Do all doodles automatically love the pool?

[Jenny and Cooper]

I ask that because Cooper had his first swim today. My hubby carried him in the pool three times and he swam across to the steps. We're not sure if he likes it. I think he did but he seems scared to go in on his own. Then hubby offered to carry him in again but he kept barking. I think he was saying he didn't want it. Lol. He just stayed around and kept looking in the pool (my boys & hubby were in it). Then he had the zoomies but that was it. He didnMt want to go in anymore. The boys really wanted him the pool with them. Lol I'm wondering is this normal for first timers? Will he warm up to it??? I though doodles are supposed to love the water! Oh and he is also scared to go running in the grass when the sprinklers are on. He'll walk around to drink the water. Lol.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

How old is Cooper? I have two, Daphne & Pippa, that want NOTHING to do with swimming. Lucy does not get in the pool to swim but doesn't mind if we help her in. Daphne was put into the pool when she was too young and her head went under so she is scared. Pippa was running around the pool with Daphne and sort of got pushed in by her. They do like to get their feet or their bellies wet if we are at the beach or a lake basically just to cool off. But the beach or lake is a different type of entry than a pool so its easier there.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Cooper is 5.5 months old.  Ok, thanks for the reply.  I thought Cooper was the only doodle who didn't like the water.  For some reason I thought retrievers are water dog, and I guess we were expecting more of a retriever in him.  lol

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Had a friend who had a Golden Retriever who sank like a rock every time he hit the water! :p

[Jenny and Cooper]

LOL!!!! Ok so that proves not all Golden Retrievers are athletic swimmers :) lol

[Remidoodle]

My doodle took a while to warm up to the pool but LOVES it now. We got him a life jacket since he isn't the strongest swimmer, and he seems to like the extra help :). He prefers ramp/stair entries (he will not jump off a dock or anything). He started to like the water more after a few dips in the river/lake where he could go in as far as he was comfortable, but now he will run into deep water and fetch balls out of the pool, too.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Oh really, ok we will be patient then. :)  I double Cooper will jump in from the side of the pool too.  lol.  For now we'll just carry him in IF he allows us to.  We'll see what happens next weekend if we go to grandparents again! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

As in anything else....They are all different. Enzo was not as enthusiastic as our past Goldens. But we let her gain her confidence on her own...never forcing, but calling her in, as now she loves it. In fact, she loves it too much. She'll sneak in when we are not looking...oh good ...wet Doodle!

[Jenny and Cooper]

LOL aaawww that's so cute!  I wish we all live closer!  Enzo can then be Cooper's coach! :P

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

AND... Pool swimming is completely different than " on the beach, enter the water" type swimming. Most dogs don't like the fact of the bottom dropping out from under them in a large pool. It takes time and patience. Enzo was always use to our pool, but when it came to the beach was really uncertain. When she was about 5-6 months old we went to a Doodle Romp in Ocean Beach. One of Doodles Gracie, took a liking to her and literally guided her into the water! It was amazing to watch!

[Jenny and Cooper]

Aaawww sooo sweet!!! Wish Cooper has a doodle playmate close by. You guys are all awesome here but also all so far away! :(

[Susan & Randy's Kate]

So we had a cocker spaniel when I was a kid that liked the water.  Being a kid I did kid things.  I was splashing her lightly with water and she kept backing up on the pier.  She went backward in the water and I am ashamed to say never swam again.  So, if real or perceived incident by the dog, he may not like the water anymore.  

Note:  I knew someone that their dog loved swimming in the pool.  I don't know if the pool was not chlorinated properly but the guests at a pool party ended up with Giardia.  Giardia is a cute little parasite that in cyst form looks like an owl.  It's called travelers parasite.  It does not look like it is prevented with Iverheart.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Oh...I hope Cooper didn't get scared from the swim.  He did seem to enjoy it and drank up a little water. lol  Grandparents pool is chlorinated and no one goes in there except our family members, all 6 of us. lol.  Yikes Giadia sounds scary though!!!