Indoor Pool! Lucky's First Swim Lesson

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I took Lucky to his first swim lesson.  I think he has a bit of aquaphobia but I heard people should desensitize them while young.  I've tried our pool, the beach, the lake, the kayak and he doesn't seem to like water.  He likes the kayak just not the water outside of it.  He likes the sand, just not the waves...it is like a game of chase heh.  After watching a few youtube videos, I've realized that I best leave this to the professionals.

So I remember coming to this amazing facility for my Pug rescue group reunion and it has an indoor pool and does all sorts of neat stuff such as gym, hydrotherapy, yoga, and boarding...all for the love of dogs.  I love this place. The owner is named Sherri and she named it after one of her past dog named Rocky. It is called Rocky's Retreat. I highly recommend it to anyone in the Central Florida area.  I've signed Lucky up for 8 weeks of private lessons. 

Today was his first lesson, our instructor (Brad) was so good with him that he was completely relaxed and not one scratch on Brad. I wish I knew how to do this with Lucky in our pool. They told us to try to work on this in our pool at home.  I wish he didn't kick and scratch me.    

Brad also mentioned that it is important to teach proper swimming form for dogs.  I've never heard of this before.  His paws should go under the water so it does not splash.  They should also use their hind legs, which Lucky doesn't use at all.  Now we are able to get hind leg action up to 50% usage. Lucky is still not a huge fan of the pool after the first lesson, but hopefully, he would be by lesson 8.  It took 15 (non-vet) car trips for us before Lucky jumped willingly into my car.  He used to bolt.  We are gonna work on swimming in our own pool in the mean time.  Does anyone have some advice?  

I've attached these photos from the lesson today and of his first swim at our pool (~1 month ago at 16 weeks). Hope you guys like them :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

We also take our dogs to an indoor pool.  It is at a canine rehab. center and after they have had lessons and can get into and out of the pool unassisted, you can have a self-swim with your dog(s).  Zeppo loves the water and will absolutely exhaust himself jumping in and retrieving anything you throw into the water.  Harpo will swim, not not as enthusiastically. We haven't taken the puppy to the pool yes.  They all love the beach and run into the water and roll in the sand.  Two weeks from now we have the Poodle day in Carmel and that is a blast.  Look at my blog posts on my page.  Here is a photo of Zeppo in the water.

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

I love that photo! That is the correct swimming form according to Brad.  I wish I have an indoor pool although I do live in Florida.  I love the rolling in sand action they all do.  I would love to take Lucky to Miami Beach because the water is gorgeous there! 

[Sam&Bella]

Bella HATES water!! we tried it a few times in our old pool, but She wasn't happy about it:( Though, I have made some progress during bathtime:) She actually gets in the tub without me picking her up and plopping her in. I think she has this minor fear of water because when were playing on the patio,(6 months old Bella) she backed in to the pool, and fell in! I felt so bad! I had to go "rescue" her. (3' of water) I am glad Lucky is getting used to it:)

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

Lucky hates baths.  He doesn't even go into the bathroom LOL. It is gonna be a while before he LOVES water but now he doesn't think it is torture:) 

[Sam&Bella]

Oh yes! Bella thinks the bathroom is horror too!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is a very good idea for any dog who needs to be in/near the water for any reason, but especially for a service dog. I never thought of 'swim lessons.' 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I love this idea....you're lucky to have this facility.

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

Thank you!

[Jenny and Cooper]

Wow, I've never heard of a swimming lesson for dogs either! What a great idea! Cooper is not a fan of the pool either. He'll only go in if my hubby carries him in. Then he'll swim towards the edge while taking in some water. Lol

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

yeah I put him in the pool and even got him a life jacket but it isn't relly working.  I always assumed Goldendoodles would love the water.  One of the reason I chose the breed. hehe