Nancy Stinson Webboard User Reg: 12-26-2004
Posts: 164
Loc: Tennessee
Offline
I am at a loss on how to deal with this one. I have been working seriously with this dog, and have one major problem that he is unable to overcome. His fear of water. Be it the water hose, sprinkler, pool, or rain.. He hates to get wet. If he is outside and I turn on the sprinklers, he runs to the closest door. During walks, he will try to avoid any yards that have sprinklers on. Last week on our walk, I purposely walked thru a sprinkler over and over with him until he calmed himself. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle with water. Oh, God forbid if he is need of a bath. Anyone have any tips on how to get this dog used to getting wet and enjoying it?
Tom Zaremba Webboard User Reg: 07-16-2006
Posts: 20
Loc: Eastern NC
Offline
A lot of dogs are afraid of water, especially in the form of a hose or sprinkler. Start with something easier AND less threatening, like a puddle, to get over the fear. On leash, work obedience training with him as near as you can get to the puddle without him freaking out, but close enough so that he is just barely concerned about the water. Make the training something he knows well so it stays very positive and you treat the water like any other distraction. If you find yourself needing to correct him, move further away and start again--- remember positive!! Work towards the puddle and eventually into it over the course of a few weeks depending on his comfort level. Same process goes for a sprinkler or just about any other fear as well. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> you'll be romping at the lake in no time.
Once he's starting to make progress, try placing (don't toss) a cookie in a clean puddle, his water bowl, the bathtub, etc. -- or his toy, if he's more toy-motivated. Most treats will float -- think bobbing for apples.
OwenWitesman Webboard User Reg: 07-22-2006
Posts: 6
Loc: Indiana
Offline
The way I got Captain over his fear of big water was to go swimming myself away from shore and just wait for him to get the courage to chase me out. At first he was really ginger about it, but as I coaxed him and he tried it a couple of times he really quickly built confidence. We've been playing chase-me since he was 8 weeks, so his drive to not get left behind is really strong.
Hoses still freak him out, but that's not so much a fear of water as a fear of big black snake-looking things that shoot cold stuff at him <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Scott Young Webboard User Reg: 08-15-2006
Posts: 38
Loc: Edmonton, Canada
Offline
I've got the same problem with my 8 wks old puppy when I was taking shower for him. I was totally lost how to do that? What should the proper process be? How can I do it? Once I tried to put him in the bath tub, he was trying so freaky hard to get out, crying and scraching anywhere he can reach.
alice oliver Webboard User Reg: 09-14-2005
Posts: 843
Loc:
Offline
lure the pup to the tub and into the tub with very tempting treats, like pieces of microwaved hot dog or pieces of beef heart or little balls of hamburger. have a helper keep feeding the treats continuously while you bathe. i guarantee he will be eager to jump into the tub next time! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Getting over fears
Top
Re: Getting over fears
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
