Getting a dog in water

J

JDshockNawe

New member
Hi I have a 3 year old black lab she loves the water but won't swim (I blame my wife she pushed her in a pool when she was a pup) well anyway she run chest deep in water but will not swim I have tried a few things bring her with me swimming (she can swim but won't willing do it) also treats and toys don't have enough draw to get her in anyone has any advice. For the most part Im not that concerned unless I shoot a bird and it lands on the other side of a river any help would be greatly appreciated thank-you
 
You are on the correct track going in the water with your dog. She needs to be motivated to overcome the fear, it may require the use of dead pigeons or lock wing pigeons to motivate . Have her warm up with land retrieves then throw one into the water close to shore don't put pressure on her to swim yet. Go in the water with her if necessary. Continue this again without pressure ,lots of praise. Eventually throw the dummy far enough out so her feet cant touch bottom. You must accompany her, support her belly for flotation then release her. Again lots of praise and end with another drill or activity she enjoys.
Do go slow and be patient.
 
try this. i read it in a book and it worked for me. my dog when he was a puppy would do the same as you have stated. run around chest deep but never enter. i went to a creek and walked to the other side of it. the dog cried for a little but i just kept on moving. eventually he wanted to be with me so bad that he just swam across. The water has to be deep enough that the dog has to swim .


good luck!
 
Local NAVHDA people helped me getting my setter swimming. Assuming the dog has strong bird drive. Get the dog all worked up by teasing them with a dead bird, and throw it in gradually sloping water just out of reach. If that doesn't work use a helper to throw a lock winged and tethered live bird and pull it away from the dog when it goes for it.

The KEY for me was SHUT MY MOUTH. No encouragement, no talk - do not distract the dog. Put the bird in the water and let the dog figure it out. The dog would not do it for himself if I was talking him up.
 
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