Doggie Paddle

[Heidi & Milton]

With our trip home to Owasco Lake, comes a lot of firsts.  What do doggies do on a lake?  Obviously, swim!  Milton was not thrilled with the idea of interacting with water again especially after that fated boat ride.  We were adamant though that our little goldendoodle get back up on that horse! 

As with everything, we fed Milton treats before, during, and after the water to associate the experience as something good and tasty.  My childhood dog, Brutus, was thrown off the dock when he was young and always hated the water after that incident.  I do not want a similar experience to occur with Milt, so we delicately approached the entire introduction.  Milt might not have loved the water, but on this trip we are going to keep on trying to cultivate at least some appreciation of it!

Milton down on the dock

Checking the water out

Milton clinging to his daddy

Motoring away.

Scrambling to get out

Milton looks like a wet rat every time.  It's uncanny!

All toweled off and trying to stay warm with Momma

Any thoughts on how to help a dog like the water?  Both poodles and retrievers supposedly enjoy swimming, so we would love for him to be a water dog!

[BG and Gavin]

Milton is so stinking cute - I can hardly stand it!  Gavin is more of a wader, but we are going to make an effort this summer to get him in where he can't touch.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Milton is so cute and it looks like he is having fun in the water :)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What a cutie! I've heard that it helps to have them swim with a water experienced dog. One that really enjoys the water.  And I agree with trying stick tossing if he likes to retrieve. Start very close to shore and slowly expand the distance. Good luck!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Cooper was unsure of the water at first too - i engaged her in a game of fetch - and threw the stick closer and closer to the water, then frther and further out. she was so into the game that she didnt even realize she was swimming - once she realized there was a moment of panick on her face, then she just continued. Now she is straight in the water waiting for me to throw a stick (we dont use toys because they get lost as she tends to run into the water before ive even thrown it, so often doesnt see where it goes lol)

[Meridith and Lola]

Does Milton like to fetch yet?  Lola isn't much of a fetcher but when it comes to the water - she can't get enough. Her preference is a lightweight frisbee hyper-pet.  Easy to throw (except against the wind!!) and easy to grab for them.  Also - I think they like to be able to touch the ground before going into the water - jumping off a dock is definitely an advanced skill!!

Good luck and have fun.