Hi,lovely people. I have a question. My puppy Latte (16 weeks) seems to rebel against paddling in the sea at Steamer Point There are a couple of indoor dog hydro centres nearby which offer puppy classes to overcome the fear of water. Quite expensive, but is it useful and beneficial ? Thanks, and any comments would be appreciated . Latte and his servant.
Re: Water Training Hi there Ron, I would say that while puppy water classes MIGHT be useful for getting Latte used to water, that they are almost certainly a waste of time and money! Just give him time, play retrieving games close to the water, continue to encourage him but don't force him to go in against his will. I bet that in a couple of months he'll be leaping into the water like almost every other Labrador I know. The trouble will most likely be keeping him OUT of the water and mud.
Re: Water Training Riley took quite a while to want to go in the water......we did exactly as Karen has suggested - played near water, gone in in our wellie boots, took him out with other confident dogs, found nice gently shelving spots. Be patient, lots of them take time to build their confidence
Re: Water Training My Sam who is almost three years old has only been going into water for a year, I had to practially get in with him to give him the confidence he lacked, he wouldnt even get his feet wet for the first year of his life : Knowing what a sensitive dog he is, forcing him was not an option , it was a case of patience and gentle encouragement whilst getting very wet myself and now, he swims most days ;D
Re: Water Training [quote author=Ron Francis link=topic=6416.msg85131#msg85131 date=1401891891] seems to rebel against paddling in the sea at Steamer Point [/quote] The sea is a bit big and scary when you are only 4 months and have very short legs. You could start with a small shallow pond, or shallow slow river. That might be a bit easier.
Re: Water Training Harley used to walk around puddles until she was 6 months old!! Harley's first experience of water was when she fell into a duck pond at about 4/5 months old After this she rarely ventured near water until about 7 months old and that was only knee high rivers. Over the past 6-8 weeks she has started swimming and is constantly in water, be it muddy or clean
Re: Water Training Hi Ron- Buddy is only a paddler, unlike previous labs I have had.... He simply likes his feet on the ground! He loves the water but always stays close to the river bank. I'm happy for him to take his swimming at his own speed!
Re: Water Training One quick way of getting your lab pup in the water, is find somebody with an experienced water dog. http://www.thelabradorforum.com/index.php?topic=6047.0 Simples
Re: Water Training Hello lovely people, thanks for all your input, much appreciated. Put wellies on yesterday and back into the sea with a treat in my and I got totally soaked and Latte had wet paws!!! Onward and upward !! Latte and Ron
