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      Bath and Dryer

      How to teach your dog to stay calm and not being reactive during bath and dryer.

      Introduction

      A bath and blow dry is a requirement for any dog that stays overnight with us. The bath consists of thoroughly shampooing, rinsing, conditioning and rinsing the dog again. You then towel dry and blow dry the dog if the dog allows. Some dogs will not get a blow dry if it may risk injury to the dog or handler. For difficult dogs Senior Staff should be called in for assistance.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Some people believe that all dogs enjoy baths. This is not true. Some dogs are afraid of water and do not enjoy baths.
      • Others believe that all dogs are okay with blow dryers. This is also not true. Some dogs are afraid of the noise and heat of blow dryers and do not like them.

      Bath and Dryer - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      • Bath:
        • Use the leash or treats to encourage the dog onto the ramp and then to hop into the tub (smaller or senior dogs may need to be lifted into the tub).
        • Make sure to clip the dog into the tub once in to make sure they don't hop out.
        • Reward the dog for compliance and calm behavior.
      • Dryer:
        • Towel dry the dog thoroughly before the blow dryer to cut down on drying time.
        • Once toweled dry, have the table at the lowest height and using the leash or treats encourage the dog up onto the grooming table (smaller or senior dogs may need to be lifted onto the table).
        • Make sure to clip the dog to the table once on so they don't hop off.
        • Reward the dog for compliance and calm behavior.
        • To begin the blow dryer, start with it at the lowest setting and not directly on the dog as it may startle them.
        • Utilizing the leash, have the dog steady as you start to dry them.
        • Start on the back and sides of the dog as this will be the least sensitive area, working your way to neck and butt.
        • You may gradually turn the dryer up if the dog appears stable.
        • If a dog is extra sensitive about an area, you may use treats to create a positive experience with the dryer.
        • If it appears the blowdrying experience may cause injury to the dog or handler, stop immediately and get Senior Staff for assistance.
        • Reward the dog for calm behavior and compliance.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      • As you are bathing and blowdrying, periodically praise the dog for calm behavior and compliance.
      • Correct the dog if necessary for inappropriate behavior.

      Proofing Phase:

      • With enough practice and reinforcement, the dog should be able to easily get a bath and dry with little correction and without having to reward frequently.
      • Some dogs may not need to be clipped to the tub or table, but it is still a good safety procedure to follow.

      Maintenance Phase:

      • Follow all the proper protocols and steps every time you need to give your dog a bath and dry.
      • Bathe and dry your dog occasionally to practice these skills and to keep them smelling and looking their best.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who is afraid of baths. His owners started by getting him used to the water by playing with him in the bathtub. Once Charlie was comfortable with the water, they started giving him baths with a cup or bottle of water. Charlie is now able to tolerate baths and even enjoys them sometimes.
      • Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who is afraid of blow dryers. Her owners started by using the cool setting on the blow dryer and gradually increasing the heat as Sadie got used to it. Sadie is now able to tolerate blow dryers and even enjoys them sometimes.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient and gentle with your dog. If your dog is afraid of baths or blow dryers, be patient and gentle with them. Do not force them to do anything they are not comfortable with.
      • Make it a positive experience. Try to make bath time and blow dry time a positive experience for your dog. Give them treats and praise while you are bathing and drying them.
      • Start small. If your dog is afraid of baths or blow dryers, start small. Start by just getting them wet and then gradually work your way up to shampooing and blow drying.
      • Get professional help if needed. If you are struggling to bathe or blow dry your dog, you may want to get professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

      Conclusion

      Baths and blow dries can be a challenge for some dogs, but it is important to make sure your dog is clean and dry, especially if they are staying overnight with us. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your dog learn to tolerate baths and blow dryers and make bath time a more positive experience for both of you.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog is still afraid of baths or blow dryers after following these steps?
        A: If your dog is still afraid of baths or blow dryers after following these steps, you may want to consult with a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. There may be an underlying issue that is causing the fear of baths or blow dryers.
      • Q: What if my dog is aggressive during bath time or blow dry time?
        A: If your dog is aggressive during bath time or blow dry time, you should not bathe or blow dry them yourself. This could put you and your dog at risk of injury. You should consult with a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to help you address the aggression.