Monday, May 17, 2010

Devi's Tummy Scratching Technique

Safe Swimming - Part III

Devi, safe in her life vest

Now, what if your dog doesn't swim, doesn't calm down or continues to be frightened. If you have tried the method in Safe Swimming - Part II and kept the sessions short and calm while praising your dog and they still aren't getting it or wanting to it could be that your dog is not cut out for swimming.

You can try a couple of options to make it more fun and/or distract them. If you have a significant other or a friend your dog loves you can both get in the water and guide your dog to swim to that person. When they get there they get LOTS of praise and maybe even pick them up and carry them back to the starting point and do it again.

Another thing that may help is a toy or treat. If you have a pup that is crazy for tennis balls or loves cheese that might give them a little motivation to loosen up and go for it. Some dogs aren't interested in treats or toys in the beginning but after a session or two and they still haven't calmed down you can try introducing the treats or toy then.

If these methods don't help be safe and only put your dog in the water when you are with them and can retrieve them in case of an emergency situation. I recommend using a canine life vest, fitted properly, anytime your dog is on or in a body of water. The video at the beginning of Safe Swimming - Part II is of my dog Devi swimming in the pool at SplashDog. She wears a floatation device around her neck. In the photo at the beginning of Part I she is in a raft with me on a lake with her life vest on.

A few notes before I conclude the series. You might notice your dog shaking their head while they are in the water. Some dogs can be sensitive to water getting in their ears. Devi gets quite distracted when water gets in her ears. Her swimming becomes erratic. That is why she wears a flotation ring to keep her ears out of the water. The ring can also help if a dog can't keep their mouth up out of the water. These rings are sold as alternatives to the cones or elizabethan collars, but they work great in the water.

If you have any question about your dog's health, be sure to check with your Veterinarian before putting your dog in the water. Swimming is a good workout and if your dog has any health issues there can be safety concerns.

Take care of your family around water so you can all have fun!