re: In need of dog help

FWIW, I took your advice on the trainer in Longview and gave him a call. He and his family seem like really nice people and their set up seems good for training. He is optimistic about Beaux's (my American Water Spaniel)potential for becoming a good duck dog. Unfortunately he does not have a spot for him at this time but is going to call me later this week to see if we can get him in. I just wanted to say thanks for the advice.



As far as your dog, try bathing somewhere else for now and slowly expose him daily to increasing interaction with the tub/bathroom with positive reinforcement over the course of several weeks. Do not bathe him in it for some time until he is comfortable getting in and out of the empty tub. then comfortable in the bathroom with the water running in tub. Hold him pet him tell him he is ok and give a small treat with each interaction.

If he is overly afraid at any point stop there, reward his progress while maintain that position. Then remove him from the area. Try to not push him to the point of aggression.

Any aggression though needs to be met with dominance. Push him over belly up and hold him down while gripping his mouth shut with your hand until he whines.