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Beyond what I would find in the Search option what are some of the secrets to developing the very best water attitude possible in young pups?
Peake
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Gang Bang Brazilian
Peake
________
Gang Bang Brazilian
Extra Caution on H2O Intro?
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I won't claim huge expertise but have three labs, ages 16 weeks to 2.5 years, that love being in the water, and have helped others introduce their pups to water as well.
The "trick" is maximum fun, minimum trauma. I start them off running through shallow water -- ponds and creeks -- as part of retrieves and while just playing. Either I or my older dogs lead the way.
When I think they're ready to begin real swimming (8-11 weeks), I tie a bumper to a check cord and toss it a little ways out into a lake or pond with a gradually sloping shoreline so the pup can run most of the way to the bumper before having to swim. As I repeat the process, I throw it further and further out. If the pup is nervous, I use the check cord to pull the bumper a little closer. It normally only takes one session to get the pup to be willing to swim happily.
Once the pup is swimming, I try to make swims part of their daily exercise, extending the length of their swims. I live near a canal and begin throwing bumpers all the ways across so they also get used to exiting and reentering the water on their own. The final challenge is getting them to enter water with steep (vertical or near vertical) banks, big drops to the water, or walls such as a swimming pool. I tend to leave that until they are completely comfortable with water and swimming.
The "trick" is maximum fun, minimum trauma. I start them off running through shallow water -- ponds and creeks -- as part of retrieves and while just playing. Either I or my older dogs lead the way.
When I think they're ready to begin real swimming (8-11 weeks), I tie a bumper to a check cord and toss it a little ways out into a lake or pond with a gradually sloping shoreline so the pup can run most of the way to the bumper before having to swim. As I repeat the process, I throw it further and further out. If the pup is nervous, I use the check cord to pull the bumper a little closer. It normally only takes one session to get the pup to be willing to swim happily.
Once the pup is swimming, I try to make swims part of their daily exercise, extending the length of their swims. I live near a canal and begin throwing bumpers all the ways across so they also get used to exiting and reentering the water on their own. The final challenge is getting them to enter water with steep (vertical or near vertical) banks, big drops to the water, or walls such as a swimming pool. I tend to leave that until they are completely comfortable with water and swimming.
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Sink or swim...just take that puppy out to the coldest, deepest water you can find and lob him in.... :wink:
In all seriousness, you have everything you need for the best possible introduction...little boys, summertime, and an older pup the youngster can gain confidence from. It's a perfect time of year for instilling a lifelong love of water.
In all seriousness, you have everything you need for the best possible introduction...little boys, summertime, and an older pup the youngster can gain confidence from. It's a perfect time of year for instilling a lifelong love of water.
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9,797 Posts
Buys Ya a good tight Speedo, and a coupla pool noodles and have fun!!
Gooser
Gooser
Yardleylabs nailed it. Shallow water with solid footing underneath. Fun bumpers until they are throwing water everywhere. Let them go at their own pace. Before you know it they will be plowing through the the shallow water like a freight train. Gradually increase dept and let the swimming come naturally. Something about hard charging through the shallow water that gives them great confidence and a awesome water entry.
Good luck, Danny
Good luck, Danny
Peake
All the previous post are definetly things to do, one thing I would add is as they get used to the running water I back up from the edge of the water and let the pup build up alot of steam on land with the bumper close to the shore and let the pup attack it. I don't worry about long swims until the pup is really flying to the water from about 30 or 40 yards on land with the bumper floating only 5yds. or so from the shore. Doing it this way most of my guys really attack the water as they get older.
Marty
All the previous post are definetly things to do, one thing I would add is as they get used to the running water I back up from the edge of the water and let the pup build up alot of steam on land with the bumper close to the shore and let the pup attack it. I don't worry about long swims until the pup is really flying to the water from about 30 or 40 yards on land with the bumper floating only 5yds. or so from the shore. Doing it this way most of my guys really attack the water as they get older.
Marty
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