How to Wash an Unruly Dog

If your the proud owner of a dog who hates water, then you know exactly how difficult giving your pooch a bath can be. Having an unruly dog, who refuses to take a bath is not only frustrating, but it can also be costly. Due to the expenses that come with having a dog professionally washed, many dog owners wait as long as possible between baths. Doing so can cause not only your pet to smell, but also your home, car, and anything else the dog comes in contact with, including you. It is also poor for a dogs health to go un-groomed for long periods of time.

Your dog needs to have a bath at least once every two weeks. You do not want to bath them more then once every 14 days because excessive bathing can cause the dogs skin to dry out, and become itchy. If their skin becomes to itchy, they will begin to compulsively scratch which could eventually lead to hair loss, and sores. The only time you should bathe your dog between the 14 days is if it is absolutely necessary. Situations such as the dog getting feces in it's fur, possible contact with any type of poison, or they managed to get extremely muddy, are all good reasons to wash your dog, between the normal scheduled baths.

Before you begin to bathe your dog, you will need a few supplies. First off, if at all possible wash your dog outside on a solid surface (not the grass), but only during the warm months. During the cooler months, you will have no choice but to use the bath tub inside. You will need Dog Shampoo, do not use human shampoo if you can avoid it. If you are washing the pooch outside, make sure the garden hose will reach, and that you have a spray nozzle attached to the hose. If you must wash the dog inside, make sure that you have an old large cup or pan, that you can use to dip water with. Whether you choose to bathe your dog indoors or out, make sure that you have an old towel handy to dry the dog with once the bath is over.

If you know ahead of time that your dog absolutely hates the idea of a bath, and will become aggressive, don't take any risk. It's not going to do you any good to get bitten by your own dog. Instead, visit your local pet store and purchase a muzzle. A muzzle looks cruel, but it will not hurt the animal, and will protect you. Muzzles usually run around $25.00, but are re-usable. Your $25.00 investment will last many years before it will need to be replaced. If your dog tries to jump on your while washing him, or tries to jump out of the tub during his bath, you might receive a few scratches from him. There is a very easy, and cheap way to remedy this problem. If your not scared to clips your dogs nails yourself, you can find good clippers at your local pet store for under $15.00. But, if you just don't like that idea, try socks, yes, I said socks. I found that by putting toddler socks on a dogs front paws, you completely avoid the risk of being scratch during bath time. For smaller dogs you might want to try baby socks. For larger dogs, or dogs with really long nails, double up by putting two pairs of socks on each front paw.

Once the dog is dressed for battle, walk him either to the bathroom (closing the door), or to where you plan on washing him outside. If your outside, you might want to tie the leash off to something sturdy. Now, let the dog see you turn the water on. Allow him a few minutes to see the water running, and to get used to the atmosphere. Next, position the dog between your legs, so that you are in control. If you are using the tub, place the dog in the water, using your body to prevent him from jumping out. If the dog struggles, firmly say NO, and repeat as many times are necessary. Starting at the shoulder blades wet the dog, moving toward his tail. Now apply the shampoo the same way, massaging the shampoo into the dogs coat. Be sure to wash the dogs head last, and wash it fast. Dogs hate getting their heads wet most of all. Be sure not to get any shampoo inside the dogs ears, or eyes. If you do simply flush it out.

When the bath is over, towel dry your dog as quickly as possible. Be sure to say positive remarks to the dog as you dry him like "good boy". You will notice that your dog will become very frisky as he is dried off. Who doesn't love a nice bath, even if they think they hate it. After staying consistent with your dogs bathing routine, in a few months you will notice a change. Your pooch will get used to the idea of being washed, and in time he won't mind it at all.