BATH DAY

This was bath day for Dakota. What a delight he is in the tub. He just sits and lets me get him soaking wet, cover him with shampoo and rinse away. Chaucie was pretty much the same way too. Until about four years ago I didn't have a dogie bathtub. Melodie got the kitchen sink and all of the others used my bathtub. It got to the point my back couldn't take it anymore and I sprung for the new Booster Bath. What a change. With my husband setting everything up from the hose to the bathroom sink and the drain hose to outdoors, bathing is a breeze.

I attribute my success with all of my dogs to my early training. Such
was not the case of Dakota, of course, but then he's a Golden and that's
enough of a reason. From the first day my puppies come into my house
they are on a learning program every day. Weekly sessions in the family
room include checking ears, looking into the mouth, checking out feet,
and getting put on their back to rub tummies and get used to all of the
handling. Then they get a wet [rung dry] baby washcloth all over so that
they become accustomed to handling.

If it is summer, I introduce a little play with the garden hose. You
start with just a little trickle of water out of the hose and NO nozzle
on the end. I usually put my hand below the hose so the water puddles in
my hand. My puppy can now stick its nose into the little water, perhaps
take a little drink. I work this slowly for a few days or weeks. I also
hold the hose up so that the water acts like a fountain. You have to be
very careful and not rush this playing because you can scare a dog
enough they'll hate water the rest of their life.

If it's summer and I've been playing with the water I add a very small
pool. I put a rubber bath mat in the bottom so the dog doesn't slip and
add about an inch or two of water – no more to start with. I use a
favorite rubber toy in the pool to entice the puppy into the water. Do
not splash water into the dog's face. Let the curiosity of a puppy take
hold. It may take all summer at this level or your dog may take to it
immediately.

It's most important to take it easy and slow so your puppy will learn to
love the water. One important note. Do not leave the water in the pool.
Empty it every day. With all of the yard sprays and fertilizers being
used these days, it can get into the water and dangerous algae can form
that could be toxic to your dog. I speak from experience.

Playing with the water will help you when it comes to bath time. One
works with the other. If done correctly, you'll never have trouble at
bath time. I bathe my dogs with water from an indoor faucet so that it
can be warm. Outdoor water is too cold for baths and I don't believe in
bathing a dog with ice cold water. I also feel that you should give a
bath in the shade on a warm, not hot or cold day. I also use treats with
a bath. My dogs may not be deliriously happy about a bath but they all
jump into the tub or stand still while they are cleaned. One last
note...don't get mad when your dog shakes all over at the end....laugh
instead and you'll all be happy. Dry puppy off and don't be surprised if
they want to roll in the grass if you are bathing outside. Don't forget
to take out the cotton balls you put in the ears to keep out the shampoo
and floods of water. Hopefully you remember to put the salve in the eyes
before you start to protect them from the shampoo.

If you're lucky and you are bringing a puppy into your home where you
already have an adult dog that loves the water, you are lucky. Each one
of my dogs has taught the puppy about the pool and water. It's been so
much fun to watch this process develop. I will write about it another
time. See my pictures on the previous blog.