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Question
10 Jan 2006
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How do you teach a Lab to swim??
HI
Me again, our pup is doing great!!
Other than any of our other dogs, it is in the nature of Labradors to swim. They like water a lot (or so I've read) Well, this one is just the same. She adores water!!! She also fell in the swimming pool 3 times already.... - but luckily this was at the steps, and we were nearby. My question is now. How do we teach her to swim - as she is clearly crazy about water and will definitely jump in if she can. The only other problem I have is that my sousage dog is like a "father" to her - if that is possible, and he will jump in the water after her to protect her - he addores her. He is also not scared of water, but is trained not to swim. I am affraid he will drown, as he is not used to swimming in the pool or getting out rather. He will swim when we are in the pool, but not other wise. But with the new pup, I don't know. Please give me some advise. Will a normal net do the trick or will they fall through the holes. The pup is 8 weeks old.
Me again, our pup is doing great!!
Other than any of our other dogs, it is in the nature of Labradors to swim. They like water a lot (or so I've read) Well, this one is just the same. She adores water!!! She also fell in the swimming pool 3 times already.... - but luckily this was at the steps, and we were nearby. My question is now. How do we teach her to swim - as she is clearly crazy about water and will definitely jump in if she can. The only other problem I have is that my sousage dog is like a "father" to her - if that is possible, and he will jump in the water after her to protect her - he addores her. He is also not scared of water, but is trained not to swim. I am affraid he will drown, as he is not used to swimming in the pool or getting out rather. He will swim when we are in the pool, but not other wise. But with the new pup, I don't know. Please give me some advise. Will a normal net do the trick or will they fall through the holes. The pup is 8 weeks old.
CyberVet
Hi Z
I would at this stage with such a young pup keep her away from the pool when no supervision. She can easily drown at this stage. When she is older, she can be left alone by the pool. Dogs can normally naturally swim. Teach the dogs to only go in from the side where the steps are. Your lab will probably go in there and come out there at a later stage. You would have to make sure your dacshund can not get through the holes and at this stage your pup as well. I am sure you could have a net made to size. Have the holes a bit smaller. I have seen a dog actually walk on the net without falling through the holes, but that he taught himself by trial and error.
HOpe this helps
Regards
CDV
Animal Behaviourist
I would at this stage with such a young pup keep her away from the pool when no supervision. She can easily drown at this stage. When she is older, she can be left alone by the pool. Dogs can normally naturally swim. Teach the dogs to only go in from the side where the steps are. Your lab will probably go in there and come out there at a later stage. You would have to make sure your dacshund can not get through the holes and at this stage your pup as well. I am sure you could have a net made to size. Have the holes a bit smaller. I have seen a dog actually walk on the net without falling through the holes, but that he taught himself by trial and error.
HOpe this helps
Regards
CDV
Animal Behaviourist
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