Argh!not Having Any Progress!!!

[pittiegurl]

I've gotten Osha to get into the bathtub & sit still while the water is running,only problem!!!! Is when she stands up,there is urine all over her & the bottom of my bathtub!!! What else can I do to get her used to water?!?!?!? <sigh>

[Dax]

Have you tried this outside? Take your garden hose and water a bucket. She if she shows any interest in the running water. If she reacts negatively, don't continue. Can I assume she doesn't like swimming either?

Fill a bucket with a mixture of 1cup of mild shampoo & fill with warm water. Take a wash cloth and wet in the mixture - ring out so it's quite wet by not slopping. Rub the wash cloth over her. Rinse wash cloth several times and continue. Continue to speak soothingly to her. She has a short coat so this should be enough to clean her, without stressing her. Do this outside on the concrete to start. I suggest it's a two person job - one to hold her and reassure her - one to get the backend & undercarriage.

[Moo]

Have you NOT running the water while she's in it. Lets say your bathtub is full of water before she gets there. You fill it without her hearing/seeing it. Once you get her in, use a washcloth or cup to dump water on her yourself, instead of having the water run from the tap/shower head. It's less scary that way. No noise, nothing shooting at her.

[pittiegurl]

Yeah,she was great when the water wasn't running,I turned the water on just a little,& she showed interest...{It was barely a trickle} Then I turned it on just a little more,to a steady run,but it was just a thin stream of water,& she started going crazy!

[Dax]

Well, I agree with Moo don't run the water. Try it with a full tub - or just use a wash cloth. Remember the goal is a clean dog not one that likes running water.

[pittiegurl]

She won't get into a full bathtub,I really don't want her to be afraid of the water,I want her to enjoy it! We might be getting a swimming pool,so that the dogs can cool off in the summer! {Chico would enjoy that lol}

[Dax]

So until then do the washcloth thing. Just get her clean. You can try taking her to a pond or lake where she can go in & out on her own. I got Ariel used to water by filling a small kiddy pool and playing in the water with toys, splashing (not her) etc. They are usually better if they feel they have some control.

[lotzoflove]

i hope you make good progress hope osha gets used to the water. but if you do the washcloth thing i was just giong to add you might want to have her watch you putting the wash cloth in the water and bringing it out SLOWLY and ringing it out.... SLOWLY just so she knows exactly what is hapening so she doesnt get spooked and run

[pittiegurl]

LotzofLove-She isn't scared of the washcloth,she's scared of getting sprayed by water,running water,& getting into a bathtub full of water.....The washcloth won't bother her,whether or not it's wet....

Hrmmm......Maybe I could bathe her in my parents tub,get her in there & close the door & turn the water on! Hmmmm.....Maybe!

[Moo]

I'd say... give up with trying to run water on her. Use the washcloth, and if it's too cold to do it outside, do it in the bathroom... if you want to try to warm her up to he bathtub, you don't need to fill it up. You only need a couple inches to clean the bottom of the paws for you.