If, like me, you have a pet who displays a dramatic fear of water, bathing can be a traumatic and hair raising experience for everybody involved, including Fido.
We adopted a grown dog of some eight years, just two years ago. It was obvious to us that he had not been bathed in some considerable time and it was necessary to wash him urgently as he brought a ghastly smell into the house with him.
As soon as he heard running water he began cowering against a wall, and then wet himself when my husband picked him up to carry him to the outdoor shower. His distress was deeply upsetting and we felt very bad to have to subject him to what was obviously a terrifying ordeal.
We discovered before too long that the problem was worse whenever fast running water was used, so we stopped using a hose or a vigorous shower jet. We found that a continuous gentle commentary was soothing for him - if you cannot think of anything to say, just recite nursery rhymes.
Although it is necessary to get the dog's face wet, try to leave that part until the very last minute, then the dog will associate that bit with the end of his shower and eventually not mind it quite so much.
Try not to drag the dog into the shower or bath. If he is really frightened, get an old towel and wrap him in it, then lower him gently into the water or into the shower. After a few shower sessions he will learn that you are not going to hurt him and his fear will lessen with time.
Try to ensure the shower routine is the same each time. That way the dog will learn what happens in sequence and know that the shampoo comes next, then the water, then the towel, and so on. You will find he will wait patiently for the next stage even if he is scared, but if the method changes he will think it is going to go on forever and try to escape.
Always follow the bath or shower with a vigorous towelling and play, and possibly a doggie treat as a reward for good behaviour. Over time the bath will be linked with treats and play.
It is very rare for this fear of water to disappear completely. Usually the fear developed as a result of trauma or cruelty and the dog will always associate bath time with that memory. A little patience and loving care, however, will ensure the bath time chore is not quite as bad as it could be.
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