How to Bathe a Growling Dog

Dog owners know that bath time presents certain challenges. Some dogs are frightened of the water. Growling, on the other hand, can't be ignored as it signifies aggression that can result in biting. Even a loving owner isn't safe from a bite when a dog is in an aggressive frame of mind. Train your dog to stop growling during baths by slowly building up your dog's confidence. Growling usually stems from fear or protectiveness. Training a dog to realize that baths are harmless helps put your dog in a calm state of mind.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix dog shampoo and water together in a bowl and dip a clean towel inside.

    • 2

      Apply the towel to your dog and begin scrubbing. The key is to give your dog a bath without creating any of the sound or visual cues that cause aggression. Continue washing your dog this way until the dog is completely clean.

    • 3

      Introduce more elements into the bath experience for your dog's next bath. Run water for a short period of time or have your dog sit in a small amount of water. Slowly build up your dog's courage to take a bath.

    • 4

      Praise or offer dog treats at the end of each bath to create a positive association with the bath-time experience. Positive reinforcement serves as a powerful tool to train your dog.

    • 5

      Continue adding more bath elements until your dog can take a full-fledged bath without growling.