How Often Should you Wash your Dog?

Bath Training for Dogs

Starting your buddy off young (if you can) is the easiest way to get them used to the idea of bathing. If they’re not the biggest fan of baths, the best way to ease their anxiety is to associate bath time with positive experiences like and play time.  

Remember, dogs can read your energy - if you’re nervous, they’re going to be nervous - so act confidently and like bath time is no big deal. Constantly reassure them by speaking in a soothing voice, telling them what a good boy or girl they’re being, and rewarding them with plenty of treats!

Work up to giving them an actual bath by following these steps over the course of a few days or weeks (depending on how much your dog detests being clean):

• Get them to enjoy hanging out in the bathroom by giving them lots of  praise and treats, and maybe playing games in there

• Now that they’re used to the bathroom, run the shower in the background the next couple of times you’re having bathroom funsies with your pup

• Once they’re comfortable with this, carefully place them in the bath but make sure the water only runs gently over their paws

• When they’re happy with this you can slowly move the shower up their body - and voila! they're practically having a bath already

• If your pooch is still a bit panicky but really needs a bath or if it’s their first time, they might prefer it if you just pour water over them using a container instead of a showerhead. You could also enlist a friend or family member they’re familiar with to lend a helping hand and administer bath time biccies.

How to Wash your Dog in 10 Easy Steps

• Plan on getting wet. It’s unavoidable, so accept it and see the fun side!

• Have everything you need within arm’s reach including:

  -Dog-friendly shampoo

  -Treats

  -Small container for pouring water

  -Brushes (if you want to brush your dog’s coat while they’re in there)

  -Towels

• Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise throughout

• If you’re not using a showerhead, fill the bath with a few inches of water that isn’t deep enough to reach your pooch’s chest - keep it shallow. Make sure that the water is a comfortable temperature, lukewarm water is ideal. Don’t bathe them in water that’s either too hot or too cold - you may put them off baths for life and have a hard time getting them back in the tub. If your dog is larger and has to be bathed outside, using a tub and pouring lukewarm water over them is preferable to using a hose - you wouldn’t like being hosed down with cold water now would you…

• Try smearing dog friendly peanut butter (the xylitol-free kind) on the sides of the bath to distract and entertain your little friend while they’re being washed.

• Gently lift your doggo into the bath. Make sure that the surface isn’t too slippery for them - you might need a non-slip mat.

• Work the water up your dog’s body but keep it out of their eyes and ears. Make sure the shower pressure isn’t too strong too, most shower heads have different settings so find the best one for your pooch.

• Add the dog-friendly shampoo and give them a good scrub. Avoid the face!

• Rinse thoroughly

• Gently squeeze water from their fur and  let the water drain, then pat them down with a towel. Scoop your freshly washed friend out of the bath and continue to pat them dry.