Baths are hard. Over the years, we have learned a lot about how to make it stress-free and more fun for us and the dogs. With the benefit of positive, force-free training, I can easily do the baths myself now. Hubby (aka “the human treat dispenser”) doesn’t even have to be home to help anymore!
Tips:
1. Take your time. Relax.
2. It doesn’t have to be perfect. (Dont let perfection stand in the way of progress.)
3. Water temperature how they like it!
4. They get to stand where they are most confident and comfortable.
5. No restraint, no force of any kind. They can move around as much as they need to. This reduces stress/anxiety significantly.
6. Use your happy training commands to ask for the behaviors you need. (touch, stand, stay)
7. Offer high value treats for each step, to maintain a positive emotional response throughout the process. Don’t withhold until the end. That’s too hard.
*Disclaimer: While force-free methods are a huge part of my massage practice, I am not a certified dog trainer. For more videos pertaining to training, I highly recommend Kikopup’s YouTube Channel: @kikopup . She’s full of great tips for fun, force-free training!
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Article Tags: #forcefree · #happydogs · #positvetraining