Dogs are not the biggest fans of water. They hardly enjoy water sports except breeds like the Labrador which is a fantastic guide dog. It has been know to save people from drowning and is not averse to water as much as it's fellow comrades. My dogs are no exceptions they do not enjoy being wet. It is much easier to handle Smokey and give it a bath as it always enjoy having human contact however with Skido, the story is different.
Skido enjoys minimal to moderate human contact that is not to say it does not enjoy our company. It is fierce protector of our family. It simply properly was a cat in it's former lifetime. That's just a joke, but not only does Skido love his independence, he is strongly averse to getting wet and constantly runs away from water. Water basically is his kryptonite.
Dog Bathing Experience
Skido my Alsatian dog is strongly repelled by water. The only time you see it near water is when it is thirsty and in need for a desperate drink. Other than that it enjoys to stay dry most of the rest of the time. It is so bad that if it is naughty and you want it to come back to it's house (cage), you simply sprinkle a little water at it and it will go running. As we know water is a basic life need and we cannot do without it. So when it comes to bathing Skido, you are in for a tug of war. Bathing time involves chasing Skido all round the compound as it tries it's best to outrun. To get it to stay and take a bath, it is usually chained. Once you have it chained down and you drop that first bowl of water, your guess is as good as mine. It will immediately strongly wiggle it's body and all the water gets splashed back at you. This can be quite unpleasant as you are drenched with water and you dog is literarily saying if you are making me take a shower, then we both will.
The Successful Bath
To get things going, you literally have to psyche up Skido with pats on the head, smiles and kind words. Letting it know it, it is safe and you are here with it all the way. Then you pour on some water, you get a little more shake from the dog, then some more water and then it is finally in the mood. This is followed by a continuous bath with lathe of soap or dog shampoo making sure to get really into the furs. The spaces between the digits of his paws are also well washed and examined for any sign of ticks. As ticks are fond of hiding out between their purrs.
Body Checks
I also ensure to thoroughly checking it's body when giving Skido a bath, to remove any hiding ticks, to check for any injuries or anomalies and to basically ensure it is in good health and form. Once we are done with the washing and you the soap lathe has been thoroughly rinsed out you then feel it time to dry Skido up. However, guess what, yeah you got it, it shakes up the entire water right onto you. At this point you know fully well, giving Skido a bath is a game for two.
Grooming
To finally round things up, Skido is properly dried with a towel and tick powder is then placed on his body as directed by his veterinarian. On some days when he needs general health checkup, his veterinarian does house visits and also takes part in the bathing ceremony. His nails are also clipped and it is groomed. Once we are all done, the tradition is to loosen the chain and set Skido free. Once this is done, Skido sprints like he is in a competition with Usain Bolts, right from the bathing place to his house. Like yes, finally am free from them and this routine discomfort. We usually just end up laughing, but the pleasant scent of the dog and been able to give it pats and hugs knowing it is clean, is all worth the trouble.
Tips For You When Bathing Your Dog
These are the following tips that have worked for me when bathing Skido and my other dogs. You can give them a try as well.- Before starting the bath process, greet and play with you your dog for a while. Let it feel your presence and companionship. This puts the dog in a good mood to take your next offering which is the bath.
- Escort your dog to the bath station. You can also make it the bathing session fun by making it an exercise, and bonding session. You can both race together to the bath station and then pat it's head for coming along.
- If you dog is not that is not a friend of water, you may want to chain him down at this point, as a form of restrain. Otherwise, you will find them running backwards. At a point in time, Skido actually ran all the way back to his house, just to avoid a bath.
- Once your dog is restrained, you may decided to play with the water yourself, to desensitize your dog towards water. Then proceed to bath your dog.
- When you are done, a good trick is to use positive reinforcement to attract your dog to future bathing sessions. So you can go ahead and give your dog a healthy treat. Just has Pavlov used ringing of a bell to let the dogs know it was time for a meal. You can give your dog a treat after it's bath. Before long, you will notice your dog is more favorably inclined to taking showers.
Final Words
Dog bathing, dog washing and dog grooming are vital activities that are needed to maintain a healthy and happy dog. It can also be a good bonding experience for you and your canine. So go ahead and make it a fun time for both of you and get even an averse dog to enjoy the process.
Top 25 Facts About Life
1. Life Is Full Of Uncertainty And Change
Life is inherently unpredictable. Circumstances, relationships, and opportunities can change at any moment. Embracing uncertainty allows us to adapt, grow, and develop resilience. Accepting change as part of life helps reduce stress, build confidence, and discover new possibilities that would otherwise remain hidden.
2. Small Daily Habits Have Big Impacts
Our daily actions compound over time. Simple habits like reading, exercising, eating healthily, or practicing gratitude can significantly influence mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Life is shaped less by grand gestures than by consistent, mindful behaviors repeated every day, which eventually form our character and future.
3. Perspective Shapes Experience
The way we perceive events determines our emotional response. A single situation can be seen as a challenge, a lesson, or a setback depending on perspective. Cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset allows us to navigate life more smoothly, find opportunities in adversity, and maintain emotional balance.
4. Relationships Are Central To Happiness
Human connection plays a vital role in overall well-being. Strong relationships with family, friends, or community provide support, love, and shared experiences. Prioritizing meaningful connections, effective communication, and empathy contributes to emotional fulfillment and resilience throughout the ups and downs of life.
5. Lifelong Learning Enhances Growth
Life is an ongoing journey of knowledge and discovery. Curiosity, continuous learning, and skill development expand our understanding of the world and ourselves. Lifelong learning encourages creativity, adaptability, and personal fulfillment, helping us remain engaged and capable in a rapidly changing society.
6. Health Is A Foundation For Everything
Physical, mental, and emotional health are the pillars of a fulfilling life. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and stress management empower us to perform daily activities, pursue goals, and enjoy meaningful experiences. Without health, even the most successful ambitions can feel limited or unsustainable.
7. Failure Is Part Of Growth
Mistakes and failures are inevitable, yet essential for development. They provide insights, resilience, and opportunities to improve. Viewing failure as a teacher rather than a setback fosters courage, creativity, and perseverance. Life’s most valuable lessons often come from our missteps rather than our successes.
8. Gratitude Improves Well-Being
Practicing gratitude shifts focus from what is lacking to what is abundant. Recognizing small joys, achievements, and relationships enhances mood, reduces stress, and strengthens emotional health. Gratitude encourages optimism, empathy, and a sense of connection, making life feel richer and more meaningful.
9. Time Is Life’s Most Precious Resource
Unlike money or material possessions, time is finite. How we spend each moment shapes our experiences, memories, and legacy. Prioritizing meaningful activities, relationships, and self-care ensures a more fulfilling life. Conscious management of time can increase happiness, productivity, and long-term satisfaction.
10. Mindfulness Brings Clarity
Being fully present in each moment helps us experience life more deeply. Mindfulness improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances emotional regulation. By paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment, we cultivate awareness that guides decisions and fosters peace and contentment.
11. Kindness Has Ripple Effects
Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create positive effects that extend beyond the immediate moment. Helping others improves our own mood and strengthens social bonds. Generosity fosters empathy, cooperation, and community, contributing to a life that feels purposeful and connected.
12. Adaptability Determines Success
Life rarely follows a rigid plan. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, expectations, or environments is essential for personal growth and achievement. Flexibility allows us to seize opportunities, recover from setbacks, and navigate complexity with resilience and confidence.
13. Self-Reflection Drives Improvement
Regular reflection on thoughts, actions, and decisions fosters self-awareness. Understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations enables better choices, stronger relationships, and personal development. Life becomes more intentional when we evaluate progress, learn from experiences, and adjust behavior accordingly.
14. Money Can Enhance But Not Guarantee Happiness
Financial stability supports comfort, health, and access to opportunities. However, material wealth alone does not guarantee long-term fulfillment. True happiness stems from meaningful relationships, purpose, personal growth, and experiences. Balancing financial goals with emotional and social well-being is key to a satisfying life.
15. Nature Benefits Mind And Body
Spending time in natural environments reduces stress, improves focus, and fosters creativity. Nature provides perspective, calm, and physical health benefits. Engaging with outdoor activities or simply observing natural surroundings enhances overall well-being and strengthens our connection to the world around us.
16. Patience Cultivates Resilience
Life often unfolds in unpredictable ways. Developing patience allows us to manage frustration, delay gratification, and endure challenges without unnecessary stress. Resilience grows when we accept that meaningful achievements, relationships, and personal growth require time and consistent effort.
17. Humor Lightens Life’s Burdens
Laughter provides physical, mental, and social benefits. Humor relieves stress, improves perspective, and strengthens bonds with others. Being able to find lightness in adversity fosters resilience, optimism, and emotional well-being, helping navigate life’s challenges with a healthier outlook.
18. Purpose Creates Direction
Having a sense of purpose guides choices, motivates action, and gives meaning to everyday life. Purpose can be derived from work, relationships, personal goals, or service to others. A clear sense of why we do what we do enhances fulfillment, resilience, and long-term satisfaction.
19. Emotions Are Guides, Not Enemies
Emotions provide valuable information about our needs, values, and surroundings. Instead of suppressing feelings, observing and understanding them helps us make conscious decisions. Emotional intelligence allows for healthier relationships, improved problem-solving, and a more authentic and meaningful life.
20. Learning From Others Accelerates Growth
Observing, listening, and seeking guidance from mentors, peers, or historical examples allows us to avoid mistakes and gain wisdom faster. Collaboration and shared knowledge expand perspectives, encourage innovation, and strengthen social bonds, enriching the journey of life significantly.
21. Simplicity Reduces Stress
Simplifying life, whether through decluttering, prioritizing, or reducing commitments, can improve mental clarity and emotional balance. Focusing on essentials, meaningful work, and genuine relationships fosters contentment. Minimalism and intentional living reduce overwhelm, making it easier to appreciate life’s small joys.
22. Resilience Is Built Over Time
Facing challenges repeatedly and learning to cope strengthens resilience. Each difficulty, failure, or disappointment provides an opportunity to develop grit and endurance. Resilient individuals bounce back from adversity, maintain optimism, and continue to pursue goals despite setbacks, creating a more empowered and confident life.
23. Curiosity Keeps Life Vibrant
A curious mind seeks knowledge, exploration, and new experiences. Curiosity encourages creativity, adaptability, and joy in everyday life. Lifelong curiosity fosters personal growth, deepens understanding of the world, and keeps life dynamic, engaging, and full of opportunities for discovery.
24. Balance Is Essential For Well-Being
Balancing work, relationships, rest, and personal pursuits prevents burnout and promotes holistic well-being. Life requires attention to mental, emotional, and physical health. Prioritizing balance allows for sustainable success, satisfaction, and meaningful engagement across all areas of life.
25. Life Is About Growth, Not Perfection
Striving for perfection can lead to stress and disappointment. Life is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and self-improvement. Embracing imperfection allows us to take risks, explore creativity, and cultivate resilience. Personal progress, not flawlessness, is the true measure of a fulfilling life.