He won't get in the tub!

[Fran27]

Boris had lots of fun digging outside today again, and not only did he leave huge dark prints in the whole house, his paws and his head are black... So I figured I should wash him, and the floor afterwards.

He's 6 months now, and he got 2 showers since we got him. Usually it's my husband that does it, but I want to get used to it too. The problem is, I can't get him to get in the tub. He's about 60 lbs now, there is just no way I can lift him. So I use treats, and tasty ones. I put a chicken nugget in the tub, came inside myself, and called him. He's drooling and panting because he *really* wants the treat, but he doesn't dare going inside. I tried with me out of the tube, same deal, he won't even put his front paws on the side of the tub, so I can't even push him.

I'm totally at a loss what to do, any idea? He's a golden retriever but isn't really used to water yet so filling the bath is not going to make him want to go in either. My husband uses treats, but he can lift him still, so it's much easier. I don't know how long it will be before lifting him isn't an option for him either though.

 

[smkie]

can you try a tub outside? my dogs love to dig in the water of their stock tank while the hose is starting the filling..just a thought..can you practice the word IN on something else, but still has the same idea attached? Sometimes Victor will grudge, but a firm IN and he goes ahead and steps in.

 

[showpug]

You take the front half and hubby takes the back half and you set him in the tub. Sit in the tub with him and give him treats and praise and lots more yummies....no bath this time, just get him used to the tub as a positive experience first. Don't make him stay in the tub for too long the first time. Once he starts to relax you can start letting him have treats in the tub without you in there etc. Make sure you have a non-slip mat in the tub as well, as a lot of dogs are unsure of slick surfaces. I bathe all my puppies once a week with a mild shampoo from the first week I bring them home...even if they are not dirty because it gets them used to the experience. I used to tell my dane to "get in the tub" and he would hop right in. Your dog will get it, and I would recommend you bathe him more often, or at least give him treats in the tub more often.

 

[Amstaffer]

This post made me think of something....Why do dogs that love the water and playing at the beach but still hate the bath tub?

 

[Babyblue5290]

I went through the same thing with my 100+ pound Alaskan Malamute Lucas. It was a real job getting him in the tub and bathing outside was just not an option most of the time as it would rain alot!
I got the suggestion from someone to start moving his food bowl as close as he would go to the tub and let him eat there. Then you just move
it a little closer and then a little bit more closer a few days later and sooner than you know the dish will acctually be in the bathrroom. And then in the tub. This does take a bit of patience and time, but for me it really worked! I gave Lucas (my malamute) a bath a little while ago and he willingly got in the tub and he even sat down in the water!!! He got his little bum wet and it was a giant step forward!
Just remember to take it slow and don't rush your dog.

 

[Renee750il]

Had the same problem with Bear - at 110 pounds or so! Once I got him in the tub he'd stand still, but getting him in was a feat. I had to put his front in, then his back end. He would do anything I asked him to do - but he just wouldn't get in the tub, even though he knew it meant we were going to see his kids at the runaway shelter (he was a therapy dog).

 

[Barb04]

I think I need a big hot tub to wash Max!

 

[Renee750il]

LOL! Not a bad idea, Barb - at least it's a good excuse to get a hot tub

My Mom got one of those portable ones and has it setting out on her deck. She loves it. She's an RN and is on her feet a lot and says it's made an unbelievable difference in her back and hip. They were hurting most of the time, but a good soak and she sleeps like a baby and wakes up and can move freely.

 

[Sugar42517]

Thats so odd b/c i can't keep my dog out of the tub! He just goes in and lays there or starts "digging" in the tub. We turn on the faucet and he drinks from it. he loves it!

Try putting toys and treats in the tub once you get him in.

If you need help giving him a bath-
http://www.petterritory.com/product_info.php?products_id=970
it's a dog bath helper-keeps them from jumping out!