How to give your dog the best bath outside

Bath time can be a scary moment for many dogs and dog owners alike, but at Naturaldogowner.com we try to turn what can be a daunting situation, into something that potentially might even be enjoyable for both you and your dog. 

Next time that your dog is ready for a bath, we suggest trying to move the bath outside(weather permitting). I’ve found that some dogs can be extremely intimidated by the strange surfaces that make up your bathroom, and for some, moving to a location with more natural space can be a welcome and relaxing change to the normal stress of bath time!

Why some dogs don’t like baths

Owning a black Lab, a dog that is notorious for their love for the water, I was under the assumption that my dog would love bath time! After all, bath time offered quality time with me and involved being in the water. Boy, was I wrong. I found out early on that it’s entirely possible for your dog to love water but hate bath time.

Loss of control

Can you imagine someone bathing you? Intrusive much? Well, much like you and me, dogs are not always fond of being handled. It’s possible that your dog loves playing in and around water on their own terms but isn’t a fan of being confined to a small space.

The sound of rushing water, a foreign substance being lathered onto their coat and their owner hovering over them in a tub can be enough to kick their flight response into high gear.

In an outdoor setting, like the beach or lake, a dog has the ability to decide when, where and how they will interact with water. Their ability to control their environment and their relationship with their surroundings is a key factor in how they will react. If something frightens them or they are hesitant, they can simply avoid the situation.  

In a bath setting, however, they are often contained to a small space and have no control over their environment. This loss of control is a key factor in why a dog may love water, but dislike bath time.

It’s uncomfortable

For dogs that receive a bath indoors, particularly, the lack of space and discomfort at being placed in a large ceramic bowl (a.k.a. the bathtub) can trigger their natural instinct to flee. Loud running water, slippery surfaces, confined spaces: Does this sound like fun?  

It’s important to remember that a dog’s senses differ from yours. Your dog can hear at four times the distance and at higher pitch, and their sense of smell far exceeds that of a human.  In other words, what they are experiencing during bath time differs immensely from what you’re experiencing.

If you’re like me, chances are you’re going to attempt to minimize the amount of mess during bath time, which means trying to maintain control of your dog in an already small space. You’ll need to find a way to wash under their stomach, their paws, and other hard-to-reach places; This is not an easy task, especially when you’re both doing a balancing act on a smooth surface.

Needless to say, things get really cramped and uncomfortable for everyone.

It’s not the dog, it’s the owner

If you already know your dog isn’t a fan of bath time, your goal is probably to get it done as quickly as possible. You likely assume this will make the experience less traumatizing, but it can actually intensify your pup’s anxiety.

For one, your dog picks up on your nervous energy and anxiety, which heightens their unease. Second, they haven’t learned that bath time is a calm, positive experience. Just as you expect bath time to bring about trouble, they learn to expect the same. The difference is that they don’t recognize that they are the cause.

In order to provide a positive experience during bath time, it’s important to recognize that regardless of whether your dog enjoys jumping through puddles and swimming in lakes or shies away from water altogether, a dog’s love or hate of water doesn’t determine how they will react to bath time.  

If you’re tense, your dog will be too. How they react is based largely on whether or not you have created a positive or negative experience.

Bath time doesn’t have to be a struggle. Image: Scott 97006

How to help your dog love bath time

Whether you’re bathing your dog for the first time or trying to relieve their current anxiety toward bathing, there are a few things you can do to help your dog learn to love bath time.  

Wear your dog out

A tired dog is a good dog. Exercising with your dog is the best way to help them burn off excess anxiety or energy. Naturally, a dog will be more willing to cooperate in an activity they are not fond of if they are tired.

That’s not to mention that after a nice long walk or a morning chasing balls at the park, your dog will appreciate a cool, refreshing dip in some water!

Set up the environment

Whether it’s the rushing water or a slippery surface that seems to trigger your pet’s anxiety, you can adapt and prepare their environment to alleviate these stressors.

Start running water before your dog is confined so they can become familiar with the sound. Put down slip-proof or soft mats to keep them from slipping and sliding. Strategically place toys and treats around, so they associate the area with positive reinforcements.  

If you’re bathing your dog outdoors, some of these stressors may already be minimized. The same recommendations apply, however: Turn the water on early so they can adapt to the sound, provide your dog with a comfortable place to stand, and have some of their favorite things nearby.

Keep it consistent

Dogs appreciate routine and consistency. If you start by teaching your dog that bath time takes place indoors, you’ll want to maintain that environment. If you get them acclimated and comfortable with bathing indoors and then abruptly move bath time outdoors, you should expect some resistance.

I broke a cardinal bath time rule: consistency. When my pup was small, I got him familiar with bath time indoors. As he grew up, I had to teach him how to appreciate bath time outdoors, where there were a number of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and experiences.

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, you’ll have to decide which method is more appropriate for your dog and stick to it. Once your dog has learned what to expect from bath time, changing that routine will often confuse and frighten them.

Take bath time with your dog slowly

Allow your pup the opportunity to scope things out and get familiar with their environment. If bath time takes place inside, open the door and allow your dog to check out the bathroom. You can sit in the bathroom and allow your dog to come and go freely to retrieve toys or treats. Run the water so they can experience the noises and echo before they are confined to a small space with no escape.

It’s important that your dog has a positive experience in this space so their first experience isn’t a complete shock.

Getting your pup used to the room or area they are being bathed in will give them more sense of control, but it will also put you at ease, which in turn comforts your pet as well.  

Start them young

Your dog starts acquiring information about its surroundings based on its experiences as a puppy. If possible, it’s important to start giving your pup a bath early on. This is the perfect opportunity for you to make bath time fun!

As a puppy, your dog won’t be as hesitant to receive a bath, so getting them used to the process early will eliminate reluctance later on.

Keep in mind that if your dog has a negative experience as a puppy, they may carry that anxiety into adulthood. Though puppies are more open to new experiences, it’s important to take appropriate steps to make sure bath time is a safe and inviting experience.  

Positive reinforcement  

It’s important to note that positive reinforcement will only be effective if you’ve already deployed the tips listed above. If you reinforce an already terrified or nervous pup, you’ll be reinforcing the wrong behavior. In order for positive reinforcement to be effective, you’ll want to give your pup treats or their favorite toy once they are already calm and acclimated to their environment.

For example, when I started bathing my dog outdoors, once he calmed down I would give him his favorite tennis ball to chew on while I bathed him. It kept him preoccupied and made bath time more fun. After a while, when I signaled to my dog that it was bath time, he would go get his favorite ball and happily join me in the small pool we had designated for bath time.

If your dog causes too much trouble during indoor baths, outdoor baths are a great option. Image: Kim Wall

Bathing your dog inside vs. outside?

There are numerous reasons it may be preferable to bathe your dog outside instead of sticking to the tub. Here are a few of them. 

Keeping things clean

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about my experience bathing my dog indoors is the mess! It sounds silly, but in trying to wash your dog, you’ll actually create a bigger mess for yourself. Your dog may leave the bathroom glistening, but your bathroom certainly won’t be.

Visualize for a moment a soaked dog shaking themselves dry in a tiny room, while you’re hovering awkwardly over them with a bottle of shampoo and a shower attachment. There is no escaping the mess or the lateral spray you’re going to experience in this scenario.

That’s not to mention all of the dirt, excess hair, debris, or mud that has made a home on your pup that will now be swirling down your drain. After the bath is over, you’ll be tasked with cleaning the tub and fishing hair and dirt out of your drain.

Bathing your dog outside prevents the extra mess. Your wet dog can shake themselves dry, freely, and you won’t have to clean it up! On a warm summer day, you can even allow your dog to air dry so you don’t have to wash excess bath time towels.  

Non-slip surfaces

Your dog will be slippin’ and slidin’ all over the bathroom floor, or worse, the bathtub. It’s funny to think about, but also makes bath time incredibly challenging and dangerous. This is actually one of the main reasons that dogs don’t always enjoy taking a bath. Their claws will shift as they move around and because their mobility is limited, there is a good chance they will take a tumble or two on slick surfaces.

Washing your dog outdoors enables you to stay on a safe and secure surface (e.g. grass, cement, a towel). Not only does this make bath time cleaner, it also prevents you from having to worry about your dog injuring themselves or having a negative experience

More space

In order to get your dog clean, you’ll need to maintain control and have ample space to move around. Unlike bathing indoors, you’ll have plenty of space to move around your pet and give them a thorough wash.

Dogs tend to get anxious if they are confined in small spaces, especially for an extended period of time. That’s why even after tempting him with treats, my Labrador wouldn’t willingly enter the bathroom for bath time. Washing your dog outdoors will alleviate the anxiety that develops from being cooped up in a small space and make the bathing process much less stressful for your pup.

Familiarity

Particularly with dogs that don’t enjoy baths, their familiarity with the environment will be critical. Chances are your dog spends a lot more time outdoors than they do in the bathroom. If they already have a designated play area, it will be easier to incorporate bath time in an area where they are already comfortable.

Size matters

Have you ever tried to coerce a 90-pound Labrador into a tiny bathtub? Let me tell you, it isn’t easy! If you are the owner of a medium-large dog, washing your pup outdoors is a must.

A larger dog will be more uncomfortable with being confined to a small space and will also create a much bigger mess. Towel-drying a medium or large dog will also take a considerable amount of time, which means more time cooped up in the bathroom.

How to wash your dog outdoors

Washing your dog outdoors vs. indoors doesn’t eliminate the need to prepare for bath time. There are still a few steps you should take to make sure your dog has a positive experience.

Pick the right day to bathe your dog

One of the most common misconceptions about dogs is that their coats keep them from getting too cold. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Even though your dog seems to be sporting a winter coat all year long, cool weather accompanied by water will lower your dog’s core temperature quickly.

While you can give your dog a bath indoors at any time, you’ll have to wait for a warm sunny day to bathe your dog outdoors.

Water supply

You can’t have a bath without water (obviously), but you’ll want to consider your water source when preparing your dog for a bath. If your dog is uncomfortable with a garden hose, you’ll want to get them acclimated to the hose prior to bath day. A great way to acclimate your pup is to use the hose to water flowers or plants with your pup nearby. It’s important that your dog sees the hose as non-threatening.

If you can’t get your dog to warm up to the hose, you can fill buckets or a small plastic pool with warm water instead. Again, allow your dog an ample amount of time to get comfortable with the water before you get them wet!

Try to get your dog used to the hose by using it around them before you use it on them. Image: MaryAnn Schwartz

Why bathe your dog outside vs. inside?

There are numerous reasons it may be preferable to bathe your dog outside instead of sticking to the tub. Here are a few of them. 

Keeping things clean

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about my experience bathing my dog indoors is the mess! It sounds silly, but in trying to wash your dog, you’ll actually create a bigger mess for yourself. Your dog may leave the bathroom glistening, but your bathroom certainly won’t be.

Visualize for a moment a soaked dog shaking themselves dry in a tiny room, while you’re hovering awkwardly over them with a bottle of shampoo and a shower attachment. There is no escaping the mess or the lateral spray you’re going to experience in this scenario.

That’s not to mention all of the dirt, excess hair, debris or mud that has made a home on your pup that will now be swirling down your drain. After the bath is over, you’ll be tasked with cleaning the tub and fishing hair and dirt out of your drain.

Bathing your dog outside prevents the extra mess. Your wet dog can shake themselves dry, freely, and you won’t have to clean it up! On a warm summer day, you can even allow your dog to air dry so you don’t have to wash excess bath time towels.  

Non-slip surfaces

Your dog will be slippin’ and slidin’ all over the bathroom floor, or worse, the bathtub. It’s funny to think about, but also makes bath time incredibly challenging and dangerous. This is actually one of the main reasons that dogs don’t always enjoy taking a bath. Their claws will shift as they move around and because their mobility is limited, there is a good chance they will take a tumble or two on slick surfaces.

Washing your dog outdoors enables you to stay on a safe and secure surface (e.g. grass, cement, a towel). Not only does this make bath time cleaner, it also prevents you from having to worry about your dog injuring themselves or having a negative experience

More space

In order to get your dog clean, you’ll need to maintain control and have ample space to move around. Unlike bathing indoors, you’ll have plenty of space to move around your pet and give them a thorough wash.

Dogs tend to get anxious if they are confined in small spaces, especially for an extended period of time. That’s why even after tempting him with treats, my Labrador wouldn’t willingly enter the bathroom for bath time. Washing your dog outdoors will alleviate the anxiety that develops from being cooped up in a small space and make the bathing process much less stressful for your pup.

Familiarity

Particularly with dogs that don’t enjoy baths, their familiarity with the environment will be critical. Chances are your dog spends a lot more time outdoors than they do in the bathroom. If they already have a designated play area, it will be easier to incorporate bath time in an area where they are already comfortable.

Size matters

Have you ever tried to coerce a 90-pound Labrador into a tiny bathtub? Let me tell you, it isn’t easy! If you are the owner of a medium-large dog, washing your pup outdoors is a must.

A larger dog will be more uncomfortable with being confined to a small space and will also create a much bigger mess. Towel-drying a medium or large dog will also take a considerable amount of time, which means more time cooped up in the bathroom.

How to wash your dog outdoors

Washing your dog outdoors vs. indoors doesn’t eliminate the need to prepare for bath time. There are still a few steps you should take to make sure your dog has a positive experience.

Pick the right day to bathe your dog

One of the most common misconceptions about dogs is that their coats keep them from getting too cold. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Even though your dog seems to be sporting a winter coat all year long, cool weather accompanied by water will lower your dog’s core temperature quickly.

While you can give your dog a bath indoors at any time, you’ll have to wait for a warm sunny day to bathe your dog outdoors.

Water supply

You can’t have a bath without water (obviously), but you’ll want to consider your water source when preparing your dog for a bath. If your dog is uncomfortable with a garden hose, you’ll want to get them acclimated to the hose prior to bath day. A great way to acclimate your pup is to use the hose to water flowers or plants with your pup nearby. It’s important that your dog sees the hose as non-threatening.

If you can’t get your dog to warm up to the hose, you can fill buckets or a small plastic pool with warm water instead. Again, allow your dog an ample amount of time to get comfortable with the water before you get them wet!  

An outdoor bathtub might be perfect for your fearful pup! Image: Steven

Quick-dry towels

My dog’s favorite part of bath time has always been the part where he gets to burrow into a warm, dry towel. Unfortunately, his coat is so thick, it’s not unusual for me to go through half a dozen towels before he’s moderately dry. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of the extra laundry or the damp dog smell that lingers after my pup is only partially dried.

Luckily, dog lovers have developed a solution to this problem by creating quick-dry towels that are designed specifically to dry your dog. Dog-drying towels are often more absorbent than your average bath towel and they are made of less coarse material to keep your dog’s sensitive skin from getting rubbed raw.

As an added bonus, most quick-dry dog towels are machine washable and made from a material that keeps dog hair from getting trapped on the towel. A piece of cloth that is free from dog hair – is that even possible? Yes!

The best products for bathing your dog outdoors

Here are a few options we recommend to help you bath your pup outside:

Pet Wand Pro Dog Shower Attachment by Waterpik

The Pet Wand PPR-252 by Waterpik is a bathtime option that is designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes. This particular wand is also unique because it allows you to choose whether you want to bathe your dog indoors or outdoors, which is an excellent option if you’re transitioning your canine from indoor baths to outdoor bath time.

The PPR-252’s 9-foot flexible hose allows you to give your pup some extra space if they’re anxious and need more flexibility and freedom. This is particularly helpful in an outdoor setting or if you’re working on creating a positive experience for them. You can easily attach the pet wand to your hose using an outdoor adapter without restricting them to a small space.

If you prefer bathing your dog indoors, the Waterpik has you covered by offering an indoor diverter. Not to mention, Waterpik also includes a suction cup that is helpful if you need to take a break mid-bath and let your dog relax or get comfortable with the sounds and smells of bathtime.

Whether you choose to use it indoors or outdoors, the PPR-252 has two unique spray options - full-coverage or narrow spray. Having multi-functional spray heads offers you more diversity by allowing you to lessen or increase the amount of water. Having this option makes it easier to rinse sensitive areas, like your dog’s ears, while still having the ability to get all of the dirt and debris out from their coat.

For more information on how to use the PPR-252 Waterpik or to see how it work, I recommend that you watch this video:

Here’s what customers have to say about the Pet Wand Pro Dog Shower Attachment:

Pros:

• Works well for dogs with a thicker coat or undercoat
• More convenient than a standard showerhead
• The gentle spray option is great for dogs that are afraid of water pressure
• Easy to install and use
• Great for dogs that need baths more often
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Plastic pieces may break
• Water pressure may not work well for all dogs

Read more reviews and purchase the Waterpik PPR-252 Pet Wand Pro at Amazon.

 

Porta Tubby Collapsible Dog Bath Tub by BailyBear

The Porta Tubby by BailyBear was designed for small dog owners that have or want to use a minimal amount of space to bathe their dog without losing the functionality of a bathtub. The Porta Tubby is shaped like a bathtub, has a quick drain, and is made from a silicone that makes clean-up a breeze. The Porta Tubby also has the convenience of a storage tray to keep all of your dog’s bath time essentials organized and within arms reach.  

Because it collapses to just 2.4 inches and has a handle, this tub is an excellent option if you’re looking for a bath time option to travel with or are looking for something that can easily be stored away. Due to its size and portability, the Porta Tubby can be used just about anywhere - whether that be indoors or outdoors.

If you’re bathing your dog indoors, one of the most common concerns is that your dog will slip in the tub. Fortunately, the Porta Tubby solves that problem by offering a non-slip bottom and anti-skid legs.

The Porta Tubby is 31.5” x 17.3” x 8.7” and is best suited for toy breeds and small dogs up to 25 pounds - it’s essential to determine if your dog will fit comfortably in this tub, to make bath time a positive experience for you and your pup. If for any reason, you have a problem with the Porta Tubby, you can contact BailyBear for a replacement or refund.

Here’s what customers have to say about Porta Tubby Collapsible Dog Bath Tub:

Pros:

• Does not require as much water as a traditional tub
• Very compact and can be easily stored
• Keeps your dog contained, to minimize mess
• Can be used inside of a bathtub
• Thick and durable

Cons:

• Cannot be used for larger breeds
• Too low to the ground
• Water drains slowly

Read more reviews and purchase the Porta Tubby by BailyBear at Amazon.

Fast Dry Pet Bath Towel by Basen

The Basen towel is a quick-absorbing bathrobe-style towel for your pup. It is made out of 400gsm high-absorbent microfiber material, which expedites the drying process and gets your dog drier, faster.

The Basen pet bathrobe is unique because your dog can wear it! It’s simple to fasten and wrap around your dog’s belly. It’s also adjustable, so you can make sure it fits comfortably and snuggly to your pet’s body.

The bathrobe is incredibly versatile and can be used for anything, from a day spent swimming in the lake to a simple bath. Not only will it keep your canine nice and warm, but it will also keep you and your home dry and free of wet dog mess.

Once your pup is dry simply toss the bathrobe into the wash, air dry, and voila, a clean towel! In addition to convenient washing, the Basen bathrobe has adjustable velcro and has options to accommodate dogs of all sizes, from toy to extra large breeds.

It’s important to check the sizing chart and list of dimensions prior to making a purchase so you can find a robe that fits well and provides an ample amount of space for them to move around. You’ll find images detailing how to measure your pup and what each dimension means on the sizing chart. Keep in mind customers say it runs large than expected.

What customers have to say about the Basen Pet Fast Dry Towel:

Pros:

• Makes the process of washing your dog much easier
• Helps control your pet more than a traditional towel
• Aesthetically appealing
• Handy during winter months
• Dries quickly

Cons:

• Color did not withstand washing
• Velcro on the neck could have better placement
• Doesn’t always stay on

You can see more pictures, sizing, and purchase the Basen Pet Bathrobe on Amazon.

For tips to clean your dog’s dirty paws after a walk check out our paw cleaning guide.

Aquapaw Shower Sprayer and Scrubber

The Aquapaw shower sprayer and scrubber combo combine the benefits of a bath scrubber and shower attachment into one convenient doggie bath-time tool. This is a bath-time tool literally at the palm of your hands.

The Aquapaw is marketed as the world’s first wearable sprayer-and-scrubber combo that can be turned on and off by simply making a fist. It has a one-size-fits-all adjustable strap that fits around your hand, much like a watch strap on your wrist.

In addition to offering more control over water pressure, the Aquapaw’s design also allows you to maintain more control of your dog. Because it can be operated with the palm of your hand, the Aquapaw will allow you to keep both hands on your pup at all times.

The soft silicone scrubber allows you to get up close and personal with your pup by eliminating excess spray and offering a faster, more thorough rinse.  This is especially beneficial for dogs that get anxious by spraying water from a faucet or hose. As an added bonus, the rubber nobs at the base of the tool also help to de-shed your pup’s undercoat.

The Aquapaw can be installed both indoors on a showerhead and outdoors on a garden hose. Attachments for installation are included with each purchase and quick installation instructions can be found here.

Not only does this product have a lifetime warranty on original parts and components, but if you aren’t satisfied with your Aquapaw, you can return it for free!

Here’s what customers have to say about the Aquapaw Pet Bathing Tool:

Pros:

• Great way to control water pressure
• Ideal for dogs with a thicker coat
• Perfect for dogs that are afraid of the showerhead
• Shower/hose attachments are well-made and easy to install
• On and off switch is convenient

Cons:

• Not powerful enough to penetrate a double coat
• The hose could be longer
• The strap doesn’t always remain secured

You can read more reviews and buy the Aquapaw Shower Scrubber at Amazon.

Mud Dog Travel Shower by Kurgo

The Kurgo Mud Dog Travel Shower is for the pup owner that is tired of cleaning up after their muddy, dirty dog, especially on the go.  Similar to the Aquapaw, it is marketed as an outdoor/indoor bathing option for your pup. However, it differs because it does not require a hose or showerhead to generate water. The Kurgo Travel Shower uses standard soda bottles from 16 ounces to 2 liters as a water source. It’s important to note that the bottles are sold separately from the shower itself.

Unlike the Aquapaw, the Kurgo Travel Shower is a portable option for dogs on the go. Though both products offer a convenient way to wash your pup, the Kurgo Travel Shower is more appropriate for adventures on the go because it does not require a defined water source, just a few 2-liter bottles. Simply tighten the Travel Shower to the top of the bottle and tilt!

The Kurgo Travel Shower is also made from safe, durable materials that can be thrown in the dishwasher for cleaning. Similar to the Aquapaw, the Kurgo Travel Shower has a lifetime warranty when its purchased new from an authorized dealer.

Safe, convenient, small, compact, and doggie approved – what more could you ask for?

Here’s what customers have to say about the Kurgo Mud Dog Travel Shower:

Pros:

• Great for muddy paws
• Multi-purpose use
• Great for keeping your dog cool in the summer during a walk
• Not scary for dogs
• Don’t have to squeeze the bottle too hard

Cons:

• The lid doesn’t fit tightly enough around the bottle
• Might be easier to pour water on your dog
• You have to buy 20-liter bottles separately
• Bottles crush up and don’t last long

See more pictures and read reviews of the Kurgo Travel Shower on Amazon.

Bath time doesn’t have to be an exhausting, overwhelming experience for you and your pup. There is a lot of specialized products to make bath time more enjoyable for you and your four-legged friend.

Now that I’ve done my research, I can happily say that my black Lab never has to be persuaded into a ceramic tub again. He gets his bath outside with his favorite toy and I get a clean home and bathroom!

Feature image: Paul B