How to calm a dog that hates bath time and won't take treats?

Question

Kiba hates bath time, he tenses up and tries to climb out of the bathtub, I can barely hold the poor thing in place. He refuses to stand in the tub, he tries to get out so I have to hold him very firmly. Are there any methods to help him calm down? A friend told me to fill the tub up with water a bit so he can stand in the water, but I feel like that would probably freak Kiba out more. When he's in the tub, he won't even take treats and I feel bad for him :(. Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 27 days old

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Some dogs really hate having a bath, and Kiba sounds like he really hates it if he won't even take treats. I typically recommend treats and soothing voices to help calm a dog down. Be sure to stay calm, and as less stressed as possible. Try giving him treats he doesn't normally get like chicken or pig ears. If it really is too difficult for you to bath him, I would take Kiba to a groomers for it. That takes the stress off of you, and groomers are well trained at dealing with dogs who baths :-)

How to calm a dog that hates bath time and won't take treats?

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