Wet Doodle

[Lee Seidman]

I am at the end of my rope!!!! I can't restrict Billy from the yard because that also restricts Lexi from the yard. As soon as Billy goes outside he jumps into the pool. We have a doggy door to enable Billy and Lexi to go in and out whenever the need arises to clean themselves. We can not keep Billy out of the pool. He gets wet and then comes in the house thru the dog door and shakes all over. I don't lock him out because it is too hot to leave him in the sun, besides, when he is out, he jumps back in the pool to cool off and play.

 

Fencing is not an option because it will cut off the entire yard, besides it is very expensive. If anyone has any training ideas I would appreciate it. It is turning into a major problem. He goes in and out several times a day now.

[BG and Gavin]

I was thinking the same thing as Sue. The trick is not to train him to stay out of the pool, but to train him to go into the pool. I know it sounds backwards, but if you train him to use the pool on cue and only when you cue him to, your problem will be solved. I don't think there is a short cut - it will be lots of work and consistency and you will likely have to teather him to you when he goes outside so that you can ensure consistency,

[Lee Seidman]

I am trying something a little different right now. There are consequences for things that he does. In this case, if he goes in the pool we make him stay outside until he starts to drip off and dry....around 20 minutes. He seems to dislike not being part of the family, especially at eating time. He just sits and sadly looks in the windows. I am hoping that he gets the idea that when he is wet he is not welcome in the house and gives up his swimming unless we are with him. Swimming alone is no fun.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Yeah, I tried that one. Was taking much too long and he would eventually just jump back into the pool and we had to start all over again. But maybe Billy will get it. Guess it depends on how he can put his action with the consequences. Every doodle and doodle owner is different, so see what works for you. Update. Murphy was visiting a friends house with a pool yesterday and since we were all dressed and not going near it, he didn't even look at it, just ran right by it. That was HUGE to me because I felt I would have to correct and remind him as it's been a few months since we've been near one. So I think the teaching took well for him.

[Lee Seidman]

Sounds great, so far today he has not gone in the pool...we have our fingers crossed

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

That is one smart doodle for him to figure out the consequences of being wet!!! Wow, I am impressed. Good for you all!

[Lee Seidman]

lol...tonight, around 9:00 he just walked out the doggy door and jumped in the pool...oh well, at least it was only one time today

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Sorry, can't help but laugh, he sounds soooo very much like our Mitzi! Bet this will change as he matures, though I'm sure that doesn't help right now.

[Lee Seidman]

He jumped in first thing this morning again, lol...so cute bute so bad!

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

What did the trainer say to do? We were going crazy for what seemed to be the longest time. Even had to leash her in our own fenced yard for awhile. Winter actually helped. She went in a couple of times when the pool cooled down and then stopped. I
think the few months we had of cold weather helped.
We also, for a short while, blocked off the pool with removable plastic lattice fencing, but it was temporary and Mitzi quickly learned to knock it down and climb in over it, again, my concern that she wouldn't be able to get out safely. She has also learned to climb out of the pool using the ladder at the deep end, so now she is pretty
water-proofed. I hope you have a good hair dryer! lol

If you would like to try the plastic fencing we still have it if you
would like it, though it might not be enough depending on the size of your pool. Maybe you could secure it better than we did.

We live close to Happy Tails dog park . Good reason to have another Romp!