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43 Posts
hiya
Some of you asked me about swimming lesson experience so i decided to do this thread for you.
Since day one I've noticed that our pup hates water to the extend that she would pee on the patio so she doesn't get her feet wet on a wet grass after the rain. I have done sm research and it looks like she is not alone. Most Dobies don't like it.
My underlying feeling was - this is not good - she needs to swim so i don't have a problem down the line when she develops sore joints etc (just want to help her in the future).
I have contacted a local water therapy centre and yes - they do puppy classes, and yes most of them for dobies - 'not a graceful swimmers' as the lady described it. I am sure you will be able to find one near where you live - if you have a difficulty locating one - speak to the show dog ppl - they know everyone and everything.
On our first lesson she was put into a doggy life jacket with 2 lines attached. She was introduced to the water from easily accessible ramp - and very slowly. Then I was asked to call her and make as much noise as possible. I must admit the poor thing was fighting for her life at first and all i could do was to laugh uncontrollably - evil mummy! She was drowning herself with her own splashing.
After that she relaxed and followed me to the other end of the pool. The purpose of the 2 lines and 2 ppl was to keep her moving forward in the straight line. We did 8 lengths, after that she was stretched and massaged to avoid stiffness.
Half way through the second lesson - she 'graduated' from the life jacket to a harness - she was doing well - less splashing and less encouragement to get in.
Unfortunately after that she developed an ear infection and we had to stop the lessons. Since she needs to have her ears taped next - we have to leave it for a while now. However - when i take her to the park - she does not avoid water - just gets in with other dogs. Swimming pools are still a bit of an issue for her so we will continue in the new year.
For now I leave you with some photos from our lessons. Enjoy and Merry Christmas from both of us! http://www.dobermantalk.com/images/smilies/newyear.gif
Some of you asked me about swimming lesson experience so i decided to do this thread for you.
Since day one I've noticed that our pup hates water to the extend that she would pee on the patio so she doesn't get her feet wet on a wet grass after the rain. I have done sm research and it looks like she is not alone. Most Dobies don't like it.
My underlying feeling was - this is not good - she needs to swim so i don't have a problem down the line when she develops sore joints etc (just want to help her in the future).
I have contacted a local water therapy centre and yes - they do puppy classes, and yes most of them for dobies - 'not a graceful swimmers' as the lady described it. I am sure you will be able to find one near where you live - if you have a difficulty locating one - speak to the show dog ppl - they know everyone and everything.
On our first lesson she was put into a doggy life jacket with 2 lines attached. She was introduced to the water from easily accessible ramp - and very slowly. Then I was asked to call her and make as much noise as possible. I must admit the poor thing was fighting for her life at first and all i could do was to laugh uncontrollably - evil mummy! She was drowning herself with her own splashing.
After that she relaxed and followed me to the other end of the pool. The purpose of the 2 lines and 2 ppl was to keep her moving forward in the straight line. We did 8 lengths, after that she was stretched and massaged to avoid stiffness.
Half way through the second lesson - she 'graduated' from the life jacket to a harness - she was doing well - less splashing and less encouragement to get in.
Unfortunately after that she developed an ear infection and we had to stop the lessons. Since she needs to have her ears taped next - we have to leave it for a while now. However - when i take her to the park - she does not avoid water - just gets in with other dogs. Swimming pools are still a bit of an issue for her so we will continue in the new year.
For now I leave you with some photos from our lessons. Enjoy and Merry Christmas from both of us! http://www.dobermantalk.com/images/smilies/newyear.gif