Bathtime dilema

Purr · 02-09-2005, 10:22 AM

Hey, y'all! I have a bit of a problem: Beethoven, my three month old mixed breed puppy hates having a bath. As soon as his feet hit the bottom of the tub, he goes beserk, and climbs up on my shoulders. Also, he screams like I'm trying to drown him...Why does he do this??? It's not like I'm holding him under the faucet when I bathe him, either, I use a cup to rinse his fur! I know I can't be getting all the soap out of his fur, because, if I don't pick him up, and hold him up against me, he flips out...Beethoven is going to get BIG, and when he's the size of a Rottie (and I'm guessing he will be, if not bigger), I don't want to have to hold him down to bathe him. I don't know what to do...can you help me? Thanks guys!!!

***Carrie*** · 02-09-2005, 10:27 AM

Most dogs are afraid of bathing when they're young. I guess your pup sounds a little extra afraid. So, you'll want to bathe him more often just as practice, not soap everytime. I would probably put a rubber mat which covers the bottom of the tub so it won't be slippery. Also, when you're in there taking a shower, bring him in with you just to hang out. Bring some treats and a toy. You could also put some blankets in there and start feeding him every meal in there. Associate it with an OK time for a while first before you do another bath. See if that will help. When he shakes and is so fearful, try not to over do with the fussing over him lest he thinks you think there is really something to be worried about and that his fearful reaction is really a great thing. Try to downplay it a bit and when he seems calm or Ok, give him a treat and affection.

Purr · 02-09-2005, 10:34 AM

Thank you Carrie! Yeah, I guess I do over do it a little with the fussing...

Actually, when I took him in the bathroom with me, as soon as I disappeared behind the shower curtain, he started screaming, and I spent the whole time I was in there with my head stuck out from behind the curtain...

But, I will try the things you suggested. Thanks again Carrie!

***Carrie*** · 02-09-2005, 10:42 AM

Yup...see? LOL. When you stuck your head out the shower curtain, he learned that he got a big reaction and lots of attention for his screaming. I know, it's hard to be "hard hearted" completely and I know I'd have a hard time completely ignoring him too. But that is how they learn....If there is a behavior which gets some kind of payoff, it will be repeated. LOL. So, just try to fix him up with some toys and blankies and make the room as pleasant as possible and just carry on your business without further attention to him....UNTIL...he quiets and chews on his toy. THEN....Woah! Turn off the shower, grab a treat and make a fuss over him. Yeah!!!! Party time. LOL.

Purr · 02-09-2005, 10:47 AM

I'm a softee, lol...! The whole time he screamed, I either talked to him, or let him see me...He's got me trained well, wouldn't ya say! Ha ha ha...

Thanks for your advice. I'll try it!

ChiChi · 02-09-2005, 12:25 PM

Brody used to have the same Prob *i have to give him a bath today infact* but now he does fail or scream, twoards the end of the bath he may whimper, but that is all... also in the summer my next dorr neighbor have a pool that they said would be okay for brody to swim in, but i dont want him to rip it... sooo yea.

Purr · 02-09-2005, 12:38 PM

ChiChi, is your avatar pic Brody??? He's sooo cute!

ChiChi · 02-09-2005, 02:04 PM

yup that is my pupper! he gives me a run for my money though! LET ME TELL YOU!

***Carrie*** · 02-09-2005, 05:00 PM

My most recent horses were so afraid to get into a horse trailer that it was a real pain when they had to be moved. So, in my pasture I put a horse trailer and that's where they ate and drank water. That's the only place they ate or drank water. Soon, they went in and out of a trailer like walking into or out of their stalls.

If your dog is afraid of something, feed him there and make it a pleasant place to be. Then later you can add 2 inches of water and set him there without bathing him all over. Take him out, dry him off and play with him. Another day, add 6 inches of water. You can do things slowly to condition a dog or a horse to most anything. Just take it in steps. Since food is sooooooo important to dogs and horses, (lol) that's a really pleasant association for them.

gaddylovesdogs · 02-11-2005, 09:04 PM

My dogs aren't too fond of the bath either. My Lab hates the bathroom and tries to stop me from picking her up and putting her in the tub, but once she's in there she just stands there and gives me the, "How could you DO this to me? All I've done is been a good girl and loved you..." and my Terrier mix is basically the same way. My GSD mix is a different story. When bathing her outside I can tie her up good and she just stands there, but in the bathtub she tries to crawl over my head and out of the bathtub

. We've found the shower works pretty good for her. We have to place guards at each end of the tub too while one person washes her

.

B.B.'s mom · 02-11-2005, 09:56 PM

my b.b. seems to just "tolerate" baths. he like being in my company so much that he'll put up with anything to be near me..my problem is..in this weather. he gets a serious case of the shakes after a bath.. i turn up the heat and wrap him in dry blankets.. but he still shakes, untill completely dry..and of course.i feel all kinds of guilty. but when i take a bath..he hangs on the outside of the tub..jumping up and licking the drips off the side, so i figure, if he was traumatized he wouldn't go near the thing. i have one question..is once a week to often for a bath? he seems to need one this often, but i don't want to dry out his skin.

gaddylovesdogs · 02-12-2005, 08:54 AM

I bathe my dogs once a month.

Purr · 02-14-2005, 09:50 AM

I haven't been on here in days...last time I tried to log in, I got the "Thanks for logging in" screen, and then, when I was redirected, I wasn't logged in again...weird!

Yeah, I started off feeding the pups in the bathroom, but then I moved their feeding place out to where I feed my cats, and I feed them all at the same time. I think I'll move them back into the bathroom, like Carrie said.

Thanks, y'all, for all of your replies! I'll let you know what happens with my big baby!

gaddylovesdogs · 02-18-2005, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Also, when you're in there taking a shower, bring him in with you just to hang out. Bring some treats and a toy.

I do this sometimes with one of my girls, the one who hates baths most. I bring her into the bathroom and I take a shower or bath. I make sure to stick my head out and smile at her, saying, "This is fun!!" in a happy voice. Of course, then she wiggles, but doesn't dare come near the tub (at least not yet). Sometimes I'll just bring her into the room and call her over to the bathtub where I pet her and talk to her, and tell her how good she is. Once your dog will come over to the tub and sit there willingly, I would work on putting him in the tub, treating him and praising him for being such a good boy. Just let him know it's OK.

Purr · 02-28-2005, 11:19 AM

Hi! I'm back!! My big boy is getting sooo much better; I started using the shower attachment to bathe him with, so he doesn't hear the faucet running, and he seemed to like it better. I stick the nozzle right down into his very short fur, and it gets all the soap out, at least. I wasn't sure what I was gonna do, if he was gonna keep that up, but thankfully, he's seems to be over his fear (well, almost!)...Thankz!!!!

02-09-2005, 10:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Purr ~3 Mutts~ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In the wild 'n' wonderful USA! Posts: 727 Rep Power: 87	Bathtime dilema Hey, y'all! I have a bit of a problem: Beethoven, my three month old mixed breed puppy hates having a bath. As soon as his feet hit the bottom of the tub, he goes beserk, and climbs up on my shoulders. Also, he screams like I'm trying to drown him...Why does he do this??? It's not like I'm holding him under the faucet when I bathe him, either, I use a cup to rinse his fur! I know I can't be getting all the soap out of his fur, because, if I don't pick him up, and hold him up against me, he flips out...Beethoven is going to get BIG, and when he's the size of a Rottie (and I'm guessing he will be, if not bigger), I don't want to have to hold him down to bathe him. I don't know what to do...can you help me? Thanks guys!!!
	__________________

02-09-2005, 10:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
Purr ~3 Mutts~ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In the wild 'n' wonderful USA! Posts: 727 Rep Power: 87	Thank you Carrie! Yeah, I guess I do over do it a little with the fussing... Actually, when I took him in the bathroom with me, as soon as I disappeared behind the shower curtain, he started screaming, and I spent the whole time I was in there with my head stuck out from behind the curtain... But, I will try the things you suggested. Thanks again Carrie!
	__________________

02-09-2005, 10:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
Purr ~3 Mutts~ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In the wild 'n' wonderful USA! Posts: 727 Rep Power: 87	I'm a softee, lol...! The whole time he screamed, I either talked to him, or let him see me...He's got me trained well, wouldn't ya say! Ha ha ha... Thanks for your advice. I'll try it!
	__________________

02-09-2005, 12:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
ChiChi Sheltie Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: North Carolina YEEHAW! Posts: 1,439 Rep Power: 109	Brody used to have the same Prob i have to give him a bath today infact but now he does fail or scream, twoards the end of the bath he may whimper, but that is all... also in the summer my next dorr neighbor have a pool that they said would be okay for brody to swim in, but i dont want him to rip it... sooo yea.
	__________________ Owned by Brody the sheltie "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." --Ben Williams

02-09-2005, 12:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
Purr ~3 Mutts~ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In the wild 'n' wonderful USA! Posts: 727 Rep Power: 87	ChiChi, is your avatar pic Brody??? He's sooo cute!
	__________________

02-09-2005, 10:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	Most dogs are afraid of bathing when they're young. I guess your pup sounds a little extra afraid. So, you'll want to bathe him more often just as practice, not soap everytime. I would probably put a rubber mat which covers the bottom of the tub so it won't be slippery. Also, when you're in there taking a shower, bring him in with you just to hang out. Bring some treats and a toy. You could also put some blankets in there and start feeding him every meal in there. Associate it with an OK time for a while first before you do another bath. See if that will help. When he shakes and is so fearful, try not to over do with the fussing over him lest he thinks you think there is really something to be worried about and that his fearful reaction is really a great thing. Try to downplay it a bit and when he seems calm or Ok, give him a treat and affection.

02-09-2005, 10:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	Yup...see? LOL. When you stuck your head out the shower curtain, he learned that he got a big reaction and lots of attention for his screaming. I know, it's hard to be "hard hearted" completely and I know I'd have a hard time completely ignoring him too. But that is how they learn....If there is a behavior which gets some kind of payoff, it will be repeated. LOL. So, just try to fix him up with some toys and blankies and make the room as pleasant as possible and just carry on your business without further attention to him....UNTIL...he quiets and chews on his toy. THEN....Woah! Turn off the shower, grab a treat and make a fuss over him. Yeah!!!! Party time. LOL.

02-09-2005, 02:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
ChiChi Sheltie Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: North Carolina YEEHAW! Posts: 1,439 Rep Power: 109	yup that is my pupper! he gives me a run for my money though! LET ME TELL YOU!
	__________________ Owned by Brody the sheltie "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." --Ben Williams

02-09-2005, 05:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	My most recent horses were so afraid to get into a horse trailer that it was a real pain when they had to be moved. So, in my pasture I put a horse trailer and that's where they ate and drank water. That's the only place they ate or drank water. Soon, they went in and out of a trailer like walking into or out of their stalls. If your dog is afraid of something, feed him there and make it a pleasant place to be. Then later you can add 2 inches of water and set him there without bathing him all over. Take him out, dry him off and play with him. Another day, add 6 inches of water. You can do things slowly to condition a dog or a horse to most anything. Just take it in steps. Since food is sooooooo important to dogs and horses, (lol) that's a really pleasant association for them.

02-11-2005, 09:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
gaddylovesdogs don't have a cow! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 155	My dogs aren't too fond of the bath either. My Lab hates the bathroom and tries to stop me from picking her up and putting her in the tub, but once she's in there she just stands there and gives me the, "How could you DO this to me? All I've done is been a good girl and loved you..." and my Terrier mix is basically the same way. My GSD mix is a different story. When bathing her outside I can tie her up good and she just stands there, but in the bathtub she tries to crawl over my head and out of the bathtub . We've found the shower works pretty good for her. We have to place guards at each end of the tub too while one person washes her .
	__________________ Looking for a new pet? Search www.petfinder.com for your next love. If you have a heart, please help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

02-11-2005, 09:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
B.B.'s mom malti-poo Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 112 Rep Power: 79	my b.b. seems to just "tolerate" baths. he like being in my company so much that he'll put up with anything to be near me..my problem is..in this weather. he gets a serious case of the shakes after a bath.. i turn up the heat and wrap him in dry blankets.. but he still shakes, untill completely dry..and of course.i feel all kinds of guilty. but when i take a bath..he hangs on the outside of the tub..jumping up and licking the drips off the side, so i figure, if he was traumatized he wouldn't go near the thing. i have one question..is once a week to often for a bath? he seems to need one this often, but i don't want to dry out his skin.

02-12-2005, 08:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
gaddylovesdogs don't have a cow! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 155	I bathe my dogs once a month.
	__________________ Looking for a new pet? Search www.petfinder.com for your next love. If you have a heart, please help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

02-14-2005, 09:50 AM	#13 (permalink)
Purr ~3 Mutts~ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In the wild 'n' wonderful USA! Posts: 727 Rep Power: 87	I haven't been on here in days...last time I tried to log in, I got the "Thanks for logging in" screen, and then, when I was redirected, I wasn't logged in again...weird! Yeah, I started off feeding the pups in the bathroom, but then I moved their feeding place out to where I feed my cats, and I feed them all at the same time. I think I'll move them back into the bathroom, like Carrie said. Thanks, y'all, for all of your replies! I'll let you know what happens with my big baby!
	__________________

02-28-2005, 11:19 AM	#15 (permalink)
Purr ~3 Mutts~ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In the wild 'n' wonderful USA! Posts: 727 Rep Power: 87	Hi! I'm back!! My big boy is getting sooo much better; I started using the shower attachment to bathe him with, so he doesn't hear the faucet running, and he seemed to like it better. I stick the nozzle right down into his very short fur, and it gets all the soap out, at least. I wasn't sure what I was gonna do, if he was gonna keep that up, but thankfully, he's seems to be over his fear (well, almost!)...Thankz!!!!
	__________________

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