Big dog owners

[angelicfruitcake]

So, I just gave Lola her first bath [as of yesterday, she's now happily trotting up and down the stairs] but I've just done my back in in the process!

The previous owners said she would often just jump in, but although she seemed interested, showed no signs of wanting to get in herself.

I ended up just lifting her in, but without a helper, is there an easier way to do it? I was thinking maybe a ramp, like to get into the car?

Hopefully in the summer I can just hose her down outside but it's too cold at the moment. Either way, she smells lovely now!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I teach my big dogs to put their paws up on whatever surface I indicate.

This is helpful getting into the bath, onto the grooming table, up on the table at the vets, etc etc etc.

Use a treat, and teach her to "paws up". Then you only have to boost the rear which is much easier.

 

[J's crew]

I also teach paws up. Then sometimes I give a little boost from behind. I would teach it frequently, even when your not going to bathe them because they learn fast that paws up on the bathtub means bath time so I often get the stink eye.
I am soooo happy that Spring is here. Bathing outside is much much easier. Although after the 4th large dog my back still hurts, lol. Load up on Advil before the bathing process.

 

[bubbatd]

Luckily I have a walk in shower !

 

[Paige]

I'm pretty lucky. My dogs are all under 50 pounds and I can pick them up easily but if I tap on a surface and say "up" they jump onto it/in it. I have extremely agile dogs though.

 

[Barb04]

Maybe because it's a new house and new bathtub, it will take time to want to go in. How about putting some treats in the tub to entice jumping in even when you're not giving a bath just to retrain.

 

[angelicfruitcake]

Thanks, I'll try those

 

[Renee750il]

I end up lifting the front end into the tub, then the back end

Now, I just have a big shower, and Miss Kharma is about due for a bath *sigh*

 

[SizzleDog]

I have my dogs trained to "hop in" to the tub. They do it without a fuss unless someone is watching... then they fight it tooth and nail. I think they're embarassed when strangers see them "naked" in the shower.

 

[chanda]

bathing outside is much easier but since its cold outside we have to give my dogs bath inside... love their smell now...