Ever go out for a swim and think to yourself – I really wish I could bring my dog with me swimming right now?
Well, that dream can become a reality!
No puppy is immediately going to love the water, but there are ways to slowly introduce your canine to the water!
And then possibly you may get your wish on having a swimming buddy who’s a dog!
Here is a list of do’s and don’t when it comes to introducing your dog to the water:
“Don├óΓé¼Γäót expose your dog to freezing cold waters and think he├óΓé¼Γäóll be okay with it. Do you like it? No. Neither will your dog. Wait until the water├óΓé¼Γäós warmed up before you introduce him.
Don’t toss him in the water and think his instinct will carry him the way. His instinct will carry him back to shore – where he’ll stay for the rest of his days. No one wants to be introduced to water by getting tossed into it.
Don’t force your dog into the water. If he’s dug his heels in and refused to go in, don’t fight it. You have to work with him and introduce him to the water when he’s more balanced.
Don’t take him to a river. Don’t take him to choppy waters, either. You want his first experience to be with calm waters.
Don’t give him traumatic baths. Ah, here’s one we don’t connect to his fear of water, but if we force our dogs into the bathtub, then spray him down with a high-powered nozzle, chances are he’s going to get stressed out and connect that experience to any other water experience.
So, what can you do?
For starters, make bath time fun. Use low-pressured water, and keep it warm. Use treats sparingly to build a healthy relationship between your dog and getting wet.
Introduce your dog to a kiddie pool. You can’t expect them to walk before they crawl, right? A kiddie pool is safe – your dog can always touch the bottom. Plus, you can have complete control over the temperature of the water.
Be a part of the fun. Some dog owners want their dogs to jump in the water all by themselves. Good luck! If you want your dog to be a water dog, then you have to be a water person.”
So there you have it!
Follow those extra helpful guidelines, and you’ll give your pooch its best chance on becoming Aquadog!
Aquadog–away!!!
[Image via Wikimedia Commons.]
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