Dog Grooming Ideas: Top Five Tips On Controlling Your Dog In The Bath

Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions about dog grooming is that dogs like and actually enjoy bathing as compared to cats. While felines clearly show abhorrence for water, some dogs may feel just exactly the same. Fido, Spot, Bingo, or Rocky may not be up for taking a swim in a little old tub, so if you're a dog lover why not try these fool-proof dog grooming ideas that can help control your little pooches in the bath?

Tip number one:
Remember that by all possible means, your dog will try to weasel its way out of the water. Do not even assume that your pet will cooperate and just "sit" and "roll over" as you attempt to douse it with some water and shampoo. This will only make it easier for your pet to escape. A good follow up for this tip is to decrease your dog's anxiety. Forget that you're the "boss" or "master". Show your dog some compassion by joining it in the bath or by bring playthings as reward for being obedient.

Tip number two:
Another excellent dog grooming idea that can help control your dog in the bath is to not over coerce your dog into staying in the tub. This will only bring disastrous results, such as turning your bathroom into an unrecognizable mess and soaking you with water. Look at it this way: you are potty training your little pup and would not want to seem too threatening. Try to "convince" the dog by giving it the idea that water is fun. Use toys and treats. Use reprimands only in extreme cases--- you do not want your dog to have any water-related traumas! The result of this will be rewarding. Your dog will actually stay in the tub. If you're worried about getting too much water around the tub, make sure to lay out towels around it.

Tip number three:
To be able to make the most of your dog's bath, one good thing to consider is the strategic placing of all the necessary bathing tools. This will let you devote your time and attention to your dog and not to looking for shampoo, soap, and towels! This will also allow you to work at a more leisurely pace, making your dog feel at ease. Remember that a seemingly frantic dog groomer will only trigger your pet's anxiety.

Tip number four:
If faced with a very stubborn and uncooperative dog, the best dog grooming idea that can help control your dog in the bath is to use a leash. A leash will give you the advantage of having both hands to lather up your dog. It also doesn't seem threatening and coercive, since it is a familiar tool your dog encounters almost every day. Just make sure it isn't too tight.

Tip number five:
Imagine all possible blunders that may happen after giving your pooch a bath. This may include soaking you with water because of shaking and getting out of the bathroom to go to dirty areas with soil. Such incidences will defeat the purpose of your bath. Always remember to have more than one towel ready so that you can dry your dog before you leave the bathroom. Also do not forget to close the door, as your pet might make a mad dash away from the shower. Make sure your dog is mostly dry before you leave the confines of your bathroom.

Hopefully, these dog grooming ideas will help control your dog in the bath. These are just a few tips if how you can maximize bath time with your dogs. You can be creative and come up with other strategic ideas of your own.