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May

2008

5:20pm

Pippin Went to the Lake Today!

Posted by Anonymous in General

15 comments

In a previous post I had mentioned that I didn't get the opportunity for my Duncan to teach Pippin that swimming is fun.....so we took her to a lake not far from my daughter's home today. Some of the children just jumped in, Pippin looked at me in horror as I approached the edge of the water with her. The closer that I got, the more she'd dig her paws into the sand, as if to say , "NOT ME " !!! So I'd pick her up and walk in knee deep and let her in slowly. She'd QUICKLY get back to the edge where she felt safe. I knew that I had to take another approach as I really want her to enjoy the water, without frightening her. The next thing that I tried was for me to walk knee deep in the water and walk parallel to the shore. Pippin(always on a leash) would start out on the sand and by the time we were leaving she was actually walking(romping) in the water.........that made my day. We'll take it slowly with her.

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15 comments found.

sheila f. (fostersheila)
3 months ago

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Sounds like great bonding time so glad you all got to have fun. Way to think on your toes...that was a great way teach her. She will be completely comfortable with it before you know it. Does she like to play with toys. If so, you should try a water toy. Buster loves them. You can find them at most pet stores. Just a floatable rubber piece on nautical rope....they come in various sizes to suit every little mouth. Helps them get losts of exercise. And, it is fun for you, too!

Tanya b. (tanya5)
3 months ago

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I am so glad to hear that Pippin enjoyed the water. Cleo went for a few swims in our pool during that very hot weather we had. She loved it! What a great swimmer she is. I am going to buy her a life jacket though so that she can just "float" in the pool with me! But I had so much fun watching her! Now Colby, nope, still a big baby about the pool! He won't go near it unless there is frog swimming around that he thinks he can catch, lol!

Anonymous
3 months ago

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I can picture it !!! It's time for more lessons for Pippin!! They naturally swim as her little legs are going a mile a minute, but it's getting over the "newness" of it. I should have started her off sooner!

Carryl D. (carryld)
4 months ago

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I have 3 dogs. When I take them to the lake (we go often..we can walk there), my husky just frolicks along the edge. My one chocolate lab LOVES to swim, the other, however, just can't..I don't think he kicks his back legs. It actually comical watching him if he goes in too far. Better luck with Pippin!!

Anonymous
4 months ago

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Thanks! Now it's going to be more difficult as the warm weather is here and the "no dogs allowed" signs will be posted. Swimming pools terrify her. Once she realizes that swimming is fun it may be easier to get her into a pool. I don't want to frighten her. She can be a little fragile at times !!!!

Nancy S. (CalvinsMom)
4 months ago

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Wow, she'll be a water dog yet!

Anonymous
4 months ago

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I insist that EVERY member of the family learn to swim!!!!

Nancy S. (CalvinsMom)
4 months ago

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That is a great idea. You never know when they could find themselves in peril near water.

moore4dogs
4 months ago

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Hey You sound like a good teacher! have fun in the water!

sharon d. (3devinecats)
4 months ago

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Hey deedee,Did you and Pippin make it back out to the lake over the week-end?

Anonymous
4 months ago

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No, unfortunately, but thanks for asking. I had my neighbor's pooch for the weekend so Pippin had her paws full !!! She LOVES having her "Grover" visit, it's non-stop play, play, and more play. Thankfully they pass out right around the same time that I do !!!! It's exhausting watching the two of those high octane pups. Hopefully I'll get Pip back to the lake sometime this week, don't want to "drop the ball" on this swimming exercise!!!

Brea (Brea1)
4 months ago

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Oh that's so cute. Dogs playing in water or learning not to be scared of the water is always cute.

Rachel E. (Ladybug8)
4 months ago

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Aww how cute! I hope she masters her 'swimming lessons'.

sharon d. (3devinecats)
4 months ago

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Sounds like you guys started out on a positive note there.I always get the biggest kick out of watching the dogs enjoy the water!

Anonymous
4 months ago

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I do too. It really was such a great day. We'll take our time with her and hopefully work up to the ocean !! We have to time it just right as the summer season approaches, we'll see "NO DOGS ALLOWED" posted.............BOO !!!