Bath time often sparks an unwanted game of chase, with the human sprinting and diving after the dog just to bring him to the tub. Once he's caught, the chase isn't over; it’s a constant struggle to prevent the pup from fleeing. Although making bath time one of your dog's favorite things to do may not be realistic, you can help make baths more tolerable for both of you.

1. Practice having your pet in the tub with no water running at first. Running water can be scary for dogs, especially with a high-pressure faucet. Give her/him a treat and play together for a while there. Make your dog feel that the tub is a fun place. 

2. Another thing that makes dogs nervous is the slippery surface of the bath/shower. It would be wise to have an inexpensive rubber bath mat so she/he feels safe. Many dogs struggle in the bath because their feet slip when they can’t gain traction.

3. Let your dog know it’s bath time by using a certain cue, such as “bath”. By associating a certain word with her/his bath, you help take away any surprise that a bath is coming. Simply by alleviating his/her fear of the unknown, you can help your dog begin to relax. You can also use treats to coax your dog to you when you need to catch him for the bath. Avoid chasing after your dog, though; this game of chase can be fun for your dog and may reinforce the behavior of running away from you.

4. When is bathing time have her/him on leash and for first time and it would be helpful to have a helper gently hold her/him while petting. 

5. Bath time should always be paired with something your dog enjoys like a snack or a long lasting chewing treat. Rewards help your dog think about the bathing process as an enjoyable experience. 

6. Use warm water, which is less likely than cold water to make a dog panic. 

7. Don't douse your dog with running water; this will make him nervous. 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. It would be wise to use a washcloth to wash your dog's face, it's less frightening than running water splashing over his snout.

Remember that dogs that do not like bathing, think of the tub as a bad place. For you to change this you need patience and determination. Puppies are easier to train if you follow the above steps the sooner possible. Good Luck!