This is the perfect time for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors with their pets, especially introducing reluctant dogs to swimming. Swimming is not only great exercise but can also be lifesaving for a fearful dog.
Understanding Your Dog's Reluctance
When I met my partner and her Labradoodle, Fred, she believed he could only paddle and was incapable of swimming. Even getting him into the dog box required several strong men. To help Fred overcome his fear, I attached a light line and walked him along the shore. Whenever he hesitated, I placed a significant treat in front of him. Gradually, I led him deeper into the water without him realizing.
I then asked my senior dog, Delph, to paddle with us while scattering treats on the water. Little by little, Fred stretched for each treat until he was paddling. Within an hour, he was swimming alongside Delph. The real reason for his reluctance was not his fear of water but his owner's nervousness. If you show anxiety, your dog will mirror it and never overcome the fear.
Building Confidence Gradually
Today, Fred is an excellent swimmer and joyfully jumps in and out of his dog box. It is common for young dogs to refuse to swim. I personally refused to swim when my aunt took me to the pool; she was terrified I might drown. My father, confident and calm, accompanied me next time. With a simple flotation ring, he led me into shallow water to play water polo. He never mentioned my fear; instead, he threw the ball across the water, and I chased it.
He never brought up the previous failure. He took me to the pool every Saturday morning for water games. Eventually, I learned to hop in the water, and by Christmas, I was nearly swimming. My dad never pushed me; he just encouraged me to try. Gradually, my confidence grew. A few months later, I was swimming independently, and my dad rewarded me with the biggest choc-ice I had ever seen.
Expert Advice from Vic
You can contact Vic on 075905 60012. For 32 years, Vic has trained over 4,500 dogs of all shapes, breeds, and sizes. He says working with them has been a privilege and they have taught him as much as he taught them. Vic states: "After all this time communicating directly with dogs, I can honestly say I have never met a dog I could not help. Owners, however, are a little more difficult and need to learn how dogs really communicate. It means getting into the mind of the dog and truly understanding. That insight will open a new world to you."
Follow him on Facebook for daily last-minute class updates: https://www.facebook.com/vic.barlow
