Saturday, January 28, 2012

How to Reduce Dog Bath Time Anxiety.

By Bev Langford


There are one or two reasons for this and today we'll look at why your loved pooch suffers from dog bath anxiety and what you can do in order to make bath time less stressed for you and your dog. Dog anxiety can be a difficult issue and today we offer some tips that could help manage bath time.

Water From Above.

A large amount of dogs might not seem to mind the rain, but most will take shelter when it is raining. The explanation for this is that dogs don't like water coming from above.

Methods to Bath your Dog to Reduce Dog Bath Anxiety.

Where.

Select the bath tub or laundry sink to bath your dog. Which you decide to use will depend on your dog's size. On hotter days you might need to wash your dog outside employing a garden hose on low pressure.

Water Temperature.

Water temperature can be a important factor in your dogs anxiety of bath time. The water should be temped. That's that you can not feel it as cold or hot test the temperature of the water on your wrist before placing it to your dog.

Anti Slip Protection.

Another reason why your dog fears bath time is that they do not feel safe. Dogs love to be sure footed and any risk of slipping is bound to make them more concerned. You need to use an anti slip bath mat or merely employ a towel in the base of the bath and this will make your dog feel more safe and sound.

How to apply the water when you give your dog a bath.

The best thing you can do when bathing your dog is to start wetting their feet first and slowly work up the legs, then under the belly, across the back and ultimately over the top of the head. Be careful not to have the water running to powerful and do not ever have the water running over the muzzle or eyes.

It is miles better to clean the snout and round the eyes with a wash cloth and to never have running water around those areas.

If you do run water directly over the dogs face they may panic. You'll also need to be careful not to run any water in your dogs ears. Water in the ear canal can lead to infection.

Your Approach.

When showering your dog always be in a good mood, be calm and praise your dog continually. Comments like "good boy" in a tranquil consistent voice will help your dog relax.

If your dog makes an attempt to jump up or get out of the bath, understand this is their reply to a situation they feel they don't have any control of.

Just say "No, get down" in a calm and voice, lowering your tone so they understand that you aren't pleased.

As fast as they get down, or you help them to get down and back in the bath, praise them again. This way they will be in a position to establish what you're expecting of them.

Post Bath Playtime.

When you give a dog a bath they will likely be feeling outside their comfortable area and a little doubtful.

The post bath playtime is vital to help them dry off and give you the opportunity to re-connect with your dog.

Enjoying some play, either inside or in the yard will distract them till they are almost dry, it is fun for you both and your happily distracted dog will be less likely to go and take a roll in the mud.




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