TIZE- a professional custom pet products manufacturer and dog training device supplier since 2011.
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TIZE- a professional custom pet products manufacturer and dog training device supplier since 2011.
Summer is here. Summer is a season of sultry weather and bacterial growth. In this season, dogs need to be bathed frequently. However, bathing your dog can be challenging, especially if your pet doesn't enjoy the process. In this blog post, we'll guide you on how to train your dog to love baths in the summer.
Summer is here. Summer is a season of sultry weather and bacterial growth. In this season, dogs need to be bathed frequently. Regular baths can help remove dirt, flea, tick, sand and other particles dogs may pick up during their outdoor activities. For dog owners, bathing their dog in summer can be challenging, especially if your pet doesn't enjoy the process. As the dog's mood is not only affected by the sultry weather, but also sometimes disturbed by skin diseases.
So, bathing your dog, do you have such a painful experience~
Other people's dog behaves like a fake dog when taking a bath, while my own dog is terrified and refuses to go into the bathroom, holding onto the door and vowing not to move.
Before the bath, it always causes a commotion, during the bath, it never cooperates with you. After rinsing the dog's hair with water for ten minutes, it's surprisingly still dry inside! And just when you think you've finally got its hair wet, as soon as you turn off the water to get some shampoo, the dog shakes its head, and you end up washing yourself instead of the dog.
Here are some methods for you to teach you how to solve the problem of dogs'fear and aversion to bathing without threats or violence. These methods will enable your dog to cooperate willingly with you in the bath and learn to enjoy it without any stress.
When it comes to dog training or training, many people take it for granted that it's just about training dogs not to bark excessively. However, in fact, training, especially simple desensitization training, can be applied to many aspects of a dog's daily life. Bathing, which is a headache for most pet parents, is often overlooked and not considered as part of training, which is a big misconception.
Dogs hating baths and exhibiting anxious or even aggressive behavior during the process are very common problems. Helping dogs to cooperate with owners in these aspects of life easily and stress-free is the most necessary training for modern pet families. Dogs hating baths and exhibiting anxious or even aggressive behavior during the bath are very common problems. Helping dogs to cooperate with their owners easily and stress-free in these aspects of life is the most necessary training for modern pet families.
1. Prepare Everything Before Bathing
First, we need to prepare all the tools required for bathing, such as non-irritating dog-specific shampoo, towels, and plenty of snacks. Snacks can include long-lasting peanut butter spread on the wall or small training treats, avoiding hard-to-chew snacks like chew sticks and beef jerky. Do not underestimate the preparation stage as any problems here could significantly reduce the effectiveness of the training. Running out of towels halfway through or discovering that there aren't enough rewards for your dog can be frustrating.
2. Guide Your Dog to Get Familiar with The Bathroom
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool when training dogs. It's important to speak positively and encourage your dog while guiding them to come into the bathroom. Reward them with snacks when they voluntarily come in, without pulling or controlling their positions and movements. Everything should be done on a voluntary basis for optimal effectiveness. If your dog successfully enters the bathroom, it's okay to close the door and give them some time to explore and sniff around, getting familiar with the environment. Give them snacks to encourage them, building a positive psychological connection so that your dog feels that the bathroom is a safe place where they can get many small treats. Encouraging good behavior with positive rewards is an effective way to train your dog to love baths.
3. Gradually Introduce Water
Introducing your dog gradually to water can help ease its fear or reluctance. Start by using a damp washcloth to wipe your dog's fur down before introducing them to running water. Control the water temperature carefully and make sure it's not too cold or too hot. During the actual bath, don't start by directly showering your dog's head or body; instead, begin by washing their legs and feet. Let your dog gradually adapt to the process, then move up to the chest and sides before washing the back and finally cleaning the head. If your dog shows signs of resistance during this process, do not scold or punish him/her. Instead, gently encourage and guide it, remembering to be patient during the first few baths.
4. Choose Proper Shampoo
Depending on your dog's condition, it may be better not to use shampoo during the first bath training session, which can make the entire bathing process longer and more stressful. This way, you can avoid putting too much pressure on your dog during their first bath. Choose a shampoo that is safe for their skin type. Most shampoos are specifically designed for dogs but make sure to read the label and avoid using human shampoos. Consider using mild, soothing fragrances such as lavender or chamomile to help your pup associate bath time with relaxation.
5. Make Bath Time Interactive
Engage your dog during bath time by playing games together. You can use toys or bubbles to make bath time a fun and interactive experience. This will help distract them from the discomfort or anxiety of getting a bath, making it easier for them to enjoy the process.
6. Dry Dog's Hair After Showering
After the bath, your dog may feel heavy and uncomfortable with their wet fur and may try to shake themselves dry, which is normal. So, the last step in bathing is to use a dry towel to dry your dog's fur. Most dogs dislike the sound of blow dryers, so if they haven't undergone desensitization training with a dryer, avoid using one. Instead, dry them with a towel or adjust the air conditioning temperature slightly higher to let your dog dry naturally.
In conclusion, bathing your dog regularly during the summer is essential to keep them clean and itchy-free during the hotter months. But training your dog to love baths can be quite challenging. Starting slowly with positive reinforcement, choosing the right shampoo and creating a fun environment during bath time, can help your dog develop a positive association with bathing. With patience, you can turn bath time into a bonding moment between you and your furry friend.
