Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Prepare to bathe your puppy
• Method 2 of 2: Bathe your dog
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Puppies inevitably get dirty while exploring the world. If you decide it is time to bathe your puppy, it is wise to have a plan ready to make the experience safe and fun for your puppy. There is no reason to raise your puppy and scare him about the bath for the rest of his life! Take your time and convince your puppy that a bath is a pleasant thing.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Prepare to bathe your puppy

1. Make the laundry room a positive space. Play with your puppy in the tub or sink without water a few times before giving your puppy his first bath. Give him treats and praise him lavishly - make sure he thinks it's a nice place. Give him space to browse and explore to his heart's content.
   • Take a few days to get used to the spot. Before his first bath, he should be completely comfortable in the bathroom.
   • If the puppy is very small, use the kitchen sink as a wash place. It will be more comfortable for both of you.
2. Buy a shampoo formulated for dogs. Dog and human skin have very different needs, so you can't use human shampoo on puppies. Using human shampoo will dry out his skin and make him vulnerable to bacteria, parasites and viruses. Instead, buy a nice mild oatmeal shampoo formulated especially for dogs from the pet store.
   • Opt for a sensitive skin shampoo if your puppy has dry skin. A groomer can help you determine your dog's skin type when in doubt.
3. Prepare the laundry room. Place a clean, damp cloth on the bottom of the tub or sink so that the puppy will not slip when filled with soapy water. You can also use a non-slip mat. A puppy that thinks it may fall will be anxious and uncooperative.
4. Wear appropriate clothing. You don't want to spoil beautiful clothes with water, dog hair and shampoo. Instead, put on something comfortable that needs to be washed anyway. Assume they get wet and dirty as there will be wet hugs and the puppy will shake out regularly.
   • Your bathroom may also get wet, so be prepared for that too.
5. Prepare for potential distractions. You don't want to be pulled away from something that needs your attention halfway through the wash. Make sure that other pets or children are supervised, that nothing is cooking in the oven or on the stove, and that you do not expect important calls or visitors.
6. Gather your supplies. Have everything you need ready before you bring the puppy into the washroom. You will need your dog shampoo, a cup or cup to help you rinse, and lots of towels. You should also keep treats on hand to help your puppy connect the bath with a positive experience.
7. Make it as comfortable as possible for the puppy. He should have just been let out so that he doesn't feel any pressure on the bladder or bowels. The temperature in the house should be warm enough to keep him from feeling very cold when wet. The bath water itself should be lukewarm - less warm than you would like in your own bath.
   • Test the water the same way you would test a baby bath, with your wrist or elbow. If it feels warm enough for your own bath, then it is too hot for a puppy!
   • The water level should reach about halfway to the dog's height to avoid any risk of drowning.
8. Take a deep breath and relax. The whole idea of ​​bathing an anxious, excited puppy can give you a lot of stress. When you are stressed, your puppy will sense your emotions. The calmer you stay (if the pack leader of your puppy), the calmer he will be. Put on some calming, quiet music to calm yourself and guide yourself through performance. Make sure to use a calm, happy tone to reassure the puppy that you are there and that everything is okay.
   • It may be helpful to wait for any children to leave the house. The giggles and screams can upset the puppy.
   • At the very least, make sure that no one is going to tease him while washing or he will learn that washing is something to fear.

Method 2 of 2: Bathe your dog

1. Carry the puppy into the washroom. Never call a dog to you when you plan on doing something he may not like. It is very important that your calling is always associated with positive experiences. That way, he will always come when you call him, instead of avoiding you or running away.
   • "Come" is a potentially lifesaving command, and you can ruin your puppy's obeying the command with one bad association.
   • Without chasing him, pick up the puppy and calmly take him to the washroom.
   • Keep talking to him happily and calmly all the time. This is not a competition, so don't put pressure on yourself or the puppy.
2. Seal off the laundry room. Once you are in the bathroom, close the door to keep your puppy from escaping. This can make your puppy stressed, so take time to cuddle and play in the enclosed bathroom to settle him down before the bath.
3. Keep the puppy in a warm room. Don't let him go anywhere where he can get cold until he is completely dry. Plus, you don't want his wet dog scent all over your house, so keep him out of the bedrooms, kitchens, or other places you don't want him to make a mess. Chances are he will run around and shake off water all over after a bath, but you can expect this. It's easiest to accept this as part of puppy life.
4. Consider seeking professional help. If all of this seems like too much for you and your puppy, consider contacting a professional groomer. When they first bathe puppies, ask about their procedure. You can take it to a professional for its first wash, but ask if you can look and ask for tips.
   • If your puppy hasn't had all of his vaccinations, you will need to take special precautions before taking him to the groomer.
   • To protect other dogs, the puppy should be the only customer first thing in the morning. The groomer will have to disinfect the bath, cage and grooming table after he has left.

Tips

• Don't be surprised if you see dandruff on your puppy's coat when you dry and brush it. Dandruff is a normal response to a stressful situation and doesn't mean anything, so don't worry!
• Only wash your puppy when it is dirty or smelly.
• Washing too much (more than once a week) will remove the protective sebum from your puppy's coat.
• Make sure that the water is not too hot, but also that it is not too cold.
• Be kind to the puppy as it is his first time.
• Try to speak to the puppy in a soft singing voice.

Warnings

• Never be rough or hurt the puppy in any way. Since it is its first bath, the puppy's natural response will be surprise or fear.
• Do not leave the puppy in the water unattended as this could result in drowning.

Necessities

• Puppy
• Bath or something not too big for the puppy
• Sweets
• Dog shampoo
• Bowl or anything else you can fill with water
• Old clean towels