Bath time

[Bindi's Mom]

any recommendations on helping an scared 12 week old doodle enjoy  bathing at least a little bit, when I'm bathing her?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Just start out slow by putting her in the sink, bath or wherever and feeding her lots of treats  while turning the water on warmish.  Start by putting the spray in the bottom and letting her play with it.  Work slowly up to a full wash over a period of a week or so.  

My puppies have always enjoyed coming in the shower with me for the first few baths, so you could try that.

[Bindi's Mom]

Good information. never thought of the sink. You said but the spray in the bottom and let her play with it, are you referring to the shower head spray?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Nope....  Be very sure that you don't get water in her ears.

[Bindi's Mom]

Thank you for the tip

[Bindi's Mom]

I didn't know that and I'm sure it causes infection or something. So good to know, so i will be more careful

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Poodles and Poo-mix dogs who have Poodle-ish coats are prone to ear infections. You will need to do regular ear maintenance, which includes cleaning the ears weekly with a solution that contains a drying agent. You can get that from your vet if you are not familiar with it. I personally like Virbac's Epi-Otic. ( I would stay away from the recipes for homemade ear solutions you often see online; breeders are also very fond of those.) 

[Bindi's Mom]

wow, Im a new pawrent and I'm so thankful for all the tips on grooming. I did not know this, vet didn't say anything when I asked why does she sometimes itch her ears. Im looking for another vet anyway bc it seems as if they take everything I say lightly down to the food choices etc. Thank you so much

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There is no nutrition curriculum in veterinary school, and what most vets know about pet food comes from the salespeople at Purina, Hills, and Mars, so your vet is not the best person to ask about food choices anyway. You'll get much better info and advice in our Food Group here on DK, including a list of recommended food brands. 

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

There are a few things out on the market to help your sweetie have a better bath time.  With one of my girls I always have to lift her in the bath...she refuses to walk up the ramp.  My other doodle has no problem at all.  I try to put block the spray somewhat with my hand so they don't get the full force on their feet...some reason they are not fond of that.  Here's a link...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/l/bathtub-attachment-uses-peanut-bu...

[DonMarie and Picco]

I wish I would have had one of those as a kid, I might have enjoyed a bath!

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

LOL...me too!  especially when my mom made us lay back in the water to wash and rinse our hair!  Traumatizing for sure!

[Bindi's Mom]

Very helpful, Thank you Thank you