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Originally Posted by kjc  I agree.... but I have also tried the exact opposite....acting as scared as they are, but keeping calm hands at the same time: this would be my dialog:
(in a high pitched voice and as animated as you can be, like the 'Oh no! Mr. Bill!) Ah! Oh my goodness! WHAT was that? Ut oh! Here it comes again! Ewwwww! And what is that cold gooey stuff? Look at all the bubbles! You're going to blow away! Ahhhh! (all lathered up) Where is my little dog? Are you still in here? Oh! There you are! Oh my! Let's get all this stuff washed off you! You poor baby! Oh this is just a horrible mess! We gotta get you cleaned up and outta dis tub! |
I actually did use this method with my scared to death rescue Tinkerbell, after all other attempts failed and a bite or two, she was 2.5 years old. It helped her to relax, bc instead of me trying to force her or ignore her fears, I acknowledged her fears and copied them, which had the effect on her to bond with me (maybe not the right word but close), I guess two being scared, in company, beats being scared all by yourself.
When it was time to blow dry her, she ran around the bathroom in circles around me. As her hair started to dry, it hit me that OMG it was really preety. I started saying that to her, 'OMG your hair is so beautiful' Look at it You're soooo pretty! And finally she calmed down and let me finish... I know it's weird, but it worked for her.
Not saying these techniques will work for you, but just don't be afraid to try things out of the norm... you'll never know what works unless you try it.