Dog Baths + Discomfort

Psych & Such    |    7 AUG 2021

I've written about my dog, Brisket, in a previous post.  She really is unique and special in many ways; however, when it comes to baths, she falls in line with most other canines.  

As with most dogs, Brisket is a relatively good sport in the tub EXCEPT when it comes to having water on or near her face.  What starts as a calm and lovely bath experience turns into a war of wills when her face gets wet.  From what I have gathered over the years, it all comes down to one thing: Brisket is uncomfortable. 

• Brisket is uncomfortable because she is being held down against her will, with no way to control the situation.
• Brisket is uncomfortable because it isn't natural to have water flowing in her face and preventing her from seeing, smelling, and hearing.
• Brisket is uncomfortable because she's going through a very domesticated process that might not register with her genetic wiring as a dog.

What can we learn from Brisket and her discomfort?

1. Assess your level and origin of your discomfort in any situation.  Sometimes discomfort is due to uncertainty and the novelty of a situation versus discomfort attributed to an actual threat or danger.
2. Attempt to understand ahead of time what stimuli could bombard you in any situation. From there, brainstorm and practice how to best handle what might be thrown at you.
3. Self-awareness is key to increasing comfort and decreasing doubt.  When you can accurately identify how you think, behave, and respond in various situations you can rely appropriately on your attributes, talents, and skills, while equally acknowledging your limitations.