I have found a nice, safe park with several lakes. I am interested in letting my 1 year old doodle try swimming. Is there a correct way to introduce her to water? No pool available for practice...There were a couple of labs at this lake today and their people were throwing a ball out into the water for them. Gracie was interested but I was a little afraid to just let her go? Any hints?
Hi Tammy,
I think I would slowly introduce her to the water, put her on a long tie out which you can get at Walmarts 20 or 30ft., this way you have some control if something goes wrong. Also they sell doggy life vest, you might want to purchase one. Only things I can think of that might help...anyone else....Denise..HannahNHoney
She might take to it RIGHT AWAY or be hesitant. You just never know. Our Thule dove into the lake the first time we took her....Rosco didn't swim until the following year. You might find this past discussion useful: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/how-do-i-persuade-my-doodl...
Well, we went to the lake for the first time. Gracie did not swim. She walked as far out as she could, then backed up. She was not afraid at all. She knew how to paddle the front legs as she got deeper but that is as far as it went. All in all, a nice first experience. She had great fun. As it gets warmer, I am sure she will venture further into the water, especially as I can get in to lure her!
I need advice on how to introduce my year old doodle to the pool. He loves the creek but afraid of the pool. I think he feels unsafe. My older doddle just loves the pool because she learned as a puppy. I would pick him up and carry Beamer into the pool but at 84 lbs too heavy. Would love any advice on this since he would smell so much better with pool water vs creek water
Do they have a chance to play together in the pool? The second time we went to a lake Gracie followed a lab into the water that was chasing a ball. She swam before she even had a chance to think about it. She is an avid swimmer ever since. So actually I did nothing but stand aside and cheer. We don't have a pool though so I am not sure how to "train" for this. Are there steps? Can you get in and entice him to the steps firat to become comfortable?