Rosco's Evening Swim (pictures!)

[Adina P]

Last year was Rosco's and Thule's first time swimming in a lake (or anywhere!). All three dogs went. The second Thule's leash was unclipped she DOVE into the lake like a pro. Wasn't great at swimming but gave it her all.
Rosco...well...he was tentative. He didn't know he was a water dog unless there was a bucket of water before him. So he tip-toed in, waded a bit further...got nervous, hesitated...then disappeared. Clark and I waited...waited...and we were almost at the point of diving in after him when he popped up a little spooked and unsure about what just happened.

So I was bound and determined to teach him swimming was fun and came back a couple of other days--just me and him. He got better and swam some after sticks, a ball...but still not too brave.

Well today I had a hankering to take him again after no swimming since the coast last Sept last year. So we went to the lake...just 15 miles away (but nothing to brag about).

He seemed to remember that we were approaching a fun place...he was very eager to walk FASTER:

Can I go in yet MOM?

Woohoo!

Look at my brave guy!

Anything for a stick...right?

A quick shake

And off again!

After losing 2 sticks...we found a MUCH better one...MADE for water fetch

Okay how about one more Mom?

Please!

Yay!

Now he's freshly bathed with a brand new shampoo, smells wonderful and he's chillin'

[Belinda Stevens]

Looks like fun! We are going down to the river tonight and I think Stella knows... she's excited. Maybe I am excited for her???

[Joe R.]

Great pictures Adina. Can I send Gus out for lessons. He doesn't want anything to do with the kiddie pool we bought last year. And the couple times we took him to the dog beach in Annapolis he mostly barked at the other dogs for going out to far. Like he was the lifeguard!

[Adina P]

I just had Rosco on leash (last year) and walked him in and kept walking in until HE had to swim to stay above the water...did that a few times and then he got a little better at swimming. He couldn't care less about our kiddie pool, though, either. So maybe just show him he won't die if he gets in real water he might start to like it =)

[KJ]

oh yeah! what a brave boy...we'll see about Paddington, he wasn't too shore, lakes are far better too because the water isn't moving like the River, I think that made P a little bit apprenhensive, but we'll keep on trying :)

[5a54ofb5qk1d]

I feel so proud of Rosco! Love the pictures - and it looks like so much fun!

[Adina P]

Thanks! I was too...we'll have to go back again this weekend =)

[Stella]

Fantastic pictures. Our 15month old LD loves the water. Last summer he went wild over the kiddy pool and will happily enter any body of water we come across on hikes. Our new puppy....not so much!! In the end I picked him up and put him in a stream (only elbow deep) and fed him lots and lots of treats. Yesterday after a pretty long warm walk, he stepped into the river of his own accord (yippee) but wouldn't go in too deep yet.

[Tamara & Giada]

Yay Rosco!! Can't wait to get Giada back out in the water!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I hope that I am as successful as you were! Looks like you both a lots of fun!

[nonnie browne]

LOVE your pictures, what a riot. I want to teach buddy to swim, our home is five doors down from our lake. Your story helps me understand what to expect! I took him down this past week, threw a stick and he tentatively walked in to get it, then returned. I did not push, or attempt to get him to actually swim, just kept throwing the stick in where it was kind of shallow. My idea has been to do this several times until he gets a little more confident, and keep throwing it further out. He is only five months, so we'll see if that works for him - he sounds a lot like your Rosco! I know he loves water cuz he loves my walk in shower, loves to go out in the rain, loves the garden hose. Cant wait to see him actually swim!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Our dog park has a lake. When Spud was old enough to go the the park ( 3 weeks ago --haha) we entered quietly and we too, were looking around and taking our time with this new place. Out of no where, I'll call him rambunctious ( I'm being nice here) large dog chased the new naive puppy straight into the water. Poor Spud had NO IDEA what had happened to the land he was running on. He went in and disappeared. That was the End of this day and water for him. He was traumatized. So much for slow and gentle introductions. I thought swimming for him was forever ruined. The next day we went back just to play in the puppy area. He would NOT get out of the water and may I add --The Darn SAND! UGH.. YOU GO ROSCO. Wish we could come play with you, it looks like so much fun. BTW Nice Stick!