Dog bathing can become a challenge if your pup hates getting wet. This doesn’t mean you should skip their grooming since bathing is critical to their health. Washing away dead skin, burrs, and other irritants keeps their skin and fur healthy. Keep them more comfortable and relaxed with the following guidelines.

3 Dog-Bathing Tips for a Nervous Pup

1. Reward Liberally

Bring your dog’s favorite treats to the tub with you. Reward good behavior, such as standing in the tub quietly. You can use the treats to coax them back in if they get out; eventually, they’ll associate a bath with wonderful rewards — i.e., lots of treats and praise. This is a positive way of training your dog to enjoy baths and act the way you want them to.

2. Get Help

If you feel overwhelmed during dog bathing, you’re not alone. It can be tough to hold them in place while getting them clean. When you’re panicked, your dog will pick up on that and get more nervous. Bathing a nervous dog is much easier with two people. One of you can hold your dog securely in place, providing plenty of treats and praise. This leaves the other free to wash and rinse without distraction.

3. Use a Traction Mat

Many dogs panic during a bath because the tub gets wet, and they lose traction. Placing a mat on the bottom of the bath will help them keep their feet in place. If they aren’t slipping, your dog is more likely to stand calmly in the tub without scrambling to get out.

The dog groomers at K9 Cabana Dog Resort & Training Center make bathing an enjoyable experience for your pup. Their dog hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC, offers a full range of care services, including dog bathing, teeth brushing, and massages. Whether you want to board your dog or want their dog grooming services, you can trust your furry family member will be in good hands. Learn more on their website and call (843) 748-0351 to schedule an initial meet and greet.