"I love to bathe and blow-dry my dog!" You might not hear that often, but with the right approach, bathing and blow-drying your furry friend can be stress-free and even enjoyable for both of you. Let's dive into the art of introducing your pup to the world of baths and blow-drying, ensuring a lifetime of bath time bliss and a well-groomed dog!

Step 1: Familiarize your dog with the bathtub itself and the sound of the water and blow dryer. Start young to make bathing and blow-drying a breeze! Introduce your dog to the bathtub itself, getting them in and out, rewarding them for just being comfortable with that first step. After that you will start to introduce the water beside the dog, making sure the water is at a comfortable warm temperature. It is important to have a leash on your dog so if they become a little uncomfortable they can't jump out and potentially hurt themselves. You will also introduce the noise of the blow dryer from a distance, allowing your pup to investigate. Support them as they acclimate, reinforcing confident behavior with positive rewards. Show them there's nothing to fear, and you'll be well on your way to a calm blow-drying experience.

💡 Tip: Reward often with high value treats, a licky mat, or praise to make the introduction fun and rewarding.

💨 Step 2: Gradual Introduction. When it's time for the real deal, start off with water on the legs and back before moving towards the head. It is important to try and avoid getting water in your dog's ears so that there isn't a potential for an ear infection. After you are done bathing your dog, it's time to run a brush through their coat before starting to blow dry them. If your dog goes to bite the brush, pause brushing but do not pull the brush away as doing so will reinforce the biting behavior. Instead redirect them with some food away from the brush and as soon as they start to snack on that begin brushing again. Once done with that, set your dryer to the lowest setting and slowly bring it closer to your pup. Use distractions like treats or a slow feeder, and reward them generously as they adjust to the new sensation. Patience is key – take it slow and steady. For dogs with thick coats we recommend using a slicker brush while you blow dry to help get your dog's dead undercoat out. Just be prepared to be covered in hair! 

🍖 Tip: Create positive associations by rewarding at every step. Consistent reinforcement is your secret weapon.

🚿 Step 3: Start Small, Stay Consistent. No need for a full bath, brush, and blowout on day one! After a successful bath session, let your pup air-dry naturally in the beginning. Allow them to decompress with a chew, food puzzle, or our preferred option - playtime! Remember, it's not a race – take your time and let your pup build confidence in each grooming session.

🌟 Tip: Practice outside of bath time too! Regular exposure to brushing and blow drying builds positive experiences, turning your pup into a grooming rockstar. Starting off with handling drills will also allow for easier nail trims and brushing your dog's under belly area.

Looking for different supplies we recommend? Follow this link to access our recommended toys and tools list!

Check out the other posts in this series here:

Caring For Your Dog: Getting a Handle on Handling Drills

Caring For Your Dog: How to Brush Your Dog's Pearly Whites

Caring For Your Dog: Taking the Frustration Out of Nail Trims