Do most doodles have a natural love for water and swimming?

[Gumbo and Ashley]

As the time is quickly approaching for our Gumbo to come home to his new family, of course I am racking my brain and researching every possible puppy scenario.(imagine that). We live in Louisiana where it is hot and humid and we are always swimming in the pool. I'm very curious at what age a puppy should be introduced to water? Should we hold him the first time? Or am I over thinking this and the puppy will dive in when he/she is ready? How did your dog do the first time in the water/river/pool? Are they naturally strong swimmers or did you have to work with him? Do any of you have dogs that can't swim or hates being in water? Just curious.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes to your last question. My standard Labradoodle hates the water in all forms...rain, baths, sprinklers, fountains, lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, puddles, you name it. He will do anything to avoid getting wet. :) 

If I had a pool and enjoyed spending time in it, I'd let my dog decide if he wanted to swim or just hang out nearby. I don't think this is something you need to decide right now. You will have your hands full with much more important things, like housebreaking and the standard crazy puppy behaviors. :)

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I would say to just let him go at his own pace. Some doodles (mine included) love water and I know that others on here have doodles that really do not like water at all. He will let you know when he is ready! I don't think you are over-thinking it, but I think Gumbo will tell you what he wants with his body language! 

Here is my water-loving doodle. If it was her choice, she would never leave that "doodle pool"!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

OMD Ragley you are too cute!  Ashley - Libby hates the water!  She and JD, Karen's labradoodle, would really get along!

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

great photos!

[Kurt Gustafson]

We had one labradoodle that loved it and one that hated the water. We have not tried the new pup yet - 10 weeks. Our Griff goes absolutely nuts if the kids are in the pool and she is not allowed to join them. If we are not quick enough she will bound out of the house and scale the fence to jump in. I'm expecting the doodle pup will not be farm behind.

[Laura & Sophie Doodle]

Sophie doesn't love baths but loves all other types of water - sprinklers, swimming pools, the ocean, etc. It takes her a few minutes to get into the water for swimming but after that she's obsessed. :)

[Gumbo and Ashley]

Look at that! So adorable. thanks for the advice and the pic is too cute for words!

[Gail and Bailey]

My Bailey is almost 3 years old and does not like bodies of water but loves to play in water from a hose.  We have tried to slowly introduce her to a pool but she is just not interested in being in the water.  She loves to be on the big raft and float around in the pool like a queen on her throne...watching else everyone swim.  I know she is capable of swimming as I have taken her into the water and had her swim to the steps.  She is just happy to watch and not participate and that is fine with us!

[Gumbo and Ashley]

OMD please tell me you have a pic of that!!! That really amazes me, that a dog would be that content and calm and not jump off. that is hilarious and I love it. Please post a pic if you have one! This just tickled me.

[Gail and Bailey]

Ashley...here is the picture you wanted to see.  Bailey on her pool throne. :>))

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with the answers you have gotten so far and my doodles are also not crazy about water--up to the ankles maybe, but that is it--I just wanted to add that you should not let the pup "just dive in"--that will terrify them and that could mark the end of any good pool swimming! Carry the pup in when you think it is a good time and teach them how to get out! Very important! Just in case the little pup gets into the pool when no one is looking--they need to be taught were the stairs are...

[Devin]

We took Oliver to a beach when be was about 9 weeks old and just kind of walked in the water coaxing him in. He came in a little and when we tried to pull him further he struggled so we got out and didn't force him. since then we go near water once or twice a week and every time he has improved. Last time he swam out to me all on his own, front paws only, I don't think he understands the full motion yet ;)

My suggestion would be expose him right away but don't force anything!