Expert: Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT - 10/7/2008

Question
Hi Sandra,

In March I traveled to Best Friends in Utah and adopted a German Shepherd/Beagle mix named Sunny.  I also have two well adjusted dogs; an Australian Shepherd and a mini-Dachshund mix.

Sunny had been rescued as a stray and had apparently been abused by children.  She is very shy and fearful but in the past six-months has made great progress in trusting me in particular, since there no other humans in my household.

The remaining issue is bathing.  One of my bathrooms has a stall shower which has worked out very well as a dog bathing facility.  My other two pooches are just fine about having their baths; but Sunny just freaks out when I try to coax her into the bathroom.  So the last couple of times I bathed her in the backyard.  I have a hose nozzle with adjustable settings and one produces the same gentle spray as the indoor shower head.  I put her harness on and using the lead, tied her to the screen door in order to have both hands free.  I managed to get her bathed, but it traumatized her.  She would not venture to the backyard for days after that experience.

Two weeks ago it was once again time for baths, and this time I couldn't even coax her to the yard.  I don't want to take a strong hand because I realize her emotional state is very fragile.  So I bought wipes at PetSmart.  They work OK, but they don't do deep cleaning like shampoo and water, so she is beginning to scratch and shed.

I am beside myself over this matter.  I really don't want to take her to the groomer because (a) I can't really afford it and (b) I'm not convinced they could do any better.  Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

In every other way Sunny is a wonderful dog.  She is my shadow, the definition of loyalty and is very sweet and loving.

Thanks,
Rob

Answer
What would happen if you asked Sunny to come in the bathroom with you, where you sit and talk to her, and give her small, tasty treats - then release her to go do something else? Then when she's comfortable with that, you can do the same thing in a dry bathtub, then with an inch of water, etc. Always waiting until she seems undistressed before moving to the next step. I think the main reason dogs hate baths is because we tend not to give them options or choices. And often we're in the mood of "drat, I just want to get this thing over with". Our own thoughts and attitudes have a lot to do with how well our dogs accept things. I have one dog who's not wild about taking baths. If I try to put her in the tub, she'll hide When I get her in the tub, she tries to climb out. If I ask her if she'd like a lovely water massage (and mean it!), she'll climb into the tub on her own and stand without protest. Sometimes taking it slow is faster than hurrying. Sandy Case BFA,MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com