FIrst time bath suggestions?

[MoonStr80]

Since I want to give Jonnie a bath soon. I want to know how I can take it slowly w/o getting her freaked out about it.. What would be the tips & suggestions?

[Punkygirl0101]

I just gave Zen (9 1/2 week old Pug mix) his first bath yesterday. I did it in the sink cause hes small. I made the water luke warm. I didn't put him directly under the faucet, I used my hand to cup the water, and put it over him. Then I gently massaged tearless puppy shampoo (I hear you can use baby shampoo as well) into his furr, and did the same thing to rinse him off. He was crying the entire time, but didn't move around too much.

Then I dried him off with a towel outside in the sun. And yeah lol

[Swiftwind]

I'd start off giving him baths in very shallow, lukewarm water. Use a cup to pour the water over him (we do this with our dogs anyway, but I know some people use hoses/taps etc). Using a cup gives you more control. Just take it slowly, and if he starts freaking, don't cause a fuss over him. Give him a good massage so he relaxes and feels comfortable in the bath. You can even give him a treat afterwards to reinforce the idea that bathtime is something to look forward to.

I wouldn't use a hairdryer to dry him off, because dogs can be pretty freaked out by them. Just use a hand towel to dry him off.

[Rivsky]

Best tip I ever heard (unfortunately well after River's first bath experience) was to smear the sides of the bath with peanut butter or anything else you can think of that will stick - that way they're so busy concentrating on getting the food off they aren't so worried about the bath itself plus it's a great way to associate the bath with something good.

[MoonStr80]

Thanx everyone for your tips & advice I'll save this

[Ritz459]

I gave Chloe her first bath in our tub with a removable shower head that I used as a "hose" of sorts. She cried and wiggled, but I made sure to reinforce her (by using really yummy treats) when she was still. Don't rush anything and keep it very calm (in other words, no matter how much your dog is squirming, don't scold him). Just lots of treats and praise. Be very careful when washing the face as most dogs don't like getting their face wet (and when they do get their face/neck wet that is the time for a shake!) and you should try to make that a pleasureable experience.

I personally don't like using a cup to wash the dogs. I feel it doesn't get them as clean, but then I have dogs with thick hair.

[Carrie]

All terrific ideas. I usually just do it....matter of fact, confident...don't act like you anticipate any fuss from your dog. "It's all right. You're ok" and just do it. Do it a couple of times a week....even just a little water or a token bath for a while. That will give her practice and she'll get use to it better. Yes, make it as pleasant and matter-of-fact as you can. Treats, praise and a happy, confident manner will help.

A couple of other things you can do too: When you take a shower and dry your hair, have her in the bathroom with you. Let her hear the water, hear the hair dryer. Make it happy and you can give her a few treats.

You can also put her food bowl in the empty tub sometimes...That can be where she eats. She'll associate being in the tub with good things. As she gets bigger, you can encourage her (train her) to jump into the tub on cue so you won't have to lift her. (If she's going to be a big dog) That's what I did with Lyric because he was too big to lift. "Go jump!" LOL.

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by Rivsky

Best tip I ever heard (unfortunately well after River's first bath experience) was to smear the sides of the bath with peanut butter or anything else you can think of that will stick - that way they're so busy concentrating on getting the food off they aren't so worried about the bath itself plus it's a great way to associate the bath with something good.

Ditto, works great! Plus have treats available and expect not to get your dog too clean on the first bath if they are scared Also, my dogs like showers more than baths.

[Carrie]

I like the peanut butter idea too, but I wonder if they ever brush up against it, if the bath is then for naught. LOL.

One more idea: Put a rubber bath mat on the floor of the tub to prevent slipping. That can kind of freak out a lot of dogs.

Dog4life. My nieces dog likes showers too because that's all she had when he was a pup. She'd just take a shower with him in there with her. LOL. I think mine wouldn't like it but I do use a hose with a shower head, but it's held closer to them.

[Rivsky]

Originally Posted by Carrie

I like the peanut butter idea too, but I wonder if they ever brush up against it, if the bath is then for naught. LOL.

I've wondered the same thing to be honest...

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by Carrie

I like the peanut butter idea too, but I wonder if they ever brush up against it, if the bath is then for naught. LOL.

Originally Posted by Rivsky

I've wondered the same thing to be honest...

My Rottie/Lab didn't get it in her fur. I just put the p.butter on the ends of the shower/bath enclosure up high and down low, not on the side. It worked like a charm but only kept her busy for 5 minutes, so either you need to reapply or work fast and have low expectations of how "clean" you get them.

Dog4life. My nieces dog likes showers too because that's all she had when he was a pup. She'd just take a shower with him in there with her. LOL. I think mine wouldn't like it but I do use a hose with a shower head, but it's held closer to them.

Montana was our biggest shower fan, I think she felt more secure having us there in the tub with her and not separate like when you "give a bath". We just used a large cup or Mug to wash and rinse with not a shower head.

Anyways, more ideas for you.

[MochasMommy]

We had to give our new puppy a bath the second day we had her on account of a rather messy accident. As bizarre as it sounds, I got in a bathing suit and jumped into the tub with her. Then, afterward, we played tug of war within fan-shot of the space heater in my bedroom to dry (it was too cold to play outside). I think all of the playing and interaction made it less traumatic. I'm definitely going to try the peanut butter thing next time!!