Instructions
Place a rubber shower mat on the bottom of the bathtub. The shower mat keeps your dog from slipping during the bath and helps her feel more secure.
Get the dog excited. Use an excited, positive voice and tell the dog it's play time. Get a few of the dog's favorite water-proof toys and starting playing with him. Then, transition to the bathroom and place a few of the toys in the bathtub.
Continue playing with the dog. Place the dog in the tub with the toys and have a few minutes of playtime. Then, reward the dog with her favorite treat.
Use the right temperature of water. Dogs prefer water to be a just a little cooler than a human's bathwater.
Open up the space. Some dogs dislike baths more because they are claustrophobic than because they hate water. Pull the shower curtain open all the way and keep the door to the bathroom open.
Give your dog more treats. During the bath, continue providing treats to encourage your dog to stay in the tub. Eventually, he'll focus more on the treats than on the water.
How to Bathe a Dog That Hates Water
Dogs need to receive a bath every two weeks to remove harmful parasites and debris from their skin, especially if they spend significant time outside playing. But when you have a dog who hates water, bath time can turn from a routine bi-weekly event into a dreaded task put off for months. To keep your dog healthy and yourself sane, learn how to keep your dog clean and happy.