raising a puppy
Leader Pat and her husband, Ed, have a swimming pool which they graciously allow our club to use for puppy exercise, play, and training. When in the pool, it is especially important to focus on the puppy and not be distracted by others.
A child can drown in one-quarter inch of water. Puppies can also drown easily or develop a fear reaction. When in the water, each puppy is paired with a Raiser, whose job it is to watch the puppy carefully. The Raiser and the puppy are a team. No more than three teams are in the pool at any given time.
Having fun in the pool is also a great time to practice commands. Using the "come" command with the puppy swimming back and forth between Raisers makes a fun game which everyone enjoys.
When a puppy comes to someone in the water, be careful - those puppy paws can scratch! To prevent scratches, reach for the pup's collar and guide him to your side. If necessary, gently push his thigh to move his rump out away from you.
To hold the swimming puppy, put your left arm in loose support around the mid-section as you move forward with your hand ready to take the pup's collar. Talk calmly and use praise. The puppy's feet are free.
Some puppies just LOVE to jump into the pool! Using the "sit-stay" command prior to allowing the pup to jump, reinforces the command, and helps the puppy practice patience as well as good pool manners.
Puppies often use a wading pool for their first introduction to water, gradually becoming accustomed to the look and feel of water. Most puppies love it!
INTRODUCING A PUPPY TO WATER
When introducing a puppy to the pool for the first time, Raisers begin at the pool steps. Sitting on the steps with the puppy in the Raiser's lap (or beside the Raiser for larger pups), the puppy can examine and feel the water. It is helpful during this time if no other pups are swimming and splashing around the puppy being introduced to water.
The next step is to walk into the water with the puppy securely in the Raiser's arms.
When holding a puppy in the water, Raisers support the pup in both arms or put one arm around the puppy's mid-section while using their other hand to support the pup's head. Raisers talk calmly to the pup, moving around a little, and giving praise often. If the puppy appears overly anxious, it may be time to get out of the water and try again later or on another day.
If the puppy appears calm, Raisers walk almost to the steps and then allow the pup a brief swim to the steps, saying "Go to the steps." Big praise is important. Raisers begin releasing the puppy very close to the steps, gradually moving back, repeating the command, "Go to the steps!", and giving praise. In-water time can be increased once the puppy knows the location of the steps.
