Bath time

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Maggie hates her bath. She fights me the whole time. Is this normal?

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

How old is your doodle?

[jenn D]

My guys struggled until about 8 months. Now they accept it. Pickles likes it now but had a hard time at first up until around 5-8 months. Jake we got at 8 months so I don't know how he did prior but I know regular baths were not in his routine. He's always loved all things water. Don't know if it's the extra poodle in him or just his personality makeup but he loves bath, water, rain, the hose. Brisby, accepts it but doesn't love it even at a year and a half. Every time he gets a bath he looks like he is violated.
I would just keep practicing, keep positive while you do it and don't soothe when pup is nervous or she might feel like she is being rewarded for being anxious.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Keep exposing Maggie and encouraging her while you're giving her a bath. Like with everything else with a puppy, consistency and time makes a big difference!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Treats, treats, and more treats!

[Jordan & Daisy]

I would say months 3-6 Daisy really hated it but this month has actually been the first that she will stand there and let me do it. She doesn't enjoy it but she doesn't try to squirm or jump out. I've also found if she is tired or very hot she is much calmer when I bathe her, maybe try after a busy day or a long playdate? 

[Jen W]

Yes, definitely normal.  My dog is only 30 pounds and it's still a 2-person operation b/c one person needs to keep her in the tub while the other does the washing.

There is a community dog wash in my neighborhood though which makes it much easier with really deep tubs and a place to hook the leash so jumping out isn't an option.  That said, I still usually leave it up to the groomer unless I get desperate.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

It's all part of the training and consistency of training that goes into a puppy. It's a new experience to them, a new sensation to be wet, have smelly stuff put on them, someone touching every part of their body. I'd expect most puppies would react to baths at first.

[Christy&Riley]

Riley tried to escape for a long time. Now (at 14 months) she stands in the tub with a "just get it over with" look. The crazy thing is that she LOVES water. For some reason she just doesn't like a bath. :-)

[Wendy and Myla]

Myla absolutely loves swimming - even to the point where if we're passing a lake in the vehicle she will whine while going by, trying to get us to stop - but a bath...OMD she hates them!  She will go in the shower once I take hold of her collar but somehow she knows when it's shower time and she hides behind a chair.  When I go up to her she puts her head down between her paws and gives me the sorriest look!  Yesterday I gave her a carrot with dip before taking her and she took it gently from my fingers and then dropped it on the ground and stared at me as if to say "don't think you can bribe me!"  I don't understand it at all - I guess it's just not her thing!  She is 2 1/2 years old and has never liked it but take her to a lake and you can't get her out!