Hydrotherapy pool

Seeing as its hot I thought I'd give Ledger a recreational swim at the local hydrotherapy pool to my knowledge he had never done more than paddle so they tried him in just a buoyancy vest but he just scrambled to the side so into the suspended harness he went seems many dogs freak out as they get lifted in it but Ledger just hung there with a grin on his face. Did look a bit silly though as although the harness was even staffys are very obviously front heavy so his bum was stuck in the air

Well they slowly lowered him into the water and he did keep trying to get to the side, at first then I got in (hence no pics sorry) and just tickled him under the ears and chin and he happily swam in the middle, even got the therapy currents going for him to swim against

It was a half hour booking but in total it was about 10-15min swimming with a drink break for us all and a shampoo for Ledger afterwards

He knew one of the guys there as he has been for doggy daycare before, but the others commented how good he was and that they had never seen such a happy staffy he is well and truly worn out now definitely will book him in again

Sounds great jules, you'll have to get someone to take pics next time

Just the ticket when the weathers like this! Sounds like could really take to it

Ahhh wow sounds great, I'm off to look for somewhere near me that does it  

Initially the chap running the session was going to go in in his wetsuit but I went prepared to get soaked so figured I would get my moneys worth

Sounds brilliant, glad you enjoyed it  

Sounds fab!

Being really nosey how much did it cost? I would love to take my two.

Normally £20 for half hour but it was half price for the first session  

Not bad, I thought it would have been more than that! No point me taking Daisy though, she'd be terrified and never speak to me again!!

That is such a thoughtful thing of you to have organised in this weather. Such a tonic for him. Were you in the water with him? Rupert hates water, unfortunately, although I now shower him a lot because he is not coping with the heat so well.

Its great excersise too, glad you and Ledger enjoyed it. once or twice a month gives them a great workout. my two freaked at first but soon got into it. it also showed up the intelligence dif between them as marley swam flat out for half an hour while laska soon learnt to "float" and even looked chilled doing it lol

Rupertsbooks wrote:That is such a thoughtful thing of you to have organised in this weather. Such a tonic for him. Were you in the water with him? Rupert hates water, unfortunately, although I now shower him a lot because he is not coping with the heat so well.

Yep I went in more out of choice it was only a small pool just over 4ft deep I was quite surprised how warm the water was I could have stayed in for ages. Could see him trying to figure out what he was meant to be doing but seemed to be getting the movement right when they put the water flow jets on.

I just figured if he ever needs hydrotherapy in the future then it's worth getting him used to being in the water and after seeing it on For the Love of Dogs the other week seemed like a plan to try it while he is a little exercise restricted because of the heat

Also would be happy to book him in for a session if I ever use the doggy day care/kennels again as he was happy with the staff handling him, putting him in the harness and giving him the post swim shampoo and hose down

Sounds like the perfect thing to do in this weather!!

Aww glad Ledger had a great time!