Hates baths but loves water?

[nancyweNW]

I have a Border Collie mix. When we got out on walks, if there is anything resembling something she can swim in, she's there! Why is it then that when it's bathtime, she looks like she is going to her execution! Head down, tail down, ooohhh sooo reluctantly comes into the bathroom. Looks completely sorrowful the whole time even though she's getting a great all-over body scratch. After I towel dry her off and I tell her how pretty she looks, THEN she's all smiles and looking, "well of course I am. I just had a bath!"

It's pretty funny. Do a lot of dogs do this? I'm a first time dog owner. I included a couple pictures of my sweetie. The squirrels drive her crazy!

Thanks!
Mickey's mom - Nancy

[petpsychologist]

Hello,

did you have a look at the temperature? Maybe that is a reason.
Or you could let her swim in the tub? Or you could play some games with her in the bathroom. Make having a bath fun for her, give her something she likes.

Wish you all the best for your swimming venus

Michael

[Genny]

A lot of my dogs that I use to have would love swimming in a pool or a creek, but they didn't like for me to just directly spray them with the water hose or give them a bath, they just rathered to it themselves...I think lots of dogs are pretty much like that!

[BuddhaCalypsoMax]

Max is the complete opposite! He loves his baths but hates swimming etc! Maybe the water is too cold, Max resents anything below luke-warm (yes, he is a pre-madonna!) Just make the bath-times fun and food-filled (lol, thats how we go max to stay the first time!)

[nancyweNW]

Thanks for the input. I keep the temp just slightly above luke warm. And it might be something with the sprayer now that it was mentioned. She hates anything has water coming out of it like the hose or a spray bottle. I try not to get water in her eyes or ears and keep the sprayer close to her body so it's not all over the place, but who knows. She's always get a treat afterwards too. I may try a game of some kinds too.

Also, has anybody had cataracts moved from their dogs eyes? Mickey is starting to get them. The vet said she wouldn't be able to focus but she could see better. Anyone have experience with this?

Nancy

[luvofallhorses]

a lot of dogs don't care for baths but LOVE playing in the water but once they get used you to bathing them and you do it in a positive manner, the more they make like being bathed. btw your pup is gorgeous!

[tikeyas_mom]

Or maybe its because she thinks she is getting punished.. Do you guys ever spray her with the hose, or a squirt bottle if she is being bad? Barking or whatever??

[nancyweNW]

I've never sprayed her with the hose or spray bottle or anything like that. She also hates the hair dryer but will come out and bark at the mower or weed whacker. I'm going to try giving her treats before and during the bath process as she always gets one after. What's kind of funny about it, is once she's out of the tub and been towel dried, she's bouncing and smiling like we're going to the park.

Go figure.

[Jakesmom]

Both of my dogs (a golden retriever and an english cocker spaniel) do this (though the cocker may be copying the golden as she does with most things). Temperature doesn't really matter--they rush into the ocean (northwest, very cold), lakes, streams, but HATE getting their bath. The golden will break through the ice on lakes or streams and lay in the water...

Of course, the cocker also, although she WILL BE IN any body of water, large or small, in the vicinity, hates to go outside to potty if it is even sprinkling (which is a bit of a problem as it rains alot here...).

I think part of it is they don't like getting water in their faces. Or, they just like being in control...

Jake's mom

[inlovewithanimals]

I think that is one of the funniest thiongs i've read on here. O and by the way my dog does it all the time always has and always will.

[chime67]

My dogs have to be dragged to the tub, but they love the kiddy pool outback so I moved it to the closet post filled it up and attached the lead.. they run to it and enjoy every minute of a bath .
My sisters dog live in the stand up shower, everytime she goes to the restroom their laying inside.. bath time is real ez for her.