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Want me to like the bath? Don’t just throw me in!
Love it or hate it, dogs get dirty. Some dogs have coats that are meant to be easier to manage when they encounter wet or dirty conditions. My Tollers can be filthy after a hike, but give them an hour to dry off and the dirt easily brushes out (this is not necessarily the case once a dog has been spayed or neutered as the coat changes.) They might get 2 baths a year as it’s just not necessary to bath them more often. Regular grooming is enough.
This is not true of all breeds. There are plenty of dogs who will require regular bathing to keep them from being dusty and dirty. For these dogs especially, they need to be acclimated to the bath so that they are comfortable with the process. Ideally, you would start with them as baby puppies, but any dog can learn to be comfortable in the tub, even if they’ve had a previous negative association. Here are some tips to help your dog!
Set Up for Safety and Security
This will be accomplished with a non-slip rubber mat that will adhere securely to the tub. A good rubber mat will prevent your dog from slipping around. Not being able to get traction can be very unnerving to most dogs.
