Buster swimming

[mrose_s]

we have a pool at our house and buster likes to go swimming
he used to come and save us, swim out, grab our hand and pull us all the way back, very good, but now he has found he doesnt need to.

anyways
he swims, but get onto the step first, i got him jumping off the side a couple of times but i would have to jump in first, not always so fun. how can i teach him just to jump in, or would it just be better to leave him as is.

[shyeow2]

my Russell boy hv the same problem too, but here we hardly can get a pool for dogs and human! so i cant alwiz jump in first before him.... hahaha except beach...
i think u can verbal encourage him, or throw his favourate toy and encourage him to fetch it... we always throw the stick and verbal encourage him and make him very excited, " GOoo...Boy, Goooo.. go and fetch it... " he will then very excited and jump in himself.. :D

[avenlee]

I can't comment on your problem. However, just wanted to comment that you have to be careful with the Chlorine in the pool. Its a big no no here with our pool to allow the dogs to swim. Especially Sadie with her frequent ear infections. I don't know if Nora would handle it but we don't allow her either as I don't want Sadie to feel bad. lol

[mrose_s]

its ok, its a salt water, but we wouldn't let him if he got sore ears, and he is very funny, when i tiny bit of water gets in and because he has sticky-uppy ears, he flops one down lol

as for the toy idea, he just runs to the step and gets in, ill try getting him REAL excited and not letting him on the step tho. if he does get his ears wet all the time tho, ill just let him off the step, is that ok to encourage jumping in off the edge or do you think it is iresponsible?

[shyeow2]

Hey, u hv horses! i luv horses!!... but here very costing.. :(
i think is ok.. as long as u keep an eye on him.. and as long as he's happy..
most important : FUN and SAFETY

[maui]

Salt Water? Did you say you have a pool of Salt Water? I've not heard of such a thing! What a great idea. Less chemicals, keeps it clean.

Wish I could give advice about swimming. Ranger will walk in a creek, drink swamp water, but hides behind the bushes when the baby pool comes out. Occasionally he'll swim if other dogs are around, competition. But, overall, we just let him be.

[smkie]

my friend Kelly encouraged her coonhound mix to get in the water on her own by throwing dog treat (the biscut kind) into the water. She said they float and when the dog gets in the water it causes the biscut to float out a little farther..if your dog is treat encouraged (something Victor does is not) that might be a great way to get the pup to jump in and receive the reward.

[shyeow2]

good idea smkie ;)

i think i train russell when he's a pup i just put him in the water then i m beside him.. automatic they can swim...

[mrose_s]

Hey, u hv horses! i luv horses!!... but here very costing.. :(
i think is ok.. as long as u keep an eye on him.. and as long as he's happy..
most important : FUN and SAFETY

that should be alright, when we fisrt got to this house, we put all the dogs in the water a few times, and taught them where the edge was incae they fall in, buster always remebers tho :D