Question for Kiss This.

[whiplash]

Hi Annie,got a rescue dog who has a fear of water,will not go out if it is raining and hides when I wash up.Trouble is he is not drinking enough water .Daughter said do not use metal bowls coz they look like puddles.So have just changed them to coloured ones.Any advise please?x

[steve]

Dogs need water, I’m always changing ours so fresh. Also put in some water with meals as in biscuits and meat.

[jamyramy]

Hi Annie,got a rescue dog who has a fear of water,will not go out if it is raining and hides when I wash up.Trouble is he is not drinking enough water .Daughter said do not use metal bowls coz they look like puddles.So have just changed them to coloured ones.Any advise please?x

make his food more sloppy with a tweak of water to it .whats he like when confronted with ice cube or ice lolly.

[jamyramy]

make his food more sloppy with a tweak of water to it .whats he like when confronted with ice cube or ice lolly.

just a ps keep a bucket with the rain water for his bowl.their very sensitive to the chlorine from tap water.my Sammy guzzles the bucket water yet hesitant to frsh tap water.or just buy those 5ltr bottles of spring water from Iceland they go down well,no additives.

[seivad]

Hi Annie,got a rescue dog who has a fear of water,will not go out if it is raining and hides when I wash up.Trouble is he is not drinking enough water .Daughter said do not use metal bowls coz they look like puddles.So have just changed them to coloured ones.Any advise please?x

I know you've had your pooch for a while now. Has he always been like this? I ask because if he hasn't been drinking enough water, you would have seen signs of dehydration.

The general rule of thumb is 1 fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. If you measure the water when you fill his bowl, you'll see if he's drinking enough every day.

[KissThis]

Hi Annie,got a rescue dog who has a fear of water,will not go out if it is raining and hides when I wash up.Trouble is he is not drinking enough water .Daughter said do not use metal bowls coz they look like puddles.So have just changed them to coloured ones.Any advise please?x

Hi Do you know the dog's history? To show such fear of water I can't help wondering if he's been 'dunked' and managed to escape at some time in his past. Another possibility is that water has been used as a punishment, squirted hard in to his face or eyes for 'misbehaviour' or something. If either is the case, it will likely be a long and slow case of reconditioning his brain.
With his drinking water, your daughter could have a good point.. Does he have any toys, if so, which is his favourite, what colour is it? Try a water dish that colour.
If you a drink of milky tea in his dish, would he still fear that? I'm wondering if a couple of drops of organic, natural food colouring in his water may help him disassociate a bit.. (I know food colouring is one of the safest things to use for colouring home made bird toys, but still check with your vet)
Does he like a 'bit of pinch, a bit of whatever you are eating or drinking? As repulsive as it may sound to some, have a special mug that you drink water from, let him see you drinking and then offer him a share.
Try having a dish of water on the table, stroke his face with one hand, and wet the other thoroughly and bring that hand to his face. If he licks thwe wet hand, give him a tiny treat, but don't vocalise on the praise too much.
When it is raining, put is lead on and encourage him (pull gently if needed) to just step out in to the rain. Give him a treat the moment all four paws are outsid the door.Then, even nif you bhave to pick him up or firmly hold him back, immediately return back inside, but ensure YOU go in the door first. Again, keep vocal praise gentle and to a minimum.
Try getting him in to the bathroom with you when your bath is run. Don't let him see or hear it being run. Have some treats handy When you are in the bath, tempt him over with a treat. If he shows nervousness, that's ok, but totally ignore it, don't fuss.
If he comes close enough for a treat, a simple 'good boy' will suffice as he takes treat. Again, NO FUSS.
The reason for the 'No fuss' is that fuss makes an issue out of something, and excites the dog, and this can just as easilly be anxiety excitement which will reinforce negative feelings in the animal.
An example: When I was assisting as an instructor at a GSD training club, an instance of 'negative praise and fuss' would often surface in something as simple as a 'down, stay'. The handlers who made a great fuss and song and dance if their dog completed the task well, were the ones who's dogs often got over excited before the task was finished, breaking the 'down, stay' command in anticipation of the huge fuss they were expecting.
The handlers who returned quietly, gav the dog a gentle stroke and just a gentle ''good lad/lass'' were the ones who had more success. Dogs who broke the 'down stay' with fussy handlers were over enthusiastically place back in the down, had the command repeatedly and excitedly shouted at them, with bugger all positive action as a result.
Dogs who broike command with none-fuss handlers were simply put back in position without fuss, told firmly but quietly 'down, stay' soon got the hand of things.
Strong reactions to wanted behaviour can therefore, discourage that wanted behaviour through over excitement. Strong reaction to unwanted behaviour can reinforce the behaviour as it makes it an even bigger issue.
Sorry this is a bit of an essay, there's so much more I can add though. Ask anything you want.
Just thought of something, try 'washing' the dishes in a totally dry sink, go through the motions, but just pretend to wash them. Let me know how he reacts to that Rach if you don't mind x

[joan ofarc]

Have you tried a pet water fountain? I have one for my cats and I can see that they drink more than they did before so they must enjoy it. There are different types but if you get one that is like a waterfall your dog may prefer that to still water.

[Toodles McGinty]

Have you tried a pet water fountain? I have one for my cats and I can see that they drink more than they did before so they must enjoy it. There are different types but if you get one that is like a waterfall your dog may prefer that to still water.

Mine too. She adores a running or dripping tap. Drinks much more from there than her bowl.

I've never heard of a dog scared of water before, but like anything they aren't frightened of naturally, it'll be some evil scumbag that's caused it. Thank goodness people have the heart to take these poor animals in.

[whiplash]

I know you've had your pooch for a while now. Has he always been like this? I ask because if he hasn't been drinking enough water, you would have seen signs of dehydration.

The general rule of thumb is 1 fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. If you measure the water when you fill his bowl, you'll see if he's drinking enough every day.

Nearly 3 yrs now,i tend to make his food sloppy and he eats it.So he is getting some water.But will not drink from a bowl.
Someone suggested a fountain oh my god NO.He runs a mile.
We do not know about his history,he was picked up on the streets in Manchester I November(so cold and wet time of year).
But he is house trained!! Has never peed in the house.

[jamyramy]

Nearly 3 yrs now,i tend to make his food sloppy and he eats it.So he is getting some water.But will not drink from a bowl.
Someone suggested a fountain oh my god NO.He runs a mile.
We do not know about his history,he was picked up on the streets in Manchester I November(so cold and wet time of year).
But he is house trained!! Has never peed in the house.

now this one may sound wacky but have you tried a cup of weak tea ,whilst your having one as well.my last Sammy tash always had to have one with mine as well,and out of a cup along with the staff at tea break.worth a try .good look .x