I have 11/2 year old male, shih-poo who destest bathing and has started growling and biting to the point of drawing blood. How can I change this behaviour. Bathing is not painful and he's not mistreated as soon as he sees his towel he turns. Any suggestions???

You could try to desensitise him by letting him come into the bathroom with you. Let him see his towels around, not just at bath time. Try putting one in his bed. Cuddle him with a towel - so that in the end he doen;st associate a towel with bath time - but nice times. Over time - lift him into the empty bath with a nice toy or treat if he is food motivated, then try with a bit of water in - etc etc gradually building up. Make no attempt to bath or wash him and don't soothe him - just be confident and matter of fact - encourage him in a jolly way and reward. Pour a little bit of water over him starting upu his legs then working up over his back. Don't pour any over his face - they often dont like that. I use a wet flannel on the face. Gradually build it up so that he sees the bath as a nice place to be.

If this fails - try a muzzle on him so that he can't hurt you - but I would make that the very very last resort.

hth

Pam n theboys