This Q&A was originally published on the Petfinder Blog as part of our Train FurKeeps program

Q: How do I get my dog to stop biting when I try to give her a bath? It’s like she becomes a ferocious attack dog. — Jason S.

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Andrea Arden, CPDT at Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York City, writes: You can teach your dog to enjoy bath time with brief — about 3-5 minute — sessions. Here’s how:

• Practice having her in the tub, if that is her bathing spot, with no water running at first. Running water can be scary for dogs, especially with a high-pressure faucet.
• Put down an inexpensive rubber bath mat so she doesn’t slip (slipping can add to her nervousness).
• Have her on leash and have a helper gently hold her as you let her lick from a sterilized bone stuffed with a creamy food like cream cheese or peanut butter. Gently brush her as she works on the bone.
• Keep practicing this in short sessions until she is calm.
• Once your dog is calm in the tub, introduce water by taking a container of warm water gently pouring it on one of your dog’s feet.
• Gradually increase the length of time in the tub and the amount of water used until you can give her a full bath.

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