Simple Hacks To Bath Your Dog - Professional Dog Training Tips, by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. 5 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Brush your dog first to remove loose hair and mats. This stops tangles getting worse when the coat gets wet.
Put a non-slip mat in the tub and run lukewarm water, not hot. Test it on your wrist first.
Smear a little peanut butter on the tub wall or a lick mat at nose height. Licking keeps your dog calm during the wash.
Lift your dog in gently with one arm under the chest and one under the back legs. Talk in a calm, quiet voice.
Wet the coat with a cup or sprayer, starting at the neck and working back. Keep water out of the ears and eyes.
Apply dog shampoo and massage it into the coat, legs and belly. Skip the face and use a damp cloth there instead.
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Leftover shampoo causes itching and dry skin.
Squeeze excess water from the coat, then lift your dog out onto a towel. Wrap and rub dry, and offer a treat.
Tips and common mistakes
Use only dog shampoo, since human shampoo can irritate a dog's skin.
Keep the bathroom door closed so a wet dog cannot bolt through the house.
Reward with a treat before, during and after the bath so the tub predicts good things.
Never leave a dog alone in a full tub, even for a few seconds.
Questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
Most dogs do fine with a bath every four to eight weeks, or when they get dirty or smelly. Dogs with skin conditions should follow your vet's advice.
Can I use peanut butter if my dog has allergies?
Check the label and use plain peanut butter with no xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog has food allergies, ask your vet for a safe alternative.
What if my dog is too big to lift?
Use a walk-in shower or a low-sided tub and let your dog step in on a leash. A helper can steady the dog while you wash.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
