Pet Products Review - RapidBath Pet Bathing System by HydroSurge

Today you're in luck because my post is one with two opinions.  The good people at Hydro Surge a division of Jarden Consumer Solutions asked me to sample their new RapidBath Pet Bathing System.  I was excited to try this product because I trust the famous brands and products of Jarden.  They seem to know exactly the appliance that makes my life easier.

The RapidBath Pet Bathing System is an interesting contraption in that it aims to give you the power and convenience afforded to professional dog groomers.  RapidBath allows you to wet, wash and rinse in one hand-held unit. Designed to bath in 3 minutes or less, the RapidBath system cuts the time, hassle and mess out of bathing your pet.

The manufacturer writes:  "The system includes a dog grooming sprayer and adapter that connects to any standard home shower or outdoor faucet, allowing the versatility of indoor/outdoor use. The sprayer functions in just one hand and features 3 settings: low, high, and bathe. Hidden inside the handle are integrated shampoo cartridges which automatically draws and distributes highly concentrated shampoo while you bath your pet. The result is easier, less messy baths for both you and your pet."  The cost of the RapidBath Pet Bathing System is $69.99 and can be purchased at www.petsmart.com or any PetSmart location.

Well let me tell you, I had a very hard time finding a shower or outdoor faucet that actually fit the RapidBath system. It did not fit my shower nor our outdoor faucet.  Finally I ended up trying the unit in my building's laundry utility sink.  I have to admit the system did not quite fit that faucet either and I'm sure it negatively affected the RapidBath's performance.  Althought I found the using a 10' hose connected with a water diverter to be easy and convenient for washing a dog, I did not find the soap to lather to my satisfaction.  Also knowing I can go to a hardware store and get the same hose and diverter material for only a few dollars, made it hard to justify a $70 price.

But, being a New York City urban dweller, we know that not every product is designed for city use and works better in an actual home.  With that, I gave the RapidBath System to my friend Tom to try.  Tom lives on a country estate outside of Albany and had a beautiful American Foxhound named Fiddler.  Fiddler being a country dog is always getting into something or another and more in need of frequent bathing.   Here is Tom's verbatim:

Ease of use.....9
Installation......8
Overall impression....8

I have a relatively large American Foxhound named Fiddler.  Put simply, hounds and water don't usually mix.  I've attempted to use shower sprayers, sponges, etc. but make it difficult to keep the dog in the tub while still using them.  The rapid bath system alleviated a number of those issues.  The installation was fairly easy.  Having the right tool to remove the shower head toughest part.  It's great to be able to leave the diverter attached to the shower and still be able to use the rapid bath when needed.  The major benefit of this system is the ability to have everything in one hand.  Using simple knobs and buttons on the hand held unit, you can change from soap to rinse and turn the water on and off with just one hand.  This allowed me to keep the other hand on the dogs collar to keep him in the tub.  Overall a good system.

Disadvantages:  must use soap cartridges from rapid bath system.
Potential improvement: I wish the head of the sprayer had some rubber nubs on it to use to massage in the shampoo.  I had to put the unit down to suds the dog before rinsing.

So back to me... my recommendation is, if you have multiple pets, dogs, horses, cats, goats, whatever, and keeping them clean is important to you, buy the RapidBath Pet Bathing System.  Your frequent use and time saved will justify the price.  But do make sure you test the compatibility with all of your faucets and like any larger purchase, keep the receipt in case it does not work out.

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to secretshopperblog@gmail.com

...has been on my mind lately.  To be clear, she doesn't specialize in female dogs.  She's just a bitch.

She's been on my mind because, well, although I have not yet found my pooch-mate, there is still plenty do to by way of prep work.  One of these things is finding a vet and while I ask around and do office drive-bys, I am remembering the bitch.

About 10 years ago, my beloved bloodhound Beatrice had reached her dotage and, as all large breeds do, was breaking down fast.  Her hips were a mess, she was covered with lypomas, and had suffered a siezure or two which rendered her incontinent.  After spending many thousands of dollars diagnosing that she was getting old, had hip dysplasia, was covered with non-malignant lypomas, and yeah, she had a seizure or two, I looked at the old girl one day and realized that not only had she lost interest in eating, she had indeed lived a long life and were we in the country would wander off to find a tree under which she'd schmooze herself into eternity.  And so I opted for the most painful moment in every dogowner's life: The putdown. 

I take her to the vet who tries to dissuade me saying things like...we haven't tried this...or there are doggie diapers..who knows what she was blabbering.  I was blubbering.  I had put down many dogs before Beatrice but never had I been assaulted with treatment plans at the deathbed like I had this time.  When I steadfastly but politely declined the veternarian's suggestions, she turned cold (when she should have been consoling me, quite frankly), administered the mercy and left the disposal options talk to her assistant. After I collected myself I paid the bill.  The vet passed me at the desk and said, "You know, this could have been avoided."  And I looked at her and said, "F### you."

Because, f### her, you know?  She hadn't lived with Beatrice all her life, loved her the way I did.  No one wanted for Beatrice to live longer than forever than I did...except, perhaps the bitch vet.  Lord knows she would have loved to sell me (and her other patients I'm sure) on some irrelevant, ridiculous therapy that benefitted only her.  I know there are vets out there like that who think nothing of tests and pills and injections that cost thousands which wind up doing nothing more but prolonging the end-stage.  And for every one of those vets, there are tens of us animal owners who take our responsibilities seriously and are realists about the duties of animal keeping.

Just the other day I ran into a friend who's doggie had a bout of diarrhea.  $700 and a couple of bowls of dry food later...all is fine.  If you ask a bunch of us, something's f###ed up about this very common scenario. 

Living in the city with a BIG, BIG DOG!

I've heard it before,

I've said it myself,

and I am repeating it again.

Dogs are time intensive, NOT SPACE INTENSIVE.

A big dog can be just as happy in a city as a small dog.  Honestly, I think they may even be easier to provide exercise and stimulation for than some of the smaller, more active dogs.

Not all SMALL dogs are LAP dogs.  Lap dogs were selected and bred for their companionship (aka: Toy Breeds) They include dogs like the Pug, Papillon, King Charles Cavalier, Brussels Griffon, Pekingese, Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Japanese Chin, and Silky.

This does not mean that I have not had the pleasure of meeting a marathon Pug or that there aren't Yorkies out there that can fetch for hours.  But in general, these breeds enjoy their snuggle-time, like napping and being pampered.

More importantly, there are plenty of small dogs, like terriers, that prefer active lifestyles.  Breeds that come to mind are the Jack Russell, Fox Terrier, West Highland, Boston and Manchester Terrier.  

Again, not to discount the testimonies form those with Scotties that snuggle with kittens or JRT's that act act like 50's housewives on valium, but generally speaking the consensus would be terriers need ACTIVE PEOPLE & MORE EXERCISE THAN a newly-single gym rat.

SO, DOES SIZE MATTER?  

Not really. I have seen just as many frustrated, under-exercised, under-stimulated, small dogs as I have big dogs.  If you are thinking a small dog might be happier in your urban apartment, think again.  

I know many Akitas, Danes and Sighthounds that are content to chew on bones, eat their breakfasts from Kongs, and snooze away the day while waiting for their afternoon walk.  And, I know many Jack Russels, Dachshunds, Corgis and Fox Terriers that would sooner pull all the stuffing from your couch (for the third time) than to take a nap!

There are plenty of big dogs that could care less about riding in elevators, busy streets, and loud noises.  And, there are plenty of small, fractious dogs whose nerves are shattered by the thought.  

There are also many large dogs that could easily take food from a counter and don't.  And, small dogs that leap, launch, pounce and propel themselves onto the tallest surfaces.

The only thing I know for certain...Big dogs, will always have bigger poops!

But, size is just one factor.  Tthere are other more important considerations.  Stay tuned for more information on Choosing The Dog For You.  

STOP NAGGING YOUR DOG!

Teaching/Learning is a Three-Part Equation

I.  The way you let the dog know something is expected.

II.  Whatever the dog decides to do (based on instincts, learning, motivation)

III.  The consequences that are connected to the actions.

Part-I  THE CLUES  

Usually people focus on the first part -humans love to give verbal instructions (commands).  This part of the equation is really the LEAST IMPORTANT PART of teaching an animal to DO SOMETHING.  Furthermore it is the LAST part I worry about when training a new dog or teaching a dog that a new situation requires a previously known behavior.

Part-II THE OPTIONS

Dogs that are trained with force/aversion often get stressed out during the second part of the equation.  Stress is NOT conducive to relationships or learning.  In Aversive training the risks for getting answer wrong can be high and/or the motivation to give an alternate answer to great to avoid putting the dog in a double bind (I really need to pee, but if I do I might get punished).

In contrast dogs trained systematically with rewards are encouraged to try stuff and praised & rewarded at first for:  Good-Attempts, Better-Answers, Correct Responses.  The consequences for mistakes are "bummers" they don't get access and/or loose a reward, but they are never given aversive treatments for failing.

Part-III CONSEQUENCES ARE CRITICAL!!!!

This is **THE MOST** important part of training any lasting behaviors.  Sadly most people never think about it, they just keep repeating commands to their dog.  Consequences are where it is at.  

Whenever I ask something of a dog, I already know in my mind three questions.

1)  what will I give them if they do it right  

2) What will they loose if they give the wrong answer

3) How will I know they don't know they don't know the answer and need a hint for training to stay fun and successful.

YOUR HOMEWORK...

Teach your dog to offer good options & give consequences.

For the next 3 weeks, whenever you are going to leave with your dog through a door...  Leash your dog and get your stuff.  Put your hand on the door knob, but don't open it.  SAY NOTHING!!!!

Week-1:  Wait.  Do & Say nothing.  Ignore your dog.  As soon as your dog sits, Say "AWESOME!" and open the door.  Let the door do through the door however they want as long as they are on-leash and safe.

How long does it take before your dog sits as soon as you are at the door?

Week-2:  Do everything from above.  As soon as your dog sits, open the door SLOWLY!!!  If your dog's butt pops up, close the door.  Again, SAY NOTHING.  If your dog re-sits, open the door slowly.  If the butt-pops up, close the door.  Repeat.  If you get the door open 6" and your dog's butt is still on the ground... Say, AWESOME! and open the door allowing your dog Out!

Week-3:  Everything from above, but go for door open 12"... Door open 18"... Door open 6" & 30 seconds... Door open 12" and 30 seconds... Door open all the way, 5 seconds...  Door open all the way, 30 seconds.  

NEVER SAY A THING!  Just close the door (preventing access to outside/walks/play) if the dog's butt moves from a sit BEFORE your can say AWESOME!