The great thing about getting a summer puppy is that the water temperature is ideal for introducing pups to water. I had a baby pool out back when the litter came down from NC. I watched for the pup(s) most drawn to the water. Purple girl jumped right in and pink(Reagan)played around the edges of the pool.
Our first lesson took place at Sheree’s in ground swimming pool. She lets her goldens swim in her pool and even does some water therapy for injured k9s. We started with me in the shallow end and Reagan with Sheree at the steps. I called her to me and Sheree gently placed her hand under her belly and a 1 stroke swim had her to me with lots of praise and treats. I let her float with my hands supporting her like a raft and we headed for the steps. We repeated this a few times and quit. She seemed comfortable and eager to be with me.
We made a second visit to Sheree’s and within minutes she was swimming strongly and confidently to me. There was no fear, no vertical swimming, and no sinking. She swam like an otter. Until she finished her lepto vaccines, I was careful to avoid murky waters. Leptospirosis is a microorganism found in water supplies that may be visited by cattle or wildlife who may use the water as their “toilet”.
Today she is already swimming for marks through lily pads up, over peninsulas, and past decoys with confidence As we approach cooler weather, I am cautious putting her in cold water and avoiding water work if the temperature drops in the evenings. She has a great water attitude and I don’t want to do anything to discourage her enthusiasm. I see a lot of grandma Disney is my new little girl.
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