I took Sam to a different part of the river this morning, its the widest part with a really deep pool , also has a nice sandy run in . Previously, his efforts have been clumsy to put it mildly , lots of thrashing and scrambling for the bottom, I wondered if this was partly due to the river not being wide enough at this point so he didnt have to be in deep water for long enough to get momentum going . So , river running slowly , I threw his tennis ball right over at this deep wide area, in he went quite happily , sort of thrashed his way over to the ball , got it and then did the most graceful swim back to shore ;D The river Fowey is very clear and as Sam swam towards me , just his head out of the water , I could clearly see his front legs doing a lovely calm steady doggy paddle , yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ;D He was like a dog possessed , like " I can do it , I can do it, throw it in again " and so for about 20 mins , he swam so beautifully for the first time ever , only taken 20 months of gentle encouragement ;D ;D
Re: A proper real swim ! Camera at the ready tomorrow Heidrun , I was almost in tears to see him overcome his biggest fear , its been baby steps with masses of praise but paid off in the end
Re: A proper real swim ! Oh fantastic,I'm nearly crying reading it,can just imagine that earnest face heading back towards you....please get it on film if you can,well done brave Sam x
Re: A proper real swim ! I am delighted Karen Sam isnt a nervous dog at all but is naturally cautious if he is unsure, not a bad thing really I suppose, but water has been his nemesis ever since he fell in as a pup . To see him swimming so beautifully is, for both of us , a massive step
Re: A proper real swim ! That sounds just wonderful. Well done Sam. Would love to see pictures! And the thanks for sharing how to encourage them into water. I've been given the "just throw him in" advice - but thanks, I know to ignore it.
Re: A proper real swim ! bless him sam the swimmer,.....would of loved to of seen your face......all your time and patience as paid off, well done kate
