Sera, my 4-year old blackie, is not a big fan of swimming. She's never had a bad experience in the water, but there's just something about it that she doesn't like. She won't voluntarily enter the water, so I have to gently guide her in. Once in, all she cares about is getting the heck out and does so immediately. I've tried both pond and pool...same result. Any suggestions of what I might try to make swimming more appealing to her?
Get in there with her ! And no , I`m not kidding ! My Sam was very afraid of water , but with him it was due to having fallen in our garden pond as a puppy . I tried everything , never ever forced , just tried to gently cajole , but he was having none of it, until I got in , it worked a treat, but not recommended in cold weather ! I do however think that some dogs , even Labradors , never ever really love water , tolerating when necessary, but not a natural love, in the minority of course .
Oh I was in there with her every time. No way would she have gone in without me accompanying her, that's for sure. She just had no fun in there, no desire to swim after her toy, just only wanted to get out and do the wet doggy shake. lol
As @kateincornwall says not all dogs love swimming. Mine only is interested in swimming if it's a water retrieve - doesn't just go in for a swim. If you've tried being in the water with her, and tried tempting with toys you may have to accept that your dog just doesn't like swimming . If it's any compensation my builder's Labrador wild only go into water up to her tummy, she will not go in any further even when with other dogs.
Ripple is not a great fan of water, and definitely doesn't like to swim. So for the last couple of months we have been taking him for swimming lessons and this has improved his confidence enormously. It's still a work in progress and I don't know if he will ever love the water but he is enjoying it more.
Does she like splashing and playing around in shallow water? If so, it may be something that you can gradually build on and try to build her confidence without any pressure.
Good suggestion. I don't think she minds standing in shallow water, but it might be splashing that turns her off. I'll observe her in that scenario some more and see.
