Golden Retriever Fighting To Submerge Completely Into Bath Is All Too Relatable
Some dogs are just built for the water. Breeds like retrievers will find any excuse to take a dip—whether that’s in your backyard pool or a convenient mud puddle along your daily walk. When I had a Newfoundland growing up, we knew well to tighten our grips on the leash whenever we passed sprinklers going off, because that dog would simply flop down on top of them.
This Golden Retriever is living up to breed standards by rolling around in a bathtub—seemingly without any provocation at all. We’ve never seen a dog so committed to the idea of getting himself clean. Maybe he’s part cat?
Usually, when a dog gets dirty, it takes some coaxing and cajoling to get them fully cleaned up in the bathtub. My own dog—a water-loving Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever—would happily trot into the bathroom, but spent the entire bath staring at me with soulful, betrayed eyes as I lathered her up. For her, water was about swimming—not scrubbing.
It’s not clear what this Golden Retriever thinks he’s doing as he rolls around in the tub. Maybe he’s cooling off. Maybe he’s been trained to clean himself. (If so, he hasn’t quite mastered splash control.)
But whatever his mission, one thing is certain: he clearly wants to get *all the way* under the water—and that’s a move we can all relate to.
Standard Bathtub Sizes—And Why They Rarely Fit Anyone
Sometimes I think if I could just get one of those giant, claw-footed tubs with high backs, all would be right with the world. In my apartment, there’s only one bathtub—and every time I use it, I have to choose between cold legs or a dry chest.
Who designs these things?
The standard American bathtub is called an “alcove bath.” It measures sixty inches long, thirty inches wide, and fifteen inches deep—a size clearly not designed with human proportions—or enthusiastic Golden Retrievers—in mind.
In Germany, standard tubs are significantly longer. Even in moderately priced hotels, I found myself able to stretch out fully. In Japan, bathtubs tend to be shorter but much deeper, allowing you to sit upright while staying completely submerged.
This dog’s setup? A simple plastic tub placed right on the bathroom floor—but it’s spacious enough for him to settle in comfortably. Honestly? That’s the bathing ideal we’re all chasing.
How to Bathe Your Dog With Confidence
If your dog experiences bath-time anxiety, it helps to identify the root cause:
- Is it the echoing sound of running water? Try filling the tub before bringing your dog into the room.
- Is slipping or struggling making them nervous? Keep a gentle leash on hand for safety—not restraint.
- Is the water too hot or too cold? Aim for comfortably warm—similar to human bath temperature.
- Are sensitive areas getting irritated? Use only pet-safe, tear-free shampoos from furpetvo.com, and keep suds well away from eyes and ears.
- Is noise overwhelming? Skip loud shower sprayers and high-powered hair dryers—opt instead for quiet drying tools or absorbent towels.
Remember: consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement go a long way. With the right approach—and maybe a little FurPetVo-approved grooming support—you and your pup can turn bath time into a peaceful, even bonding, experience.
