Now we have a furry new addition to our household, a French Bulldog named Louie. Louie and I made it via bathtub time unscathed. We completed with a brisk towel dry and a spritz of kiwi-scented canine cologne. After I had my first canine, Lulu, canine grooming was a bit extra primary. With Louie, there are much more than flea and tick shampoos at my disposal. The lineup now consists of detangling sprays, leave-in conditioners, and — I child you not — doggie hair gel. However all these fancy merchandise fail to assist many people overcome one main hurdle: when canines hate baths like Lulu did.
Lulu was once a handful at bathtub time. She would run, conceal and wail, leaving me with a home that smelled of moist canine. For examples of comparable doggie drama, search “canines who hate bathtub time” on YouTube.
Thankfully, it’s by no means too late to introduce good habits — even when your canine hates baths. Skilled canine coach Mario Bardouille has spent the previous 18 years specializing in conduct modification. He shares 5 widespread errors canine house owners make throughout bathtub time.
1. Stressing the canine out earlier than you even attain the bathtub
Don’t rush via bathtub time. Canines reply to your power and work to please you, so be affected person and give attention to making a constructive expertise. Begin with brushing your canine’s coat often. Embody loads of reward — in addition to treats — for good conduct. Progressively construct towards milestones akin to getting into the lavatory and truly stepping inside the bathtub. It might take time, however Bardouille says your canine ultimately will perceive that baths could be a comfy, glad and rewarding expertise.
2. Avoiding dental care
Brushing a squirming canine’s tooth could be a ache. That’s why so many individuals skip canine dental care, which may result in pricey well being points down the street. “Flip grooming, notably dental care, right into a enjoyable expertise,” says Bardouille. “Assist the canine perceive that this isn’t going to be so dangerous.” He suggests investing in flavored toothpaste specifically formulated for canines. Toothpaste made for folks could be poisonous to canines, so store at pet provide shops for this grooming merchandise. (He’s a fan of a beef-flavored model from Petsmile that doesn’t require using a brush.) Begin slowly, encouraging your canine to strategy and sniff the tube or applicator.
“We’re conditioning good conduct,” he says. “Let the canine comply with it together with his nostril, introducing that sensory issue. Then rub it on his lip and truly put it in his mouth. Make the canine need to present curiosity fairly than pulling away. When that occurs, they get the reward, which is the toothpaste. Make that conduct a conditioned factor the place you do it each morning. Flip that into your morning routine so the canine understands that that is one thing they do earlier than they get their meals or after their morning stroll. Earlier than you recognize it, your canine will probably be sitting and doing obedience.”
3. Neglecting touch-ups between baths
As soon as canines return from their each day stroll, Bardouille recommends that you simply wipe paws in addition to their personal areas with child wipes or an outdated washcloth. These common touch-ups preserve the funk at bay between baths and assist canines develop extra accustomed to common grooming.
“French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs — they’re a bit bit decrease — so when they’re strolling, they splash issues up,” he says of short-statured canines. “Wipe their armpits, abdomen and personal areas; that really makes a giant distinction within the odor.”
Additionally, don’t overlook to wipe these wrinkles and eye areas, which may accumulate a lot of gunk.
4. Freaking out throughout nail trims
“It’s a must to learn the way far to go along with your canines,” Bardouille says. “Some canines’ quicks (nail ideas) are a bit bit longer. Have a look at the bottom beneath the canine’s foot. Even on a darkish nail, you’ll be able to see the surplus nail the place it type of hooks.”
Even with nice care, accidents do occur. Throughout a routine nail trim, you could go a bit too far and minimize the canine’s fast, inflicting bleeding. Bardouille says don’t panic. Maintain a container of styptic powder in your doggie first support package to cease the bleeding. Then return to the duty, taking issues slowly and snipping a bit at a time. Let go of the canine’s paw whenever you discover him getting uncomfortable, and finish on a constructive be aware with loads of reward.
5. Forgetting that repetition is vital
Work on creating good habits, together with common brushing, in order that the canine is conditioned to get pleasure from this bonding time. Earlier than you recognize it, Bardouille says your canine will probably be sitting nonetheless throughout bathtub time.
I’m definitely placing his recommendation into follow. After that first drama-free bathtub, my nephew rewarded Louie with treats and loads of cuddle time to rejoice a job properly accomplished. We’re off to an excellent begin.
Concerning the writer: Morieka Johnson lives in metro Atlanta together with her husband, two stepdaughters and Louie, their high-energy pet. She enjoys writing about canine well being, toys, and coaching. Morieka shares extra of their exploits on SoulPup.com.
Thumbnail: Pictures by Ashleigh Wells Pictures/Thinkstock.
Learn extra about canine grooming on Dogster.com:
