hello,
i have a 14 month old boy pom, and i took him to get a hair cut about a month ago... up until that time he loved getting a bath.... now for the last few times that i've given him a bath he thinks it's punishment... he cries, kicks, screams, and does anything and everything to get out of the bathtub..... he was never like this until he went to get groomed.... i don't know what to think....but assume that they scared him because he's terrified now..... how can i solve this problem..... i try to calm him down in the bath tub.... but he's still terrified.... he tries to jump into my arms... and get out of the bathtub, and get away from the water.... any suggestions anyone?
2007-03-24 08:53:23 · 5 answers · asked by max 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Getting a dog groomed for the first time if often a very trumatizing experience, especially is he is only 14 months old. I would have waited till he was a little older. Not only is he in a strange place for the first time and hearing other dogs cry, but it is much louder than normal bathing noises, you are not there with him, and someone else is giving him a bath. But the fact that he is putting up that much of a fight when he used to actually enjoy baths, concerns me a little bit. I could see him not enjoying it, or whining and being squirmy, but to scream and yell like that seems unusual. I would trust his reaction and not take him back to that particular groomer again if you can help it. If you must take him back to any groomer, I would highly encourage you to at least stay there with him if possible. Definitely, do not let him out of your sight.
As for bathing him at home, you will have to take it very slow to get him used to it again. Be prepared to take a few weeks and have patience with him. Start out by playing with him near the tub, but not in it. Reward him when he is calm and playful. Do that a few days in a row (or however long it takes) before getting in the dry tub with him to play. (If he won't get in, try playing in there by yourself until he's interested). Have his favorite and most enticing toys and treats to try and calm him. Be sure to talk to him in an excited and playful voice, not a calm, soothing voice. Often, dogs associate a soothing tone with the fact that there is infact something to worry about. So just act really excited and playful!
Once you get to the point where he will play with you in the tub, stay with him and try running a bit of water. Keep him distracted with his toys, and let him be as far away from it as he wants. Be sure to continue to be upbeat and playful. Over the next few days, gradually turn the water on more and more, and then start trying to get him a little wet. Just make sure you keep giving him treats and praise.
Once he's settled with the idea of the tub again, you can try giving him his first bath. I know it's inconvenient (and sort of weird), but I would really try to be in the tub with him for this at first. Keep playing consistently and just bathe him quickly. When it's done praise him heavily and reward him.
Eventually, if you ever do have to take him to a groomer's again, I would recommend a self-service grooming salon (you use their tubs and shampoo, but do it yourself). I know it's an inconvenience, but it shouldn't be too bad since he is small, and it's still easier than doing it at home. You can even do a similar process at the grooming salon if he is scared. The key is to take it very slow with gradual changes and be consistent with rewards. He'll be back in the tub in before you know it . . . Good luck!
2007-03-24 09:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by Last But Not Least 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a Pet Groomer I have worked in shops that were so busy that the groomers rush through a process and don't have time to ease a dog into what they are being put through. Some grooms got so frustrated they'd slap the dog so hard he went spinning on his noose. A busy shop is not a good place to take a dog to get groomed, especially if they are not used to the process and misbehave all the way through.
I have had to get on to brushers and bathers for the way they treat a dog and I have fired them for it.
Find a small shop where the groomer has the time & talent to take her time and treat your dog with doggie respect.
I specialized in behavioral problems and I did a lot of dogs that gave me problems when they were on my table. Being a Dog Trainer & Canine Psycologist I soon had them behaving and the grooming process would go smooth with no more issues.
Dogs did not leave my shop shivering and shaking and most were glad to see me and would walk their owners into the shop with wagging tails. They were all special to me and each was unique.
2007-03-24 09:15:03 · answer #2 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not take your dog back to that place, maybe they were not nice to him. I have a pomeranian as well and he likes to wade in puddles when it rains, but he has always been terrified of baths. What I do is sit in the bathtub with him and let him sit on my lap as I wash him. This seems to make him more comfortable with the situation. When I am done my clothes are soaking wet, and people think I am crazy for spoiling him like this, but he seems happier with his bath.
2007-03-24 10:33:44 · answer #3 · answered by rebecca b 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like the grooming place wasn't so nice to him....
2007-03-24 08:59:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hmmm.
i'm thinking something may have happened at the groomers that scared him.
maybe a loud noise or something.
i'm not sure.
2007-03-24 08:56:52 · answer #5 · answered by HeatherFeather 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋