Playing in water bowl = constant clean up

My 9 month old tri, Diesel creates a huge mess on a daily basis by playing in his water bowl. No matter what size, shape, or height the bowl is, he feels the need to sit there and paw at it, flinging water everywhere! I've tried taking the water away from him for awhile when I catch him doing this, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Plus, it isn't very convenient having to monitor him everytime he goes to get a drink. I've also tried getting a bowl that is raised off the floor (but not so much that it is uncomfortable for him to drink)and he still manages to splash around in it. Does anyone else have any suggestions as to how I can break this habit?

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Permalink Reply by Chris West on July 16, 2011 at 3:45pm

You could always get one of those dog waterers that they have for crates (looks like a giant hamster water bottle. Here are some articles with ideas. Good luck!

http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/how-to-stop-a-puppy-from-playing...

http://www.ehow.com/how_2253781_turning-over-his-water-bowl.html (not the same thing, but I thought had some good ideas)

http://www.mypethealthguide.com/dog-training-behavior/destructive-b...

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?t=101884

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on July 16, 2011 at 4:17pm

He will outgrow this in time. A big towel under the bowl may help a little. Lol

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on July 16, 2011 at 7:33pm

You could try a bucket that is hooked or tied to something so he cannot tip it over and fill it only half way, so any splashing stays mostly inside the bucket... as Bev says, he'll outgrow it and a big towel under it will help. Easier to make it so he can do it without too much of a problem than to try and stop it, as you cannot deprive him of water, can't spend your life watching him, it's not destructive or dangerous and just puppy play behavior. If you see him, distract him away, or tell him to sit, or something along those lines, rather than scolding since that has not worked.

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Permalink Reply by Chasity Grogan on July 16, 2011 at 7:57pm

Thanks so much for the suggestions and it is a relief knowing he will be growing out of it. Hopefully sooner rather than later <fingers crossed>

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Permalink Reply by Potus on July 17, 2011 at 1:03am

I know you said you have tried all shape, size and height but I just wanted to doublecheck that you've tried different materials. Potus was the same with his stainless steel bowl but we changed to one that didn't have a relective surface and the water play stopped. Just a quick thought in case you hadn't tried it.

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 17, 2011 at 4:25am

I've used several "non-spill" water bowls for the car. This one I haven't tried, but it looks good, and I know for sure that Jolly Pets makes nearly non-destructible toys. It's called the Road Refresher : http://www.amazon.com/Road-Refresher-Spill-Portable-Bowl/dp/B001L4M....

The ones I do use are the Lixit Waterboy, especially good for travel: http://www.amazon.com/Lixit-Waterboy-Travel-Water-Bowl/dp/B0006BB78...

and the aptly named "non spill water bowl," http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Supply-NON-SPILL-WATER-BOWL/dp/B0002DGVW6... This one is low tech and light weight, may not hold up to a determined party animal, but it's good for the car.

If I were you I'd check out the Jolly Pet one. I've seen it in our local pet store, and I like that it can attack to a base, via velcro tabs, to keep it in place. It holds 56 or 24 ounces and uses a floating plate inside to limit the amount of water the dog has contact with at any time. The Lixit works on the same principle, but would be a bit more awkward to fill, I think.