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Dear AKC: I have a 1 year old Norwegian Elkhound that hates getting a bath. It is a struggle and we don’t bathe him as often as I would like. When its bath time, he runs. If I try to lead him into the bathtub with his leash, he freaks out. Once he is wrangled into the tub, he puts his toenails out like a cat and its just torture. I tried a kid’s wading pool outside and that was a disaster. I got the bath, not the dog. Anything you might have, please help! I want a clean dog, not a “stinky pete.” — Smelly Elkie Belly Dear Smelly: I know all about Elkhounds! But like most dogs, a bath is not their favorite activity. It sounds like you have already established enough of a routine for him to know when it’s bath time. You are going to have to un-establish your behavior when it comes time for baths so he doesn’t get a “cue” from you that it’s pending. Try putting the leash on him and just walk him around the house, not near the bathroom, if all goes well, give him a treat, reward and release him. Get him used to having the leash not be associated with the tub. Practice Makes Perfect Next, using just his collar, lead him into the bathroom and close the door. Sit on the floor and play with the pup and then get up and leave. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Do this for a few weeks. Then one day just pick him up and put him in the tub. Make sure you place a rubber mat on the bottom so he won’t scramble when he pops those nails out. Also, keeping them trimmed short will help. Once in the tub, hold him there for a few seconds. If you notice he relaxes, such as letting out a big sigh, then praise, give a treat and take him out. After a few good sessions, try turning on the water, but don’t get him wet. Eventually, you should be able to convince him that bathing isn’t the big deal he thinks it is, especially if he thinks he’ll be getting lots of treats along the way for good behavior. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
Just because your pup likes to swim, doesn’t mean he’ll be a fan of the tub
Many pet parents are all too familiar with it — the paws out in protest, the squirming and wriggling upon setting foot in the bathroom, the shaking or panting at the sound of running water.
Other than a trip to the vet, nothing can make some dogs more nervous than bathtime. If your dog is staunchly anti-bath, getting him clean can be a painful process for all involved. But one whiff of those doggy odors and pet owners quickly realize there’s no alternative but to break out the tear-free shampoo and scrub down their unhappy pup.
So why do dogs hate baths so much?
Here’s why your pup may dread the tub, and how to help even the most bath-adverse dog actually look forward to getting clean.
Even dogs who love to swim can be just as traumatized by baths as dogs who won’t go near the beach, notes Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in New Jersey.
“When dogs choose to go swimming, they are in control of themselves, and no one is handling them. So it’s completely different things — it’s not simply being wet,” Levine tells The Dodo. “There’s fun with swimming, versus a bath, where they’re being put in a situation and having water dumped all over them.”
Loss of control during the bathing process can greatly affect your dog’s attitude about getting clean, so force is never the answer.
They don’t like the sound or pressure of the water
You might wonder why dogs are often happy to mess around in muddy water, yet when it comes to the very sight of a bathtub, will turn and run the other way. When a dog jumps into a river, theyre taking action of their own accord, and are likely too busy having fun to care too much about whats around them.
However, when they enter a bath, the sound of rushing water so close might prove a frightening experience.
Instead of using a shower head, use a pitcher or bucket to gently pour water over their body. You could also opt for a softer spray setting, if your shower head allows.
How to BATHE a DOG Who HATES WATER (Tips)
Are your dog baths a wiggle-filled wrestling match that leave the walls of the bathroom as wet as the tub? Is your dog scared of the bathroom? The tub? The shower head? Does your dog hate water in general?
Want to learn how to train your dog for canine bath time success and even reduce dog fear and anxiety in the process? Keep reading and we’ll explain how you can build upon positive experiences to help your dog adjust to bath time and master this key ownership and grooming skill.