by JavaQueen2000

Created on: January 22, 2009

How to Bath Your Dog

Bath time for your four legged friend can be a stressful event. Not only for your pooch but for you as well.

I am a firm believer that training your pet to enjoy bath time will be an asset to both him and you. I have large dogs. Trying to lift an unwilling 120 pound dog into a tub, can quickly turn into a comedy of errors.

Over the years, I have found that this consistent training will prevent me from getting a hernia, and by pooch from having the upper hand.

Things You'll Need:
Dog Treats Cup Dog Shampoo Towels
Step One

The first thing you need to do is to introduce your dog to your tub. (Or you're bathing facility) This should be done with no water. You are just helping them to see that this is a non-threatening environment. Have their favorite treats ready. When you get to the bathroom door. Say sit. Give them a treat and then say "bath time" Walk into the bathroom and lay a treat on the edge of the tub. Wait until they take it. If he does not see the treat. Pick it up and show it to him then place it back on the edge of the tub. Again wait until they take the treat. Repeat this step at least 5 times. Take your pet outside of the bathroom and say "bath time" each time you do the above.

Step Two

Once they take the treats and feel comfortable with the tub. You will step inside the tub and place the treat on the edge. This sometimes gives your dog a reason to pause. Wait for them to feel comfortable with you in the tub and give the treat again. You will start over with going outside the bathroom, making them sit, saying "bath time" and getting into the tub. If you have a small dog you may want to have a step stool for them to walk up on. For larger dogs the goal is to have them get into the tub. Nothing is more difficult than lifting a 120 pound dog that doesn't want a bath into the tub.

Step Three

When they are comfortable with the tub and you in it. You will then teach them to get into the tub without you. Again you will start with step one. Make them sit outside the door. Say "bath time" And say "IN". Hold the treat to their nose and when the start to go for it slowly pull it back so they will have to reach forward and into the tub to get it. The goal is to encourage them so you will need to be patient. This is a hard step for them because of the feel of the tub on their paws. If their nails are long they will hear a scratching sound and may pull back. That is ok. Encourage him again and give the treat with each advancement.

Step Four

Once they

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