Teaching Blizzard to Swim

[Kevin]

So the weather is starting to warm up and the temperature of the pool is around 72 or so. Not bad to wade in on the steps. We are trying to get Blizzard to go swimming. He wants to so bad, and he gets on the first step. I carried him out about 3 feet and he did swim back. Dogs seem to know the doggy paddle from instinct...he didn't sink.

Anyway, here are some pictures of Blizzard...he's getting bigger, right now he's about 35 pounds or so. Oh, and 7 months old.

 

[Viking Queen]

Yaaaay, Blizzard. He'll get the hang of it soon.

Quite a cutie, so is his little human friend too!

Have a great weekend.

Viking Queen

 

[RugerHound]

What a handsome puppy!

 

[WendyZXZ]

Blizzard is growing up to be such a great looking dog and it is wonderful to see him with his companion in the picture!

 

[CLAYPOOL]

Use another dog to get him in the water... envy that other dog is getting attention

 

[toysoldier]

Better brush him first, so he doesn't clog the filter.

 

[6gun]

Blue eyed dog wow don't see many of those, is it a breed thing? I didn't think a dog has to learn to swim it's instinct to know how, did you teach him to float on his back first?

I don't know if my dog even knows how to swim he hates water, he'll walk around a shallow puddle even rather then stepping in it.

He still loves to go to "dog beach" even if he don't get in the water, the place we call dog beach is a dog off leash park a section of beach in Edmonds it's all fenced off and the water loving dogs love to run out and swim the Puget Sound to fetch balls or sticks, it's so funny seeing all the dogs out swimming and running all over enjoying themselves.

 

[Kevin]

6gun, I think it might be the breed. Some of the Australian Shepherds are known for having one blue eye and one brown. I'm not sure really. I must say I don't know a lot about dogs. He's our first. Our cat has blue eyes too, but sadly he is old and has cataracts.

Oh, and the back stroke! No not yet. Thanks for the idea! Maybe I'll look for a doggy life jacket. That might be fun.

 

[mishtub]

Good looking dog and youngun'. Be mindful that swimming pool water will dry out a dogs skin rather quickly and human "hot oil" treatments work well to restore it.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Oh, and the back stroke! No not yet. Thanks for the idea! Maybe I'll look for a doggy life jacket. That might be fun.

Hi,

Kevin, there are all kinds of "vests" available from many of the outdoor vendors who cater to hunting dog supplies. Several duck hunting buddies use variants of this style on their dogs:

http://www.gundogsupply.com/avery-boaters-neoprene-dog-vest.html

They're neoprene, and serve to protect the dog from junk in the water like sticks and such, offer some flotation as well as conserve warmth. Steve's a good guy who specializes in all kinds of hunting dog goodies. He also carries some models designed more for flotation, and to cater to your dog's fashion sense, camo and some colors are available depending on model.

Blizzard could be stylin' in no time!

Rick C

 

[RSIno1]

I don't know if my dog even knows how to swim he hates water, he'll walk around a shallow puddle even rather then stepping in it.

We had a basset that hated even going out in the rain. We'd let him out to go pee and he'd only get 2 feet off the patio onto the wet grass.

 

[Colonialgirl]

Love them light blue eyes.
That said, our "chow/lab/shep/???" mix will splash in the water when we take her down to the local park on the Hillsborough river and we have taken her to a park where they have a "Dog Beach" on the Tampa Bay and she likes running free on the beach and splashing in the water. Funny, ALL those dogs and I have never seen a fight or argument amongst them.

 

[Kevin]

Rick! Hey thanks for the link. As soon as my new credit card comes in the mail. I'm going to get some sort of doggy PFD. It would be fun for him. I never knew such things existed.

And Pamela, I'm trying to work on my replies, for instance, when a pretty lady says "cute dog." My best reply so far is. "Thanks, it comes from my side of the family."

 

[FastEd]

Smart looking dog. . .

 

[6gun]

I don't know if my dog even knows how to swim he hates water, he'll walk around a shallow puddle even rather then stepping in it.

We had a basset that hated even going out in the rain. We'd let him out to go pee and he'd only get 2 feet off the patio onto the wet grass.

:lol: sounds familiar my dog is a 15" Beagle, I can't drag him off the porch to go walk in the rain, and if it starts raining while were out walking he'll turn right around and start heading for home or a tree to stand under.

 

[6mm Remington]

Sweet looking dog, you can just see the kindness in his face. He's going to be an excellent companion and family addition!
David

 

[Gaffer]

We had an Aussie for a dozen years. She was a sweetie and awesomely smart. Broke our hearts when she got terminally ill. They are so smart they take special pride in pleasing us. Ours slept under our bed each night and when I would say good night she would answer with a soft grrr! Loved to play hide and seek with dog bits. Your beautiful pup brings back memories .