Consider how big you look to a small dog. Dogs do have good memories. If a bath or some other activity has given her trust issues she is not going to be confident in coming to you. I know you don't like the treat idea but until you get her past this issue you may have to work with her by using treats and work on the tone of your voice. Tone is a really big issue when training a dog. A happy upbeat tone is going to be responded to better than a frustrated tone. These little critters do think and they can be very independent if they have not yet given you their total trust.
She may act like she is playing a game but actually she is just trying to deal with a situation she is unsure about. Once you get through the trust issue you will be able to start working on a "come" command.
When Gracie was a puppy she hated the bath also. She would know when I was getting ready to give her a bath so I would not call her. I just walked over when she was not paying attention and picked her up. That may be a better approach when you are about to do something that your pup finds unpleasant. That way you are not challenging her training and willingness to come to you.
Gracie still does not enjoy the bath and she is not fond of the kitchen sink. When ever I am in the kitchen cooking she is nearby but if I start running water in the sink she is out of there! She doesn't shiver and shake anymore though. We do it weekly so she knows it as a routine now. |