Prior to getting Shio, we have read that Shibas do not like water. So, we made a conscious effort to expose Shio to water as early as possible, including giving him a bath the first night he arrived home.
First Bath
Despite our efforts, the Shiba in Shio is too strong for us to fight — he now hates water. He will walk around wet spots on the pavement, he will walk right by buildings to avoid getting wet in the rain, he will pee right outside the door of the building to avoid having to get wet when it is raining, and when we try to give him a bath, he will take every available opportunity to attempt an escape.
"Get me outta here!"
To give one final test of Shio’s hatred of water, we tried to get him to dip in the lake at Bear Mountain 2 weeks ago. And yes — he hates water alright…
No Water No!!
So now, when it rains, Ting will exercise Shio in the hallway…
Fetch!
Shibas will be what shibas will be…
Don’t worry about the first bath setting a bad precedence! It’s a shiba trait. Bailey and all other shibas we’ve met said the same thing. Bailey’s even requires us to hold an umbrella over him on a few occasions for him to pee!
[...] him a bath. (Those who do not know how difficult it is to give a Shiba a bath can refer to this, this and, more hysterically, [...]