4mo old lab pup a little timid around water

[JeffJ]

She is a retrieving fool but she seems a little timid around water. I knw that just tossing her in is a BAD idea and I wont do that. Next time we are at the ranch I am going in with her but until then I am thinking about the following idea.

I have a kiddie pool at the house. I am thinking about putting 3-4" of water in it and putting her food bowl in the middle of it when it is time for her to eat in the evenings. Knowing how good of an eater she is I bet she doesnt miss but maybe one evening meal before she is jumping in the water. Thoughts?

[wlgorman]

I went through this with my lab. Tried all kinds of stuff. Got other dogs over, and sent them in on retrieves and he'd whine but never go past where he couldnt touch.

The thing that finally worked, was I got in the pond w/ my waders on and a bunch of torn up hot dogs. Put his vest on (if you dont he will climb all over you), and held him by the handle at arms length letting him swim and assisting him and giving him the hot dog bits and lots of praise. After a time or two doing that I never had an issue.

[stickman]

Get in the water. Once your pup is confident in its swimming ability you will be in business.

[twobittxn]

I had a lab whose first introduction to water was when he fell through a thin sheet of ice. He swam out, but wouldn't go back in. Even for his favorite toy.

All that next summer I was in the water with him teaching him to enjoy the water. Never had a problem afterwards.

[Landrover]

I think my beagle pup got your labs water gene!!! LOL

[Stolle]

I had the same problem with my first lab. Once you get in with her she will get the hang of it. My 6 month old male was a little timid of the pool, but now you can't keep him out of the water.

[JeffJ]

She will run around like a fool when the sprinklers are on which makes me think she is just being a pup...

[Roger]

Get in the water with them. My son and I were swimming at my parents pool last week and had our 9 wk lab pup with us. She never once tried to get into the pool until we did but once we went in, there was no keeping her out. They want to be with you and will feel much more comfortable about the water and swimming if you are in it as well.

[quackerback]

like others have said get him with the pup. mine did the same thing. i put my waders on and walked out with her.

[Wildman]

You just need to get her to get those feet off the ground. She will, just be patient. It is hot outside and this is a perfect time to sit in the shallow water with her. Eventually, she will trust that she can swim.

One thing you can do is get a LITTLE past her stand up height, support her belly and let her "swim" with you holding her and move her forward until she touchs then let her go. This will help her understand the swim idea. Training wheels on a lab if you will.

[FireMedic26]

I had a lab that was the same way at first. I carried him to the lake, threw it way out there, then had to wait for it to float back. After that, I threw to the edge of the water & he leaned in & got it. Next, a little further, & so on. Next thing I knew he was swimming out as far as I could throw it, to retrieve it.

[Cub]

If you find some water that is warm enough for you to wade through in shorts then the temp is good. then as everyone as said, go for walks and walk through some splashing water. Then go to just a little swimming water. He will want to be with you and given a little time it should work. The fact that he wants to retrieve is great. You can use this to avoid gunshyness. Sit with your dog a ways away from your friend who has the gun and who is sitting by the decoys. You want him to shoot you some splashers. This is extremely exciting for the young dog. Then let him retrieve the duck, then over time move closer to the friend with the gun but be careful and slow with this. The fact that the pup likes to retrieve will help you with the lack of water enthusiasm. You can use his good trait to help you. Just some thoughts.

[Cub]

A little clarification. I know you didn't say anything about gun shyness but from a guy who has made all of the mistakes, I just wanted to share something that works. In actuality, start with a cap gun, and at a distance. Then when the dog is crazy to retrieve in this situation, move to a bit louder gun until you feel he is ready for the 12 ga. at a distance. The fact that he wants to retrieve is a very big plus for you. Again sorry for crabwalking a little with your thread.

[JeffJ]

Night #1 of putting her food bowl in the kiddie pool has been comical. She has made herself dizzy circling the pool. It has about 4" of water in it and she is about 6" shy of being able to reach the food. She is ticked. I bet if she misses a meal tonight she will be all over it in the morning.

[JeffJ]

Well this morning went better. I put her bowl back in the pool this morning when I got up. When I got out of the shower she had her front feet in and was eating. About 30 seconds later she had both feet in.