One of my long-haired Chihuahuas is now 6 years old, but right from day one she has hated being bathed. I normally use a detachable rubber shower hose so I can wash the dogs in the laundry tub, but with her, it took two of us to hold her in the tub; she was like a demented wild cat, it was so stressful for her and me.
I decided to try taking her in the shower with me and it worked like a charm. I hold her in my arms with the water running gently. Having a very long coat, it takes a bit to wash all her parts. I can turn her over on her back and wash her tummy properly, around her genital area and tail and even have the water running on her head. I think she feels safe and secure because I'm holding her firmly. No doubt it would be a funny sight, but as long as she's not stressed, I'm happy. She then stands on the shower floor and shakes on command whilst I get out and grab the towels. It would be impossible with a bigger dog, but for us it's magic!
She also lays on my legs while I finish drying her with the blow dryer on cool temperature. She is very pampered, but I love her.
By Lois from Qld, Australia
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I used to do a similar thing with a little poodle I had. I just took her in the shower with me and washed her. She still didn't like being bathed, but it was certainly easier.
I do the same thing with my Yorkie and Maltese. It hurts my back to bend over and wash them in the tub.
We have a walk-in shower and four dogs, one who hates water. I put on my swimsuit and sit on a plastic stool in the shower, and my husband sends the dogs in, one at a time.
Had lots of dogs over the years, all different sizes and breeds. My current 'big baby' likes the shower. (he's over 125#) Washing his feet could be a struggle, so I started taking him in the shower to do it. Works great. Have to have lots of towels for him to walk on when he gets out. Our little ol' lady (about 22#) doesn't like running water. For her I get our mop sink about 1/2 full and set her in it. I use a large cup to pour water over her. When I lather her up I make a point to use a massaging movement. I do rinse with the faucet at the end, but she is more tolerant because of the time and effort I do beforehand. Different strokes for different 'fur' folks.
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