Cross Breeds

My dog is Terrified of Water?

My dog is so afraid of water but i really don't know why when he was a small puppy and i bathed him in the sink (cute baby pics :D) and the water wasn't too hot or cold and he seemed fine but as he got a little bigger i had to move him to the bath tub and he was so afraid i kept the water the same temp and everything but he kept trying to get out and run away so now thats hes really big i tried bathing him outside with the water hose and seems almost impossible he runs away when i try to get him in the little bath thing but since its way colder outside i just thought he was afraid of the coldness so i convinced my parents to let me bathe him in the tub and he ran out and got the carpets all soapy and wet i feel like ive done everything. i bathed him in everyplace i can possibly think of ive bought different shampoos i got ijn my swimsuit and tryed to show him bathing is fun but he just hates water so how do i get him to take him bath? P.S i only bathe him once a month (vet told me too) Hes a mix of shepherd/chow/and husky (at least thats what the papers said) He wont get near me if theres water present http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2sb7fbm&s=4 http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2jchm38&s=4 Baby pic :) i see the sheperd and maybe the husky but i really dont see much chow he doesnt have any blue on his tongue and hes not poofy he has short legs tho :P

Public Comments

1. Maybe you should take him to a groomer and let them do it
2. what kind of dog do you have? im very curious.... try using a dry shampoo when you need to clean your dog's fur.....I find this wierd....Just because Im used to being aroung retirever, who LOVE water!
3. I see, try taking him down to the groomers and let them do it, or you can ask your vet for advice, good luck.
4. My dog is not "terrified" of water, he just doesn't like getting a bath. He'll swim if given the chance, but there's something different when the water is being sprayed on you. I always had to drag my dog to the shower, so you might end up having to do the same thing, but make the shower a really good place, by giving him treats while he's in there. Also, make sure that when you direct that water on him, that it's not spraying too hard and that you never spray in his face or ears. If you can't make him like the shower, you might be at least able to make him tolerate it long enough to bath him. Remember, lots of treats in the shower and make sure you close the door so he can't get out.
5. Most dogs don't like water and hate baths, so your dog is just being normal. I put my dogs on a cable leash in the backyard and use the hose. I make sure I have everything I need before I get the dog so that the bath ordeal is as brief as possible. When the dog is rinsed off, I reward him with a good towel rub-down and a dog biscuit. If I can time it right, I then take him for a walk so 1) he forgets the bath, and 2) he doesn't rub himself in something foul or dry himself off on my furniture.
6. some dogs just dont like water and so you will just have to live with it the same goes with my doggie (a mini schnauzer) shes the best but she hates water we take her to the beach and phisically put her in it but shell just swim toward the shore right away and not want to get back in she isnt too fond of bathes either maybe you can give your dog fewer bathes if its really a problem and a hastle or if you have more specific questions on what to do you can contact your vet who can give you more information GOOD LUCK!!! ;-)
7. this is a very common problem for a LOT of dogs. the best thing you can do is make the bath a pleasurable experience. that means TREATS! do not build up the suspension when it's time for your dog to take a bath. don't have the water running when you call him.. just have him in the bathroom already with the door closed so he can't run. have everything prepared already, the towels, soap etc. then make the bath as fast as possible so its done and over with. maybe reward him with a walk right after. my dog hates baths but will get in the tub and have one because i give him treats and don't take no for an answer. if he runs away i just chase him down and bring him to the bath. once he is inside the bath it is really not as bad as getting him into the bath lol. yes he shakes, sometimes whines, but when it's all done and over with he still loves me and gets on with life. make sure you keep the water out of the face! wash the face with a damp washcloth, but don't get any water in the eyes!