Polarbear
Coon Rapids, MN
MH
Posts:131
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| 08/28/2008 1:38 PM |
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We have a 13 week old who really seems to dislike water. We've tried to introduce her to a pool at home, the lake at the cabin, the creek by our walking path and she will have none of it. We first tired throwing treats and favorite toys in the kiddie pool, and she wouldn't go in with any amount of encouragement, then we just put her into the pool and she just jumped out as fast as she could. We tried the same thing with the lake and she wouldn't go in either, even when we were in the water encouraging her. She did end up going in - she fell off the dock - swam just fine. She hates rain and doesn't even like walking in the grass when it's wet. Is there anything we can do to get her to like the water, or is she just not going to be a water pooch? I'm kinda disapointed she dislikes it so much, we wanted a water dog! Anyone have any advice for us? |
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carlower1
Kansas
MH
Posts:1253
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| 08/28/2008 2:12 PM |
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First and foremost DO NOT FORCE this issue or you will really develop water issues. You may have set yourself back a bit by placing her in the pool, but this is all fixable.
The first time we introduced Wachter to water (outside of a bath) he was very iffy, and wanted to play on the shore. We ended up putting him on a tether and tying it to us as we went wading through the river. While we were goofing off and splashing around in water that barely came up past our ankles he was getting treats and lots of attention, while getting nothing more than his paws wet. Slowly we have been working him in a little deeper each time.
Once we got him to the point where we could get him to step into the water we arranged a play date with a couple of his dog friends who ARE big water dogs and let him go play at the lake with them. While we are not to the point he is ready to jump in and start swimming.... he is splashing around in water that covers his back with his feet still on the ground.
As for not liking rain... I can't blame her
Carrie |
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7841
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Polarbear
Coon Rapids, MN
MH
Posts:131
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| 08/29/2008 7:11 AM |
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| I guess we just need to be patient and take it really slow. Unfortunately we really don't have any water dog owning friends - but we'll see what we can find. I think there is a dog park somewhere in the cities that has a lake, i'll have to check that out. Thanks for the help. Sometimes I feel so inept as a new puppy owner. You guys are such a great support system! |
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carlower1
Kansas
MH
Posts:1253
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| 08/29/2008 9:04 AM |
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PB, please remember that your little one is still just a puppy... You have a pretty blank slate to work from, so there is hope. I realize that this weekend is going to be absolutely insane at the local lakes.. but actually this might be your best bet to get her in the water to play! With all the kids around who will want to pet the baby! Others who have brought their dogs out, with this you will have 0-grade entry and you have the option to sit IN the water with her, have her sit or lay next to you and pet her and make such a big deal of her getting wet that she will realize that it is fun. Let her bounce on you, the kids and what not (while you are sitting in the water) then maybe place her in your lap as you gently scoot in little bits at a time. All that attention can be a HUGE benefit to you getting the water dog you are hoping to have.
If she is playing fetch yet... toss her toys where she has to get her feet wet to get them.
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4450
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| 08/29/2008 9:30 AM |
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Is she timid in other situations/areas?
Francine |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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Polarbear
Coon Rapids, MN
MH
Posts:131
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| 08/29/2008 10:30 AM |
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She really isn't timid or afraid of much. We have worked hard on her socialization and when presented with a new situation or experience, she just stops, looks and smells then usually accepts. Her breeder was HUGE into socialization.
I will have to try to find a lake or a dog-friendly beach for her, I had no luck searching for that dog park with a lake I thought existed. She does play fetch well, but once the toy hits the water she could care less! I will definitely try sitting in the water with her, I suppose standing over her in the water can't be very reassuring from her perspective.
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4450
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| 08/29/2008 11:07 AM |
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How long would you say it takes her to accept a situation?
This can be used as a scale as to how timid she is and which situations/environments bring out a strong timid response. Building confidence will help to shorten the acceptance time.
I know many people are into making a lot of baby sounds and using food but Iprefer no to make a big deal of things. Adding pressure can be a stopping force. I would hold her and calmly walk in the water, saying nothing. Let her get used to the feel of wetting her feet, which may make her freakout. Have a favorite toy and then release her using her toy as comfort zone. Let her swim back to shore and repeat.I would not make the swim back to shore a long swim and if you have a leash on her take it off. This will add weight and may tangle and the feel of it touching her, her legs,ect may cause more panic.Leashes can drown dogs! Please know that many dogs, young and old can not level out. This gives the dog the feeling of sinking and they panic. You may want to wait until she is older, maybe next spring.
Good luck,
Francine
PS- we want a picture of her first real swim
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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Polarbear
Coon Rapids, MN
MH
Posts:131
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| 08/29/2008 12:26 PM |
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| She generally accepts a situation very quickly, but water obviously throws her for a loop. We will take it slow, use your suggestions and see how she does! |
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7841
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CCCCRNR
Missouri
JH
Posts:22
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| 09/07/2008 8:48 PM |
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Our girl was scared of water and when we pushed her she refused to swim.
Just sink until the back legs hit the bottom and run out.
Although Aug 23 I was throwing a stick for her to fetch at a park we she hadn't been and I threw it in the pond. We both didn't know how deep. She went in after the stick and we found out it dropped off quickly. She started swimming to get back out.
I got another stick and threw it in and she went and got it.
Labor day she was fetching in the creek
Yesterday we went fishing and hunting. And we couldn't keep her out of the lake. She would just swim around.
Video of yesterday
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6792217353213922236
Maybe an age + need thing to turn on the instinct to swim |
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