The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [33]
Making a Splash
Q I swear that my dog, Jesse, is part duck. He loves to splash water out of his bowl with his front paws. He creates a big mess all over the kitchen floor. The bowl is empty and I keep refilling it, only to have Jesse paw out the water again. What’s going on?
A Jesse is certainly making a big splash — of the undesired kind. You shouldn’t need rubber boots to wade through your kitchen! I’m not sure what breed Jesse is, but he’s probably a water-loving breed like a Labrador retriever. These dogs are drawn to swimming and playing in water (and doing the full-body shake afterward).
Every dog-occupied home needs bowls of fresh, clean water to keep canines hydrated. I can see how tricky that can be in your home, but there are several approaches to resolve this watery mess. First, the ever-growing population of pet owners has created a big industry of new pet products. You can purchase water bowls in all shapes, sizes, and structures at pet supply stores and online. If Jesse is actually knocking over his bowl, you might consider one with a nonskid bottom. A bowl that sits off the ground on a platform might thwart his splashing efforts. You might also consider water feeder bottles that require dogs to lick at the tip to release a small flow of water (similar to those found in rabbit cages).
Another strategy is to monitor your dog’s water intake rather than leave water down for him at all times. Present the water bowl half-filled after Jesse comes in from a walk or other type of exercise and after meals. Hold the bowl down and let Jesse drink. If he starts to put his front paws into the bowl, pick it up. Wait for him to sit or become calm and then put the water bowl back down again. You are trying to convey to Jesse that his water bowl is not a source of play but only for quenching thirst. If you opt for this method, be sure you offer him water numerous times throughout the day, especially during hot weather.
Good luck with Jesse and be sure to keep plenty of paper towels and a mop handy during this transitional time.
COME ON IN — THE WATER’S FINE!
If you have a water-loving dog, offer him a suitable outlet to make a splash. Buy a small plastic wading pool for your backyard or patio. Fill it about halfway with water and let your dog romp and splash outdoors to his heart’s content. Reward him with treats and praise.
Lavatory Lapping
Q I keep several water bowls around my house and always dutifully keep them filled with clean, fresh water. But Jules, my boxer, prefers lapping water out of the toilet bowl, which I find disgusting! Why does he do that? Will he get sick?
A Disgusting is a good description for this common doggy deed. But it makes sense if you think like a dog, not a civilized person who craves bottled or carbonated water with a fancy name. To a thirsty canine, the toilet simply provides a giant porcelain oasis of fresh, cool water in a huge bowl that never moves or tips over and is always full. And don’t forget about location. Bathrooms often feature tile floors that sooth canine pads on hot days. As far as Jules is concerned, the toilet is your home’s Number One water bowl.
As for germs, even if you pride yourself on keeping the cleanest bathroom in your block, your dog isn’t wowed by that fact. There is a slight risk that your dog can get sick if you pour lots of cleaning chemicals in your toilet, but in general the water in your toilet bowl is actually cleaner — and safer — than most puddles, lakes, and ponds. It’s an unfortunate fact that these public bodies of water often harbor nasty germs and parasites that can cause giardia and other illnesses in our dogs.
Another reason Jules