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.

[Gumbo and Ashley]

Thanks so much Devin!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

When Haley was 10-12 weeks old he fell in my little garden pond. It was February and cold. He does not like water other than to drink. He will not even step in a puddle.

[Gumbo and Ashley]

oh poor Haley! I bet that was scary for her being so young!

[Christy&Riley]

Riley jumps to catch rain and snow in her mouth (hysterical to watch) and loves playing in the water. A bath is a different story. She will tolerate it now at least. We took her to the lake around 5 months old and she loved it. We would just get her dried off and she would run back in. She has webbed feet. Not sure if this is an indicator that they have a tendency towards water or not. Probably like humans...each one has their own unique interests so you'll just need to see how it goes. No matter what, I'm sure you'll love him dearly!

[Gumbo and Ashley]

I would find that really funny to watch too! We don't have snow here in Louisiana, but tons of thunderstorms....I need to make sure he doesn't get scared of them.(wow, another issue i need to research lol)

[Christy&Riley]

I know some dogs need sedatives for storms but they have never bothered Riley. Hopefully Gumbo will be the same way. :-)

[Marilyn and Sherlock]

There is a trainer named Terry Ryan and he produces a number of CD's that help desensitized puppies to noises.... thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuums, hair dryers, etc...... my friend is raising a leader dog puppy and she was given one to play for the pup....you can get them online.....

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Finn loves the water. He splashes, swims, and retrieves. He's never been in a big pool. He'd probably think it was paradise :)

[Gumbo and Ashley]

Sounds like Finn is ready for the "big leagues" lol... Or the big pool i should say. LOL

[Becka]

Sadie and I have been going to the beach almost every day for a year and while she always loved to chase her ball in the surf, she has only been figuring out real swimming in the last few weeks. She's not very good at it but she's determined--if I throw her ball out too far she'll slowly make her way toward it, swimming if she absolutely has to. The waves freak her out a little bit; I suspect she would be fine in a lake.
I see people forcing their dogs into the water sometimes at the beach and it makes me crazy. (Not that you would ever do that of course).

[Gumbo and Ashley]

 You are totally right. I would never force my kids to get in the ocean , so I wouldn't even consider doing that to Gumbo. My daughter's dad threw her off his bass boat thinking it was hilarious into the lake when she was only 4 years old!!! She was wearing a life jacket but still!!! You just don't do that!!! I was so angry when she came back from her weekend with him.  It set her back many many steps in regards to swimming bc of that one incident. I can't stand when people think its funny to see someone scared or put them in a scary situation bc they get kicks out of it. Personally i think its disgusting. I will never ever force anything on Gumbo. Just like a kid, when they show interest, and let you know, then you can guide them safely. I think for starters I'll just get Gumbo a kiddie pool and see how he likes it. And if he doesn't, the kids will or I can use it to lay out. LOL

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

Georgia loves water. Unlike my last dog.

If it's raining she will gladly relax out in the backyard perfectly content. If around water she is there at any possible moment. At the bay or ocean she heads for the water immediately. With the ocean she does prefer going into the water rather than the water coming towards her, but she has adjusted.

Haven't got her swimming just yet. We tried a few weeks ago. This other dog she was playing with who swims all the time accidentally pushed her into the pool. She just started to sink with this confused look like she had no idea what was happening. We had to rescue her. Twice.