DOODES AND WATER

[Sharon Banks]

WE HAVE A CAMP ON THE LAKE,JAKE WON'T GO IN THE WATER,DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA'S,MY HUSBAND MADE HIM HIS ON PRIVATE DOCK WITH A SLANT SO HE CAN GO IN GRADUALLY BUT DIDN'T HELP.

[Linda and Murphy]

That sounds like the perfect idea. 

Murphy taught my DS's Weim pup how to go in the water.  She wouldn't go in but Murphy was having such a great time she went in, much to Murphy's dismay.

[Sharon Banks]

Sounds good ,but I don't have another dog to help.thanks

[Linda and Murphy]

Murphy and I discussed it. He will be glad to teach Jake to swim. Just let us know when. ;-)

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

have you spent anytime with him in the water?  he may just need time to become adjusted, and a life jacket is never a bad idea...  and get his favorite toy to fetch may help too.  I have 2 doods, one loves the water and one can't stand it..but I still hope Bandit will turn around on it.

[Sharon Banks]

Been to the lake a few times with him,he does get his feet wet.I go kayaing and he likes barking at me.He can't understand what I'm doing out there.I need to sell my sea doo and buy a boat so he can go.

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

We carried Murphy into the water when we first introduced him to the ocean. He would shake and cling to DH for the first few times. Then he just let go and off he went. Learned to Doggy Body Surf in the waves by the end of summer. The pool was easier, maybe because they can see thru the water better? Don't know. Lakes and Oceans might be scarier?

I had a few people at the beach ask me how I taught him to swim so well, and other than taking our time and physically taking him in, I think he just loves the water. I intend to do the same with Bella this weekend if she doesn't take right to the pool. Good luck.

[Sharon Banks]

Where can we find a  life jacket for Jake?I haven't looked yet,maybe the pet shops? What is a Doggy Body Surf? Murphy is cute.We will take him in and keep working with him.thanks for your help.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

any petstore should have the life jackets, or you can order them online. Here is Bandit and Rosey in theirs

[Sharon Banks]

WOW,that is so cute they even get on a tube,is the tube tied to a boat or the dock? What are there ages ? I hope I can get Jake to like the water as much.You have encouaged me thank you.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Thanks;)  The tube is tied to our boat.  It worked great to get Rosey accustomed to being on the water now she will jump off the tube to fetch frisbee and then she likes to swim back and we put her back on the tube and repeat many many times LOL...

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I eventually just pulled Sophie by her harness and dragged her right in the water, no mercy. she realized within a few seconds that I was still holding her harness and she was fine, then I let go and she paddled. That was that. I thought there was going to be way more drama, but I just didn't make a fuss, plunked her in, and away she went. I'd say the more fuss you make the bigger of a deal Jake will make. My friends use a life jacket and swear by it. Having other dogs around helps, but if that's not an option make sure you are in the water with him. The first time Sophie went in by herself was to get to me. Good Luck!

[Angie, Hudson and Lily]

Hudson did not like swimming at first either and his only experience has been with my mom's above ground pool- not the most convenient to get in and out of for him. I would say to get him a life jacket and just physically put him in. I kind of assumed that dogs were natural swimmers- especially this breed, but Hudson wasn't a natural and I don't think he would have ever gone in unless we put him in.The life jacket really helped because he could get used to it without really having to swim hard. This year he was really excited to go, and walked right up the ladder and waited for us to help  him in. He still isn't the kind of water dog that would willingly splash and play in a kiddie pool or anything, but he does enjoy swimming and fetching his frisbee in the water.