Bath Training

[Oskar der Drachen]

Simple question is...

Best way? Bear is a waterbug and loves to *play* in the water, but not so keen on getting a bath in it.

Ideas?

[Freestep]

Honestly? The best way to do it is to take your dog to a groomer. The groomer has a setup that makes it easy and knows how to handle it when a dog isn't so keen on the bath. That way, if there's a knock-down, drag-out fight, you aren't the bad guy. Once the dog gets used to being bathed at the groomer's, it will be easy for you to do at home.

[MrsDraper]

How old is Bear? My 5 1/2 month GSD mix loves baths. We(my husband and I) used to have problems with him wanting to play so we finally figured out we could make him sit and stay. If he's been really good we give him showers. Those are his favorite,.

[Cassidy's Mom]

I saw from another thread that Bear is 3 months old - at that age I like to give them a couple of baths in the kitchen sink to get them used to the idea. Here's Halo getting a bath:



Drying off afterward:

[onyx'girl]

My dogs love baths. I have a hand held attachment on the shower so I can massage them too.
Karlo didn't like a bath in the beginning(he'd only had one til he was about a year old) but loved playing in the hose outside.
So I ended up getting one of his training gappay balls and teasing him up with it til he jumped in the tub. After that he was fine and will readily jump in for a bath.
I wanted to give them baths today, but it is so stinkin' cold (in & outside) and I think it would take forever to dry/good reason to go to a groomer, to blow out the coat.

[PaddyD]

I brush my dog almost daily. As for baths, she gets one once a year on her birthday. The method I use to clean her is to take a rough hand towel (in rag status) and soak it in warm water that has a little bit of shampoo. Then I wring it out wet, almost but not dripping and rub her ALL over with it. Then I take a dry towel (also rag status) and dry her off. This gets her very clean even when she is very dirty. You can add a damp rinse cycle in between wet and dry if you like.

[Oskar der Drachen]

Yes Bear is three months old.

So, Questions -

Inside or outside? I can't add a Poll here, so can you answer back with a yes or no, and a reason? Personal preference I suppose.

With a little cleverness I could add a shower mix attachment outside for a warm shower, but too much expense for the occasional bath?

Frequency - Just when muddy from a play?
Once a year on a birthday?
As needed or seasonal?

[DaisyAM]

You just have to grab the bull by the horns. I started given Daisy a bath even though she didn't like it. After a couple of baths down the road she enjoys it. She already knows when we head to that part of the house she runs and sits in the tub ready for her bath.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Oskar der Drachen

Yes Bear is three months old.

So, Questions -

Inside or outside? I can't add a Poll here, so can you answer back with a yes or no, and a reason? Personal preference I suppose.

With a little cleverness I could add a shower mix attachment outside for a warm shower, but too much expense for the occasional bath?

Frequency - Just when muddy from a play?
Once a year on a birthday?
As needed or seasonal?

At three months old, it shouldn't be that big a deal to do at home, as he's still small and isn't yet shedding a ton of hair. You might want to make an outdoor setup for when he gets bigger and sheddier.

I'd do it inside, in a big sink or tub, unless your weather is pretty warm this time of year. If so, use a hose with a sprayer attachment. Make sure your pup is tied to something secure. That way you aren't having a wrestling match, and the pup learns that trying to escape is futile.

Use a mild, tearless dog shampoo--not people shampoo.

You can bathe him as often as you need to, as long as you are using a mild shampoo. You can do it as often as every three weeks, or twice a year, depending on need.

[Diesel'sMama]

Diesel is 16 weeks and has had three baths since he's joined our home. None have been very happy but since he found mud and what fun it can be it's become a necessity a few times. I've bathed him in our tub inside with me in the tub with him. We have glass shower doors so getting in helps since I have short arms. Our beagle sleeps in our bed so I bathe him at least once a month. Our Lab/Rot mix doesn't get a bath as often. Both of our older dogs hate the water but have learned to accept baths without a struggle.