Water

[benson mum]

Hi guys im after some suggestions on how to get benson used to water??
We live so close to the sea but he wont go anywhere near it.... its even hard to get him to walk on the sand and my god if there is a puddle we have to walk the long way around, he wont even go through it lol
He loves his baths though with our trainer and if its raining he will sit out side all day so im at a loss really as to why he wont go in the sea or walk through a puddle!!
Any advice would be great
xxxx

[gloriab]

Originally Posted by benson mum

Hi guys im after some suggestions on how to get benson used to water??
We live so close to the sea but he wont go anywhere near it.... its even hard to get him to walk on the sand and my god if there is a puddle we have to walk the long way around, he wont even go through it lol
He loves his baths though with our trainer and if its raining he will sit out side all day so im at a loss really as to why he wont go in the sea or walk through a puddle!!
Any advice would be great
xxxx

My last gsd, Zymbre, embarrased the heck out of me........
took him to Squire's gate in Blackpool - there's a very high wall (around a cart race track) - when the tide goes out, it leaves a very big round of water up to this wall - great cos deep enough to swim, but where you can really watch them.

Threw a ball in... Zym chased it into the water then absolutely FROZE in the middle - he was a really big dog.... what a wuzz...... I had to go in and slowly lead him out - everyone was in hysterics at this huge wuzz

am pretty sure it was because the sand was soft and he felt like he was sinking.

I think freshwater is best - never had a problem with any in fresh water.

[pamella]

marley adores the water,jumps in at every chance.however we went away this weekend and he was scared of the sea!
maybe because it was moving-it was rough-or maybe the sound.
i wouldn't push your dog too much as he could become worse.we would probably just go near water as much as poss and just walk and give him time.
is he a pup/youngster?they are scared of the most strange things sometimes.

[RstuS]

Bodie was like this when he was a pup, as he got older, and he was really interested in his ball, I threw it for him down the beach one day, it was only meant to go in a little bit, but went in quiet a way! So he really wanted his ball back, and I had to go in and help him find it. Because I was in the sea, he had no fear, and next thing I knew he was swimming around my legs, now we cant keep him out of water!

[Bonniesmummy]

Bonnie HATED water from a small pup too!!! She was about 7mths old and we had went to a park, there was this big puddle and she stopes her ball in it! Normally I wouldve got it for her as I knew she didn't like it but this time I thought No you get it lol she barked and whined and then eventually went in as she wanted it that much..... After that we started to throw stuff in the pond etc fir her to retrieve ..... Now she is a wee water baby lol xxxxx

[Stuart]

If Benson is anything like Jazz, I am not sure if you will ever teach her.

Sam and Kee are no problem with water,..in fact it is hard to keep them out, especialy Sam,.... but Jazz is a different thing,.. there was a time that she wouldnt even get her paws wet,.. at least now she goes up to her bellie,... but she will not go any further,..I have tried throwing things, but nothing is going to persuade her to go any further

[ClaireandDaisy]

I throw biscuits in the water so they get their feet wet. Then a ball. But not so far that they get scared - just enough that they find it fun and get used to the splashing.
I`ve only had one dog who won`t swim and I`m pretty sure he`s been thrown in because he gets scared on bridges.

[LOVEGSD]

Diesel was relly unsure of the water, OH & I just donned wellies and went in, Diesel felt like he was missing out so tentatively followed and got lots of treats and praise for doing so.....now we can't keep him out...LOL

[benson mum]

Thanks for all the advice guys benson is 10 months old so still a pup, think we will try some river walks and see what happens.
Thanks again for the advice
xxxx

[Mazz]

Jazmin will not go into water, unless I do. She loves running up and down the beach with me, but she will not swim in it. Maybe she would go further if I did. Hope your pup Benson enjoys the water soon.
Mazz