Hi Everyone, We are fortunate enough to live along side a large canal and not too far for a very beautiful lake, and get to walk Ozzie by both very often, however he isn't so keen on the water this is as close as we can get him: https://flic.kr/p/oTCMfG He is 5 months on Friday, and we would love him to be interested in swimming especially with all the water around us, various canals, lakes, rivers, beaches etc. Any advice would be great?
Re: How to help my puppy swim? What a lovely looking dog! That's a lot of big scary water for a pup. Try something smaller first. Here is an article that might help: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/my-labrador-wont-swim/
Re: How to help my puppy swim? Hi and welcome. Nice looking pup, thats a typical reaction for a young dog you need to find a nice shallow bit, get your wellies on and get in there. He will follow you, don't force him yet. He will swim. Also take the harness and collar off him when entering water, it may catch on a submersed snag.
Re: How to help my puppy swim? Agree with the others. Find a nice shallow part of a river, takes some kids who are wading and another swimming dog and voila your pup will be swimming no time. That's when Meg started at about 5 months. It was a great sight
Re: How to help my puppy swim? Hello and welcome from Albert ( 6 months ) and me. We got Albert swimming around 18 weeks. He was always going in for a paddle in either the lake or sea so thought we'd help him on his way. My OH got into the lake just deep enough for Albert to swim, with his frisbee and some sardines!. Floated the frisbee with the sardines on top. Couldn't resist! He was swimming in no time and hasn't looked back. He absolutely loves it even more than food!!! The video is a couple of days later. I will say that we took the harness and collar off after this and he also now goes in for a bright yellow Kong air stick, much easier to see and safer. Good luck. Jan http://vimeo.com/99241752
Re: How to help my puppy swim? Our chocolate lab was a bit reticent at first, he is not the most confident pup though! He started swimming (of sorts..) at around 6/7 months
Re: How to help my puppy swim? Definitely start with paddling rather than full out swimming - that will come in time! Also you could see if your local hydrotherapy centre offers 'swimming lessons' or fun swims that can help introduce your pup to the water in a fun and safe environment.
Re: How to help my puppy swim? He is lovely! Still a baby though, it will come Definitely go for somewhere shallow first. Having another dog to follow could also encourage him in?
