Swimming your dogs

[BromBones]

Anyone do this for part of their exercise?

I've always take mine for a daily swim so they can cool off and play some fetch. Keeps their hide clean and helps burn some energy.

In the last few weeks I started getting them to swim longer distances, take the canoe for a paddle down the lake shore in the shallows and let them swim beside. I can already see some endurance gains, gonna stick with it and see how it goes. They get plenty of time running, and training with their packs on, but I like the fact that swimming works the muscles without the impact on their joints. Talking with a Vet, figures it's one of the best things you can do as far as keeping healthy hips/joints as they get older.

Also good for keeping the younger guy out of mischief, after a good swim he's way too tired out to go looking for trouble :)

[Shooter]

I take mine swimming quite often. My Springer is NUTS about the water he absolutely loves to swim. My Brittany not so much. He will swim but is just as happy sniffing around the shore mostly.

[Foxton Gundogs]

All my dogs get a min of 4 days a week water work, both spaniels and retrievers love it.

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n499/FoxtonGundogs/th_tank-jumping-in.jpg?t=1312829475


http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n499/FoxtonGundogs/th_IMG_2678-1.jpg?t=1312830581

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n499/FoxtonGundogs/th_BigEntry.jpg?t=1298511468

[The Dude]

Yup....can't get mine OUT of the water....except to roll in sand, that is.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj313/Heliox18/IMG_1683.jpg

[Big Lew]

For those of you that take your dogs for a swim, if they wear a choke chain type collar, or one that's quite loose, be aware that they can get a front leg caught in it and potentially drown. When I used to participate in retrieving training and trials I witnessed this situation on several occasions.

[MerrittBow]

My 7 month Australian collie hates any water deeper than 3 inchs, gets freaked out if he hits a deep spot hahah

[BromBones]

Yup....can't get mine OUT of the water....except to roll in sand, that is.



With a rug like that I dont blame him. :) Nice photo.

[yamadirt 426]

For those of you that take your dogs for a swim, if they wear a choke chain type collar, or one that's quite loose, be aware that they can get a front leg caught in it and potentially drown. When I used to participate in retrieving training and trials I witnessed this situation on several occasions.

Good tip ! My dog looks like a muskrat when he is swimming. We all had a good time swimming in alta lake last weekend. Delta hotel in whistler takes dogs for those who didn't know. Right through the lobby with mater and tyrant. The looks were priceless by some.

[Buck]

Yup....can't get mine OUT of the water....except to roll in sand, that is.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj313/Heliox18/IMG_1683.jpg


Nice photo ...Buntzen Lake ?

[BernDawg]

I've got a big ol mutt that loves the water. She's a mastiff/ridgeback cross from what we can tell but she just loves swimming. Anywhere near the water and she's in!

[IronNoggin]

Excellent picture Dude!!

Mine love the water as well:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/DogSwim_6.jpg

Boogs is a damn strong swimmer, first one I've ever had that can actually out-swim me! He likes to tow me around the lake:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/DogSwim_1.jpg

And always Fun when they climb out of the water:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Asuilu_Shake_rainbow.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Mom_Shower_2.jpg

In fact, methinks I'll be heading to the lake for some much needed heat relief this very afternoon. Of course The Hounds will be accompanying!!

Cheers,
Nog

[todbartell]

try to get him down every day. He sure does love it

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270662_10150247869992992_5582386_n.jpg

[The Dude]

Nice photo ...Buntzen Lake ?

Bingo! He looooves it there!

[FirePower]

http://patriotsportingspanielclub.com/Images/Springer-Spaniel-Water-Retrieve.jpg

http://www.huntersspringers.com/images/Fern/Fern5.JPG

http://www.gundogsonline.com/Upload/PhotoGallery/49c05a4d-30d4-48dc-a97b-87cf8631eba6-LG.jpg