Here's a challenge - 18mth old dog that sinks!

[lulu_bucket]

18mth fully trained springer spaniel gundog (bar water obviously) - Goes in to the water - all eager, splashes around in the shallows - loving it!! Takes a step - just too far, out of her depth and sinks!! Like a stone!!! No air bubbles, no splashing - just totally sinks!!

Eventually surfaces - with an expression on her face like a Bryn Parry cartoon - WTF!!! Scrambles on to the bank, clears her lungs, lunges into the water again and promptly sinks, again!!

Any idea's??? Dont say arm bands or a rubber r ing please! Thanks

[craft1948]

Have you got a friend with a dog that likes swimming?

[paraffin]

Hi lulu:

Please forgive me for laughing but it sounds so funny! I'm just visualising this typical, happy-go-lucky springer spaniel leaping into the lake like a duck to water, then - splodge!!!! -
sinking like a stone! The poor little soul.

I always thought that spaniels took to water like ducks - obviously not!

craft has suggested exactly what I was thinking, so good luck. I sincerely hope your little doggie's swimming like a fish very soon (instead of "with" them!).

[tamborine]

Supply a bowl of spring water - solved!

[kita1]

You could try putting a body harness on her and a lead - get her just out of her depth and hopefully with you holding her off the ground she will get the idea to move her legs!!!

[kita1]

http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102291065 .asp

[lankeela]

http://www.4activedogs.co.uk/dog-life-jackets- 2-c.asp

[Ice.Maiden]

We used kita1's idea with our dogs. We harnessed them when they were babies, threw a stick into the river, and were there to haul them out if they got into difficulties - but they swam straight away, and loved it!

[amonty1144]

My hubbie who trains dogs, says he has had similar in the past and the only way to try and stop this, is to get in the water with it and encourage it to swim. Unfortunately it is difficult to get a dog to swim. and it may always sink

[swedeheart]

show him this

(I'm not being sarcastic lulu_bucket, it's just that your question made me remember this video and everyone who sees it seems to love it so perhaps your boy will too;-)

[swedeheart]

sorry, girl

[foxyflugel]

Hi - what about a session of hydrotherapy?? They have a lifejacket on with a handle and my dogs loved it - well - not my Great Dane really - she looked at me as if to say "HEEELLPPP". All I was thinking is that at Aquavet the 1st session is free (it is near Peak District - Sheffield - don't know where you are though) this might get your dog used to actually staying above water whilst they swim and then it might be ok from then on - worth a go??? But make it look convincing if you just want the freebie and say it is for cardiovascular exercise or something - Their number is 01142 304555 - Good Luck

[caththecrazy]

Sirus - my springer loves water but is frightened of noises - hence we bought him from the gamekeeper as he was rejected.

Funnily enough my neighbour's lab hates being out of his depth in the water and he will only go in if Sirus is with him - usually if I take them out and the neighbour is always surprised. I'd go in the water with her too.