Shelties and Water!

[corbinam]

Barb--definitely sounds like your situation is a bit more risky. Also sounds like those pups are more adventurous than Bentley is. He's a bit of a wuss!

Romeosangiovese--Thanks, we'll get the life vest to be safe and load up on cheese and other treats in case he isn't too happy about where he is. Of course, we can always just put him back on the boat.

Thanks!

 

[Esmiles04]

Sophie does like the water, but it took me quite a bit of coaxing to get her in. I think she initially associated water with a bath, which is why she was hesitant to go in. We go a dog park frequently, but it gets warm, even in the mornings and at night, so I tried getting her in the water so she could cool down a bit. Initially I would pick her up and put her in so half her legs would be wet, but that was it, she would only go in if I put her in. Then last week, much to my surprise, she walked in on her own. Today we went again to the park and she walked in. The first time she just followed a dog in because she was chasing it through the water as they played. I still get a kick out of seeing her in the water, it's cute. She has this furry body with toothpicks for legs when she gets wet, it's funny.

 

[Ania]

OH my Barb! I hope you figure something out for Indy, as it definitely looks like he really likes that dock and the water! That little devil , he's just waiting to get into somekind of trouble isn't he!???!!

 

[valensage]

The Dock

I love that look where the little fella is trying to find something below the dock. Maybe his reflection, huh?

 

[SunChaser]

My kids swim regularly but not willingly... I have a pool and find it's the easiest way to exercise them when it's so hot out.

They would much rather run in the yard but with the temperature in the 90's it's not a good idea for them to exercise for too long. So the pool is the answer for me.

 

[danisgoat]

My puppy does not like the water at all....and she can't swim! I was so surprised, the first time we took her swimming, and she couldn't get her self bouyant. Now she always wears a life vest around water

My mom's rescue sheltie...who spends a lot of time with us, is very relaxed in the water. She is a great swimmer, and actually floats in a little tube with us in the pool. Too cute.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

My kids swim regularly but not willingly... I have a pool and find it's the easiest way to exercise them when it's so hot out.

They would much rather run in the yard but with the temperature in the 90's it's not a good idea for them to exercise for too long. So the pool is the answer for me.

Cute photos Judy!

 

[Fergus]

Love the water dog pics! I'm curious as to whether Clancy will like the water or not. My collies steadfastly refused to have anything to do with water all their lives. Clancy did fall in my mom's pool by accident one day -- I had to haul him out by the scruff of his neck -- but haven't had the opportunity to see if he'd go in willingly . I hope he does -- it's a great way to cool them off and exercise them all at the same time!

 

[corbinam]

Cute pics! We are taking Bentley to the lake this weekend so we'll see how it goes. We tried "testing" it out at the pool, and we put him in in his life vest, and he just sat there and floated. I think maybe we'll have to try without the life vest to see if he kicks his little legs. I'll be sure to post pics!

 

[BarbV]

While the boat is in motion, I strongly urge you to have the life vest on the dog.

Our cottage is on an island so we have to boat over every weekend. We put the pups in a crate for the trip over. Far too easy for the pups to leap or fall out when you're attention is diverted (e.g. while docking the boat).

While you are swimming, no problem to take the vest off and see how he paddles.

Interesting that since Indy's last great adventure, he has not actually tried to jump in, even though he looks tempted. I think he scared his undercoat off him when he found he had no way to climb up the dock.