Nox won't stand up in the tub...

Apollo2010 · 08-07-2008, 01:42 PM

He won't stand up in the bathtub. He sits, but doesn't stand. I need to get him to stand up when I shampoo his rear/backside. And he whines while in the tub. Oh yes, how often should I bath him? I haven't bathed him too much. But I want him to be tolerant, and not fight me for a bath. When he is big enough I am going to teach him to get into the bathtub, and that it is a good thing to get in the bathtub. Well thats it. Thanks in advanced!

tosca · 08-07-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apollo2010

He won't stand up in the bathtub. He sits, but doesn't stand. I need to get him to stand up when I shampoo his rear/backside. And he whines while in the tub. Oh yes, how often should I bath him? I haven't bathed him too much. But I want him to be tolerant, and not fight me for a bath. When he is big enough I am going to teach him to get into the bathtub, and that it is a good thing to get in the bathtub. Well thats it. Thanks in advanced!

Hi there - he may not be very comfortable on the slipper surface, thus his reluctance to stand. If you don't have a rubber mat in the tub, might want to try that - bit enough for him to comfortably stand on. Barring a rubber mat, put a bath towel into the tub, get it wet, then let him stand on that - if you have a dry towel, then place him on it to get him wet, it's no different than putting him into the slippery tub. Patience is the key with this one. Once you feel the surface is such that he won't slip, gently lift his rear and encourage him to stand.

As far as frequency; I've bathed my dobes as frequently as weekly - a lot of it depends on how dirty they may get - general rule at my house is every other week.

Lexxsmom · 08-07-2008, 03:17 PM

Lexx has had two bathes in 14 months, one right after he came home, and one about 6 months later...

Hound · 08-07-2008, 03:32 PM

Rubber matts make a big difference. Keep putting him back on his feet and reward him for standing. Most of my dogs lothe being bathed and they have all been bathed at least bimonthly since tehir 3rd or 4th month.

Nyx has had two baths since I've gotten her. She was pretty good for both. Unless he is dirty, don't bathe him. Dobies are not that type of breed, fortunately.

Apollo2010 · 08-07-2008, 03:34 PM

Thanks!

Definately will try that Tosca! That might be exactly why he won't stand. I'll keep getting him comfortable with water, and everything.

**TracyJo** · 08-07-2008, 03:37 PM

I agree that a towel or a rubber mat might help.

But there is no need to wait to teach him to jump into the tub

When Chi was very young I taught her how to jump in and out of a small box ( google 101 things to do with a box - by Karen Pryor) It was a great game, she loved it, I had a blast teaching her and it easily translated into her jumping in and out of the tub on command when she was big enough

**Burns** · 08-07-2008, 10:06 PM

I use Red's absolute favorite treats (Canine Carry-Outs... yuck) for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and bathing. And he LOVES doing these 3 things because of it. I just gave him a bath last night, as a matter of fact.

When I first started getting him used to it, I'd get him into the tub and give treats. Then run the water and give treats. I had hubby help me hold him and continuously feed him treats while I did a short bath. Now I can tell him to hop in the tub, soak and suds him up, and do a million rinses while he just stands there waiting for his next treat. I give them to him at intervals or after he lets me do something to different to him. I don't know what I'd do without those nasty Canine Carry-Out treats, LOL!

He gets baths every couple months, or if he gets really dirty/dusty from being up north at the cabin or something. In between baths, I wipe him down with a damp washcloth and Miracle Coat Waterless Shampoo spray.

Apollo2010 · 08-07-2008, 10:09 PM

Ya, right now we are using his food for treats, but I need to use the yummy stuff! lol Thanks a bunch everyone!

Its very appreciated!