Getting used to a towelling coat

[HAH]

Kipper’s naturally wary of things over his head, on his back etc. - when he was younger we rushed trying a dog coat on him and it’s made him extra wary. But we’ve been keen to try a drying coat he can wear in the back of the car after particularly muddy or wet walks. I’ve been trying a cooperative care approach, getting him comfortable with putting his head through a small light towel with treat rewards, then working up to putting his head through the head hole of the drying coat, then slightly folding down the body of the coat so he feels some weight on his back, and building from there. Tonight we got to him being comfy wearing it and moving a bit; we’re now building to having the tummy strap on, and then playing games in it. I’d post a photo but unfortunately they’re both blurry! Will get one next time

 

[Selina27]

Sounds like good work Harriet.

 

[kateincornwall]

Well done , slowly slowly is always the best way xx

 

[Boogie]

Yes.

Echo is quite body sensitive so I’m taking it much slower than usual to introduce his training jacket. He’s been wearing it just for meals for three weeks. Today I’m about to start putting it on for very easy, we’ll known walks.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

[Stacia]

Rourke loves his towelling coat and puts his head right in without me asking him. I just put it straight on him when I got it.

 

[Atemas]

I have two towelling robes (one was Sky’s). Unfortunately Red hates hers. She throws herself at walls and the sides of furniture if I put it on so I've stopped. Think I’ll do some desensitisation work with her as they are really useful to use when she is wet and muddy and I want to use them when camping this year. Well done @HAH - your patience is paying off

 

[Naya]

Harley absolutely loves her dressing gown, but hates having a harness on.....so strange. Well done for tak8n* it slowly until Kipper got used to it

 

[Selina27]

Unfortunately Red hates hers

Cassie's not a lover of hers either, but has come to tolerate it. It isn't a battle to get it on, it's just that she'd rather not have it go over her head. She can get it off in no time at all if she'a mind to, but lately she has been keeping it on and curling up to sleep with it on. When I take it off she's always so warm and cosy underneath that I do wonder if she has worked out the benefit for herself. It certainly has been a boon this wet winter.

Rourke loves his towelling coat and puts his head right in without me asking him. I just put it straight on him when I got it.

 

[Atemas]

Strangely Red will allow me to put it on (she pretty much allows me to do anything to her - I clipped all her toenails yesterday) but then reacts when it’s on @Selina27. Shame as Sky used to be all dry and warm when I took hers off. Maybe Red just needs to learn the benefits like Cassie

 

[Selina27]

Maybe Red just needs to learn the benefits like Cassie

Of course, I don't know if she's really processed the thought, but it is interesting that these days she does keep it on. Because I know that she can take it off I don't feel so bad putting it on

 

[Boogie]

It went well with Echo. We went to a shop he’s really used to visiting and he behaved as if he didn’t have it on.

Strangely Red will allow me to put it on (she pretty much allows me to do anything to her - I clipped all her toenails yesterday) but then reacts when it’s on @Selina27. Shame as Sky used to be all dry and warm when I took hers off. Maybe Red just needs to learn the benefits like Cassie

Maybe give her a nice Kong while she has it on and take it off before the Kong is empty.

So setting her up to succeed in not throwing it off.

 

[kateincornwall]

Its funny, how very different they are . Sam was not a nervous dog but he was cautious , hated being brushed or dried , I had to take weeks over getting him used to both of these things . Reuben on the other hand, is ( I think ) over confident and truly has not a care what I do to him , love them all for their little ways xx

 

[Candy]

Joy doesn't much like her dressing gown going over her head but she gets a chew as soon as it's on and appears perfectly happy to wear it, curling up for her post walk sleep immediately. I have to wake her up to take it off!

 

[Boogie]

Its funny, how very different they are . Sam was not a nervous dog but he was cautious , hated being brushed or dried , I had to take weeks over getting him used to both of these things . Reuben on the other hand, is ( I think ) over confident and truly has not a care what I do to him , love them all for their little ways xx

Echo is like Sam. It’s taking me a long time to get him used to being brushed or dried checked or have things on his back. I’ve started taking him to the vets once a week to get his ears, mouth and paws looked at.
.

 

[SwampDonkey]

My boys go and get the towels so I can rub them dry. It's funny but they always seem to get their Willie's and balls really wet. Dirty boys

 

[HAH]

My boys go and get the towels so I can rub them dry. It's funny but they always seem to get their Willie's and balls really wet. Dirty boys

Ooh, that’s fascinating! I’ve always been impressed with how clean and dry Kipper’s tackle is, even on the filthiest walks

 

[SwampDonkey]

Mmm Rory actually groans with pleasure when he gets rubbed down. Rory wallowed like a hippo then thrashed about like a mad labsparrow in black silty mud. He had a silt Line round his body and everything was black I mean everything. Oh and he waggled his bum in it too

 

[HAH]

Here’s a photo from tonight’s session he looks like an extra from Harry Potter.

 

[Selina27]

he looks like an extra from Harry Potter.

He looks utterly stunning as usual

 

[snowbunny]

EXPELLIAMUS!