How to Give Your Dog a Bath When They Don’t Want One

Many dogs find bath time stressful due to the confined space and fear of running water. If your dog resists bathing, it can be challenging, as a smelly dog is unpleasant to be around. However, with consistent training and gentle handling, you can help your dog become more comfortable with baths.

Why Dogs Don’t Like Baths

Not all dogs hate baths. Some enjoy splashing in puddles or shallow water but struggle with swimming due to their shorter legs. Others, like Labradors and Spaniels, love water. The main reasons dogs dislike baths include:

• Bad Experiences: A negative experience, such as being splashed in the face as a puppy or getting water in their ears, can make dogs fearful of baths.
• Lack of Water Training: Puppies and young dogs need positive exposure to water early on. Proper water training can prevent future issues.
• No Real Reason: Sometimes dogs have pre-existing quirks, including a fear of water. Understanding the cause is helpful but not essential, as any behavior can be trained with patience.

Andy Ellis, an expert at Posh.co.uk, said: “Training dogs to get used to the bath is a challenging commitment but is extremely important. Bathing helps prevent nasty odors and bugs from latching onto their fur.”

Top Tips for Getting Your Dog Used to Bathing

Here are some top tips to help your dog get accustomed to bath time:

1. Use Warm Water Ensure the water temperature is just right. If it’s too cold, your dog will shiver; if it’s too hot, it can scald their skin. Test the water as you would for a baby, using your elbow.
2. Use Cups When Pouring Water For dogs scared of fast-flowing water from a showerhead, use a bottle or cup to gently pour water over their head while stroking them.
3. Treats for Good Behavior Reward your dog during calm moments in the bath with a small treat. If your dog is scared to enter the bathroom, gradually encourage them with treats, reinforcing calm behavior.
4. Regular Routines Establish a consistent bath routine whenever your dog gets dirty or starts to smell. Regular baths will help them become more relaxed over time.
5. Relaxing Music Play calming music, such as bird noises or Mozart, to help relax your dog during bath time. This can distract them and reduce stress.
6. Use Non-Slip Mats Bathtubs can be slippery, causing dogs to feel insecure. A non-slip mat provides stability, making it easier and safer to bathe them.
7. Distraction Techniques Distract your dog with:
   • Bubbles: Use dog-friendly bubbles to keep them occupied.
   • Lick Mats: Suction-cup lick mats spread with peanut butter or cream cheese can keep your dog distracted while you wash them.
   • Toys: Turn bath time into playtime with water-friendly toys. Although they might splash, it’s worth it if they learn to enjoy the bath.

By following these tips, you can help your dog become more comfortable with baths, making the experience less stressful for both of you.