[Doggies4Evers]

Hey,

I was wondering how someone can show there dog they know how to swim, and maybe teach them to love or like the water, instead of disliking it, not sure of it. I took my dog to the beach last year he wont go in even when I am in it, to him I am his safety. Should I just let him be or try and teach him? I dont want him to over heat when we hang out and pant tons, if he likes the beach water to play in with me and can keep him cool.

[RonE]

Some dogs, while they could swim to save their own lives, just don't care for the water. It's not even entirely breed-dependant. Most huskies, I believe, aren't interested in swimming but I've met a few that like it.

My lab and Esther, both terrific swimmers, had to be introduced to the joys of aquatic adventures. (That poor lab, at 4-5 years old, had apparently never been swimming.) It didn't take much effort for either.

We went to the beach. The dog likes to know it's going to be easy to get in and, more important, out of the water, so boats, pools and docks are no good.

I started by throwing a ball a few feet out in the water, and a little further on each subsequent throw. It took about three throws for each before they were hooked for life.

The difficulty now is keeping Esther OUT of the water. Any puddle, swamp, lake, river or dew-covered lawn is irresistible to her.

You can try a similar approach but, if yours isn't a water dog, it's unlikely that he will ever really take to it. Don't push it or the dog will be traumatized.

BTW, I once tried to teach a pair of Muscovy ducklings to swim. Talk about an unnecessary exercise.

[rawralphadawg]

If you're dog isn't a fan of water, I wouldn't try forcing him. It could make him more skittish of the water.

I can't keep my dog out of the water. We've never let her "swim" but she likes jumping in the ponds by our house to chase ducks. The funny thing is, she absolutely hates getting her paws wet when it's raining. :/

[Alpha]

Ron had some great advice. What I would do personally.

I had totally forgot about Roxy's first time in the water, but we had gone to a beach when she was probably 10 months'ish. She was on leash, (her recall was totally reliable then, lol) and I had waded into the water, of course she followed me. I think I may have put my arm under her belly once it was too deep for her to stand, I can't trully remember.

If your going into the water, I'd stay where he can touch the bottom. Coax him in, play, try not to make a big deal out of it. Just fun!