My yorkie is afraid of water. so how can I wash her and not frieghten her. During her baths she shakes like shes tramatized. and after her baths she has a long temper tantrum. She makes me feel like im abusive or something. she's a really good actress. Am i doing something wrong? help.
2007-04-15 14:23:57 · 16 answers · asked by Armond B 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
LOL sounds like my moms little Yorkie. except after her bath she always pooped on the floor. we always just put her in the tub and have one of those detachable shower heads and washed her that way. its was lots easier than sticking her under the water facet. them we would blow dry her( she hated that the most) brush her tell her shes sooooo pretty and then she always got a little piece of cheese as her treat. but yorkies are just that way. but keep working with her about it you both will get use to it soon.
2007-04-15 14:37:28 · answer #1 · answered by Cori W. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She might be shaking out of fear or because it is a little cold for her. My dog used to shake at first. I am not sure how she goes about having a temper tantrum, but I know that as soon as I let my dog out of the tub and dry him off, he runs around the house like a mad man and barks at me. I think he might want to play.
I doubt that you are hurting her in anyway, so I would just suggest giving her a bath.
Or you could try and get her used to the idea of water little by little until she is comfortable enough to get near the water.
2007-04-15 21:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by Kit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest giving a special treat the she likes after every bath. Make it a routine and never forget cause she won't. Lots of owners that come into the the dog grooming shop I work at do this and the dogs are excited to get in and get out. Also when I bathe a dog I make eye contact and get down to their level (unless their evil or something, I don't wanna lose my face), praising them and talking to them.
2007-04-15 21:58:19 · answer #3 · answered by Afghan_Hound_Dog_Groomer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LIke you said she really good at making you feel guilty. No your not doing anything wrong. Some dogs really dont like water. Just let her have these little hissy fits and give the dog a bath.
2007-04-15 21:27:50 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand why you might think that your dog is acting but dogs are not capable of doing this. You're right to try to make bathtime more enjoyable for your dog - instead of giving her her breakfast or dinner, try using boiled chicken for her meal, and giving it to her while she's in the tub (without water) If she won't eat because of stress, then take her out of the dry tub and just give it to her in the bathroom.
Your dog will tell you when she's ready for water. If she is too stressed, she cannot eat. Observe her and always be fair to her - desensitization must be slow if you want it to work. Good luck!
*** edit *** Now is *not the time* to introduce new, potentially terrifying things like a blow dryer. That is terrible advice. You need to gain your dog's trust before you do that, and you have not got that now.
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB878
a book
2007-04-15 21:32:52 · answer #5 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I only have to pick up the doggy shampoo and my dog is nowhere to be seen..... I make sure the water is warm, make a fuss of her when Im bathing her, and when its finished I praise her and immediately give her a treat, I think thats the best I can do.
2007-04-15 21:29:00 · answer #6 · answered by Lauren J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she smell? If not why give her a bath. My dogs, three of them, are house dogs and have free access to the outdoors. They do not smell and I never give them baths. The only reason a dog needs a bath if he is offensive to his owner, leader of the pack.
2007-04-16 04:26:13 · answer #7 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some dogs just don't like baths...have you tried something that sounds as silly as taking a bath with her...I did that believe it or not when my dog was a pup...I'd have to bathe again after it was over with,but it kept her calm........
2007-04-16 00:18:39 · answer #8 · answered by misstic_fire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your girl has you wrapped around her paw! You are doing nothing wrong, she just doesn't like her baths. Let her have her little tantrum, just ignore her when she is doing it and once she realizes that you are not giving her any attention, she will quit.
2007-04-15 21:33:08 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try blow drying her hair after her bath. I have to do that for my shih-tzu. Also, tell her how beautiful she is going to look etc. I know that it sounds crazy, but I think that it helps. The blow drying and primping should play well with her drama queen personality. Do not let her make you feel guilty. I have learned this the hard way, believe me.
2007-04-15 21:31:45 · answer #10 · answered by iga k 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋