scary!

had a big scare on the weekend, we took Russell and the other dogs out to the dam in the bush for a swim.
Russell has been swimming a bit when he does it looks a bit demented and scattered, he doesn't glide along like our lab does... but he CAN swim, usually.

well on Sunday for some reason his little back legs mustn't have been strong enough to keep him moving so he sort of sunk so his bum was down and his front legs were paddling away, he was about 10 metres out and I saw his head go under, I freaked out and his head bobbed up and down a few times, I was straight in! lucky for me I had my bathers on under my shorts and tshirt (but didnt have time to take my clothes of, Doh!

He had levelled himself and started swimming back in by the time I got out to him but I picked him up and carried him back. it was pretty scary (for me) as soon as we got back to the bank he was straight back in.

do you think some controlled swimming/strengthening lessons might help? now that the weathers warming up I might have to bring him in with me more often.

That is indeed scary. Afraid I can't really advise sinc eSuki is terrified of the water

How shocking! Moo has done it once and my friend was straight in after her, she did exactly what Russel did and just carried on swimming. She has never done it again.

If your worried you can get life jackets (buoyancy aids) that will help. Xx

yeha we are planning to get him a life jacket, during the summer we spend a lot of time boating and swimming so will be a worthwhile purchase!

Definately go for a lifejacket, Ezydog make some nice ones but there are loads on the market now.

How scary for you and Russell. I would have done the same as you though and jumped in after him.

I think I am safe with Tinkerbell she has decided the rain and hosepipe are fun but would never attempt stepping into water, not even a puddle. It was enough of a chore to bath her last weekend!

we take our boy down the river at least twice a week its shallow enough for some one to walk across but he loves it we walk against the current then back

Very scary!