Many of our fury kids hate a bath with a passion. It can seem like pulling teeth just to get them near the bath tub, let alone the site of a water hose (for outside bathers) may have them wanting to run away from home.
Don't fret! There are several alternatives in dealing with bathing your dog and it doesn't have to be such a dramatic experience for them. Making them feel like this is going to be something fun or a relaxing tasks is the first step.
Setting the mode by using a tone of voice that indicates positive emotions.
For inside bathing, take them into the bathroom. (May require a treat for coaching them in) Have a favorite toy available and a few extra treats. Touching and loving on them sets the mood. Play a few minutes to relax them. Be sure to have towels, shampoo, wash, etc. prepared ahead of time before beginning. After they are a little more at ease, begin coaching them towards the tub area. Wanting them to go freely on their own. (This may apply more to larger dogs, since just lifting them into the tub may not be acceptable) Once in the tub, give them a treat to let them know they have completed a good task. Keeping a positive tone of voice and talking to them while bathing is also very helpful.
A leash my be required for some dogs leading and handling during bathing. A product like Rinse ACE(reg) Bathing Tethers is also helpful for controling during bathing. Begin the water slowly and start bathing. There are spray attachments that make it much easier for rinsing. Keeping the water away from the face and ears is the best way to keep them still. Face, ears and mouth can be done at the end or after the bathing is completed. Again remember the tone of voice and the touch are very important. Playing the Alpha role is necessary, but with a gentle touch. Towel dry and be prepared to have one crazy furry kid for a few minutes after you remove the towel. Towel drying may be all that is required, but be sure they can't get on furniture or the bed until they are dry. The hairdryer can be used also. Be prepared for them to be scared. Towel drying is the easiest option.
If the inside tub is just out the question and there is no getting a stubborn pooch in the tub, then outside bathing is an alternative. There are a few options for tackling this task. One of the simplest ways to bath outside is using a water hose and a tie out. (Please note: weather temperature needs to be above 75 degrees especially if cold water is the only option) Use the tie out and a leash to control. Some dogs may only require the leash. Be sure not to get your feet tangled from them moving around. It is always best to have a helper when choosing this method. The hose nozzle that is used needs to have several spray options. One of the best nozzles is the one with a shower position. This is what is used for watering plants outside. The spray is not hard, but has enough pressure to get the suds off. Keep a good positive tone of voice and try to keep them relaxed as much as possible. Begin washing and follow up with a towel dry. Again remember to have all the necessary towels, shampoo, etc. ready before you begin.
If the above methods are too much of a task, then taking them to the groomers may be the best option. Call around for best pricing and times that meet individual schedules. Talking with other doggy parents for recommendations is always good. Alot of local pet supply stores now have grooming services available.
Another alternative is to use waterless shampoo's and powders. The local pet supply store such as PetSmart has a couple of solutions to solve in between or when a regular bathing schedule can't be accomplished. In winter months this can be very helpful. FURminator(reg) Waterless deShedding Shampoo & Conditioner is a great product if shedding has been a problem. Miraclecorp is another spray on waterless shampoo product offered by PetSmart. There are other products on the internet such as powder shampoo. If using powder option be prepared to have some mess involved. The waterless shampoo spray is very easy to deal with and a towel dry is all that is needed to complete the task.
A few tips in closing. Always consult a vet before using any product. Medicated shampoo's may cause irritations to some pets, so be cautious. Be prepared to spend some time when it comes to bathing the furry kids, especially the first few times until they become more comfortable around water. Some dogs never become friends with the bath time, but there is always other alternatives to get them looking and smelling clean. Doggy deodorants can also be a great way to control oder for in between bathings and new "baby wipes" or "doggy wipes" are very useful to tackle the dirty dog blues. Take time, spend a few minutes to get them in a positive mood and make bath time a good experience each and every time.
| http://doggypawparenting.com/2007/09/19/dog-hates-baths-what-to-do/ R. Elaine Evans operates a website and offers many helpful techniques & personal experiences in the the world of doggy parenting. Areas such as, feeding tips, obedience, housebreaking, and even how to spoil your furry kid. Visit http://www.doggypawparenting.com and get your FREE newsletter today on tricks and tips in doggy parenting! Where Dog Lover's and Parenting Become One! http://www.doggypawparenting.com |
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