[+two]

So it was hot today, like, really hot. I decided it was a good a day as ever to go swimming and everyone behaved themselves! I felt like I was with a pack of highly trained dogs when in reality they were just too hot to cause trouble.

I have decided that this summer Tyler is going to learn how to swim and like it. His brother, Ozzie, loves swimming but for the past 4 years Tyler has stuck to shore. He will go up to his elbows but that's it. His favorite past time is waiting for the swimming dogs to come in and then try to steal their toys. Well, no more! He will just have to fetch his own toys.

To kind of help the stubby boy out I got him a life jacket and WOW! He took to swimming right away. I was thrilled and still think I am beaming a little. He had quite the "I don't know about this" face on while he was paddling around but he kept coming in and then going back out without much coaxing. He also went for a couple decently long retrieves.

Who needs a Lab when you can have a Pit? (just kidding, lab people)

Okay, I am going for it.

MINE!

And now for the reward.

Looking good in that safety orange.

Aaaannnnddd.... one of Kaki for good measure.

Ozzie got to go out earlier in the day and he behaved too!


I never thought I'd see the day.

 

[Losech]

That's neat! And great pictures!
My Shiba Inu will swim in shallow water. Maybe all he needs is a lifejacket to give him confidence to join the bigger two out in the deeper water.

 

[Abbylynn]

Love the pics!

Where did you find a life jacket for your dogs? I need one small enough for the teeny one! Lol! I looked on line but maybe not looking in the proper places. Would be good if they accepted pay pal too. Thanks......

 

[magicmike]

Great pictures! It's good to see your dogs having a good time in water.

 

[+two]

Love the pics!

Where did you find a life jacket for your dogs? I need one small enough for the teeny one! Lol! I looked on line but maybe not looking in the proper places. Would be good if they accepted pay pal too. Thanks......

I am not sure how far away you are from the big pet stores, but most carry life jackets. I have seen a few that may fit your little guys. The jacket Tyler is wearing is from Ruff Wear. I have another one that I put on Ozzie when we go out in a boat and that ones made by Outward Hound. It looks like they have them in tiny sizes too! (http://www.myoutwardhound.com/life-preservers-for-dogs-dog-life-jackets.html), (http://www.ruffwear.com/-9-float-coat?sc=2&category=694))

After my experience with Tyler, I would suggest that anyone who has a dog that seems to like water, but isn't quite sure of swimming try a life jacket. It was almost instant with him. As soon as he realized he wasn't going to sink he turned into a water dog! I plan to eventually try to wean him off the jacket but if he needs to wear it to enjoy himself then I am a-okay with that.

 

[Abbylynn]

Thanks for the links +two! Will check them out. We are pretty far out and I never see them at a TSC. Pet stores in town are way more expensive than some online stores when you add in the gasoline to get there on top of it all.

www.myoutwardhound.com is perfect! ... x-small sizes too.

I found a nice bright orange one.