Earlier this summer, I started working on teaching Chewie how to take a bath. My goal is for Chewie to be happy and relaxed when she takes a bath.
Right now, we are just practicing sponge baths. Also, we do these training sessions with Chewie loose at liberty in her pasture. She can walk away at any point if she feels concerned or uncomfortable.
I started by stroking a damp sponge on Chewie’s shoulder, chest, and neck. We practiced sponge baths with these body parts for several days.
During our recent sessions, we have been expanding our sponge baths to other body parts!
I think about adding a new body part in terms of asking Chewie a question. I’m asking Chewie: Can I rub this wet sponge on this new body part?
The first several times we try a new body part, I watch her behavior and body language carefully. Does she take a step away from me? Does she raise her head and tighten her eyes? Do I see tension in her nose and lips? Or, does she continue to look relaxed and content?
We’ve been taking this process slowly as we gradually add new body parts. Now, I can rub a damp sponge all over the left side of Chewie’s body. We will tackle her right side next!
Here are some of the new body parts we have been practicing recently:
Chewie also gets lots of scratches during these sessions!
She makes plenty of funny faces when I find the really itchy parts. 🙂
No comments yet.