If you have a large dog that gets anxious every time it’s bath time, trust me—I totally get you. I had a Labrador named Max who acted like he was going to war every time he heard the sound of the shower or saw the leash heading toward the bathroom.
And Max was one of those big, lovable goofballs who’d start trembling just at the sight of the hose.
So if you’re going through the same struggle, I want to share some tips that worked for me and can help you calm your big pup when it’s time for a bath.
1. Start Outside the Bathtub: Get Your Dog Used to the Environment
First things first: there’s no calming a dog who’s already panicked. The trick is to begin before bath day. With Max, I used to take him into the bathroom just to hang out. No water, no bath—just hanging out. I’d let him lie down, play a bit, give him some treats.
That way, he started seeing the space as less of a “torture chamber.”
Practical tip: Take your dog into the bathroom for a few minutes each day without giving a bath. Let them sniff around, play, give them treats and praise. The goal is to associate the space with something pleasant.
2. Use a Non-Slip Mat
Big dogs slipping around = disaster. Max had a couple of bad falls in the tub and it made things even worse. Once I got a rubber non-slip mat, he immediately felt safer and calmer. It made a huge difference.
3. Keep the Water Warm and the Environment Calm
Too hot or too cold water can make your dog uncomfortable. And loud noises or sudden movements? Not helpful at all.
I learned the hard way when my phone rang super loud during Max’s bath, and he freaked out—jumped out of the tub and nearly took me down with him.
So yes, a calm environment matters. Try soft background music, speak in a calm voice, and move gently.
4. Use Toys and Treats
This trick was a total game changer for me. I’d give Max a rubber toy stuffed with treats (like a Kong) and he’d get so into it that he barely noticed I was bathing him.
Pro tip: Use a toy your dog already likes—don’t introduce something new during bath time, or it might backfire.
5. Avoid Forcing or Restraining Too Hard
This only builds more fear. I once tied Max’s leash to keep him from jumping out, and that only made him panic more. If your dog tries to get away, pause, talk to them gently, calm them down, then continue.
If you need to keep them in place, use a leash gently with positive reinforcement. No yelling, no tugging.
6. Always Reward Afterwards
After the bath, throw a mini celebration! Give treats, belly rubs, playtime. That way, they start associating bath time with good things at the end. It really helps in the long run.
7. Use Gentle and Proper Products
Anxious dogs can get even more upset if the shampoo has a strong smell or causes irritation. I recommend using products made for sensitive dogs with light scents—lavender-based ones can be soothing.
My Experience With Max’s Transformation
With all these changes, Max went from a bath-hating, anxious mess to a dog who actually walked into the bathroom wagging his tail (okay, not always, but way more relaxed!). It became a much more manageable moment—for both of us.
Helpful Apps for Calming Dogs
These days, there are even apps that play relaxing music specifically for dogs, like Pet Acoustics or Relax My Dog, available on the Play Store and App Store. I tried “Relax My Dog” and it worked really well!
You can play it before and during the bath to set the mood.
Bathing a large, anxious dog can feel impossible, but with patience, love, and the right approach, it gets so much better. Respect your dog’s pace and make it a more positive experience.
If you’ve got a big fluffy buddy like Max, I’d love to hear how bath time goes at your place. Let’s trade stories! 🐶🛁✨