Who Said Baths Were in the Contract??

Well, Chief....sorry, but yes, baths are in the contract. Look at the fine print; you'll find it. It's right next to the bones and chewies clause.

Bathing is part of your training process, Chief. We need to know that baths won't stress you and the reason is simple. Our therapy program follows the policies and procedures of the Delta Society's Pet Partner program. Their standards state that prior to every visit, a dog must demonstrate proper grooming and health standards. This means, that within 24 hours of a visit, you will need a bath. When we look at stress levels and the dog's management of stress, we start with the entire preparation process, including the bath. Some dogs become so stressed during baths that the effects last for several hours to a day later. If the dog is already under stress before visiting, the likelihood of an incident occurring or the dog not enjoying the visit is increased significantly. But, if the dog is more comfortable with baths, we still have to consider the potential stress but it is less likely to carry over into the therapy visit.

If you have a dog who is reluctant to take a bath, treats are always a good starting point. I have just reinforced getting into and out of the bathtub quietly and calmly with clicker training and turned that into a training sessions. For some dogs, it's the slippery tub that causes concern. A bath mat under the dog can help reduce this stress. For other dogs, it is the water. Positive reinforcement of standing in the tub with water running can be the next step. I've also given treats during baths for good behavior and a relaxed body posture. The last step of the process would be having a treat at the ready for when he/she has successfully completed the bath. Several treats or a "jackpot" can help make the once negative situation positive.

So, Chief, get used to it buddy! You're going to have a few more of these in the coming days!

Tammy