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Bath Time Nightmares
I have a 1 year old Shapr Pei that I got from the breeder. When its bath time (we have red dirt here) she is so scared. We try to be as gentle as we can and it takes me and my 250 pound Hawiian hubby to bathe her. Being as she is a mini and only weights 24 pounds she will fight like a 100 pounder!! Thanks in advance
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Guest 781246
on Jun 4th 2008
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in Bathing
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Answers
Maybe she has not had a very good experience with baths or water in her past. Don't force her into the tub. This is only making it worse for the both of you. Wait until she is not scared and in that state of mind before you put her in the bath. By you kind of forcing the bath on her, she doesn't see it as a good thing. Let her sniff it out/explore it on her own first. Don't tell her "it's ok" or "good girl" until she is relaxed while in the bath. Try coaxing her with treats.
♥Tiffy♥
answered on 6/4/08.
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It takes me and my husband to bathe our 7 pound poodle. He fights it like there is no tomorrow and he is superfast so if he gets out of the tub or bathroom, you pray you can catch him (I've never seen a dog as fast as him) His first bath took 3 people to bathe him. He had never had a until then. (he was 10 weeks old) Some people usually wait on the bathing (but we were informed that it was okay) Every dog is different, Zack just doesn't like water (which is funny because poodles used to hunt waterfowl)
Just be patient she should get better with it over time (but sometimes they always fight it and it may be for no reason at all)
Guest 293575
answered on 6/4/08.
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It might depend on where you bathe her. 3 of my dogs do great outside with the hose,( there is no way I could get them into the bathtub inside) but my 4th dog will ONLY have a bath inside in the bathtub.
Daphne
answered on 6/4/08.
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Oh, believe me, Maggie our 6-year old Shar-Pei just has to see the shampoo bottle and towels and she runs the other way!!! My husband and I think that maybe the breeder was a little rough with her as a small pup and she associates this with bath times! Once Maggie is put into the bath tub, she is just fine! Just keep doing what you are doing and maybe as she gets older she will settle down and at least tollerate bath times! Good Luck!
Janet Yoho
Maggie
answered on 6/4/08.
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Most dogs would rather skip bath time, but bathing plays an important role in the health of your dog's coat and skin, helping to keep your dog clean and free of dirt and parasites. And of course, there's the added benefit of making your pooch more pleasant to be around.
here's what you can do:
dogtime.com
Guest 321826
answered on 6/4/08.
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Has your dog been to a basic obedience class? Most classes teach a 'stand' command with is very useful for any grooming procedures, including bathing. My furgirls know that when I give a command, they must follow it. Makes life a lot easier.
Lily's first bath was not fun. The second one was OK, and since then, she jumps into the tub when she sees the red collar I use for baths - her everyday one is pink and brown. I use the tub indoors. I don't think she would like cold water. I bought a hand held shower head with six different settings. I needed the full force on to get the soap out of the Siberian, but wouldn't use it on Lily. It makes rinsing so easy and thorough.
Can you brush her more often and give her fewer baths? My vet says no more than 1 every 3 weeks.
An obedience class is also great for strengthening the bond between you and your dog, too, so she will want to please you. That and maturity - a year is still very young.
Lily
answered on 6/5/08.
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Oh I know this oh so well.
This may sound funny but the way we dealt with our problem was this. We tried everything, and I mean everything. Our dog was so afraid he would poop all over you and the tub/sink. OH what a mess, so we tried the outdoors bath, no that did not work either. But our dog loved the ponds dirt and other things he could roll in that was very smelly. So how we did it is this, my husband decided to get into the shower with him, and that he did, he held him in his arms each time he would shower for 5 min. then I would take him out and towel dry him. No soap yet. Once he settled down he would saop him and condition him and then I would towel dry him. Takes a few min. extra on your part, but sometimes we have to sacrafise to help the ones we love. Now he will get into the tub all by himself and get a bath. We dont have to get in with him anymore. Did this about 6 times and that was about it. Try it you may see it helps.
Guest 595704
answered on 6/10/08.
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