I'll ask a question this time instead of answering one

I'm STUCK!

I have a dog that we have raised from a puppy. She was very submissive, but with training that has gone almost completely away. She is frightened out of her skin of getting a bath. She always thinks we are going to give her a bath. Even if I have cheese (which is her favorite) she doesn't want to come get it, because she thinks everything is a trap. I call her and give her things all the time (without a bath) to re-inforce that not everything results in a bath... to no avail. She is still scared stiff. Unfortuantely we still have to bathe her occasionally... once that happens we start all over again. She isn't scared in the tub, and after the bath she plays and runs all over. I don't know what else to do. The problem is she hunkers down and pees everywhere anytime people pet her or we call her. It's always some kind of "bath conspiracy" When there is no possibility of a bath (when we are at someone elses house, or a park) she is not scared at all. Ever.

how often do you have to bathe her? I'd try not to bathe her at all, but in those times that she needed it, I'd take her on a walk first and just not take off the leash until she's in the tub. And what does she find in the tub? A pile of treats. Maybe do it a couple of times without the bath part. Just put her in the tub at the end of a walk, where you have preset treats, then let her out. Do that three or four times, then give her a bath after she finishes the treats. And more treats after the bath. Then do the dry run a few times in between, just make it clear that it isn't a trap, just something that happens sometimes.

good luck

Well, I've bathed plenty of dogs and children, and it got mixed results. Some liked it and some freaked out.

1. Consult the dog's doctor. This is a common problem- often veterinarians prescribe medication for this.

2. Do not get water in the ears of your pets. Most pets and children don't like this. Some breeds are made for the water and have protective ear covering but not the Maltese. Put cotton in their ears if they allow it. Save the ear washing for something outside of the tub.

3. It might be the water. Don't run a tub when the pet is in there.
Use only warm water and do not fill up more that a couple of inches.

4. It might be the tub. I found it easier to bathe small dogs in tubs that are not bathtubs. You can buy these in K mart or Target. Make sure you have their favorite treats available. Take a test run first- make it a game (you can do this with the bathtub, too.) If they associate the bath or whatever tub with fun, the process should be easier. You might buy 2 tubs- one for a lather and one for a rinse.

5. Use only soft washcloths... make it a massage session.

6. Patience is needed with both children and animals.
Don't give up- you can teach them that bathtime is fun.

I can suggest you to download 6 days mini video course about dogs behaviors or visit my blog (first in my signature) there u can find some info.

good luck

[lil mutt]

maybe you are doing something that she associates with bath time... My dog hates bath and whenever she feels that I am going to give her a bath she will hide herself under the furniture... i usually say to her that it's bath time before giving her baths...

Maybe try the reverse and give her a bath everyday. You don't always have to use soap. who knows

I think TopherX has a great idea. Maybe give that a try. Let her associate the bath with something really pleasant.

Counter conditioning and desensitization. It's best not to offer a reward to lure a dog into doing something, it destroys the value of the reward, yes the treat is a trap and the dog gets that. There is a great video on youtube called Tucker's Nail Trim by Canines in Action, it shows how by using a clicker a dog was helped to deal with nail trims. In your case you need to change the association of the bath, the bathroom, the tub, the water, the soap, etc. It's a slow process and you need to go slowly. For example, you start by offering dogs good treats near the bathroom, but no bath, then you feed the treats in the bathroom, but no bath, this could go on for weeks until the dog is quite happy to come into the room and eat treats. Then you do something else, like run the water while he eats treats, but no bath, etc. etc.

Also be sure that you are using the correct temp, gentle soap, to make sure that nothing is physically hurting the dog when it does get a bath.

debbie
Working with a fearful, scared or shy dog