to acclimatise your dog to the water. Have your towels ready and pat your dog dry, as rubbing will only tangle your dog’s fur up if it’s long.
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