Quote:
Originally Posted by Sashmom
When I first got Neek I did give him a bath. Now almost a YR later, on 2nd try, he doesnt want anything to do with bathtub. Ive tried throwing pieces of food in, etc he gets the food then gets out fast again or else will just put front paws in and stand there and refuse to get in all the way. This is so frustrating! 
I also had to muzzle him to cut his nails.
If you have any ideas on coaxing him into taking a bath Id sure appreciate it. I try to stay calm ut I do end up pretty mad LOL |
first off, it sounds like Neek is not used to being handled. You are going to have to build on this. Touching his ears, feet, tail, etc.. all the while praising and treating. You should have started this as a puppy and then continued with it. This will take time, patience and work.
Once you can handle Neek then you can try bath. For a week or however long it takes just work on getting Neek into the tub (no water) and praise and treat like crazy. Then move onto just running water and getting his feet wet. Then getting him wet, then full bath. Take small steps.
Sure you could just muzzle him and throw him in the tub hold him down and force him to take a bath but it will do nothing to help him trust you and every bath or nail trim in the future is going to be a fight.
My dog is 9months old and has had 2 or 3 baths, a bunch of rinse offs but once a week I take him into the bath and either get his feet wet or give him a rinse off just so there aren't problems in the future.
If you just absolutely can't get him into the tub if possible put him in a more open area like a doggy pool and try it that way. I know some dogs have issues with being confined in tubs.