Mistys First Swimming Lesson

Ohhh Im so excited-tomorrow is Mistys first ever swimming lesson!!

Ive found a swimming pool for dogs - it looks fantastic- its a big indoor swimming pool only for dogs and you can either use it for Hydrotherapy or just for a fun swim. I enquired last week about a fun lesson and could we get in the pool with her- to my surprise they said yes no problem! Another pool I rang said we can only get in if we have a wetsuit on but this pool said no its fine to wear normal swimwear and maybe a t shirt over in case Misty scratches.

They wrote to our vet to make sure Misty is healthy and up to date on all her jabs etc. I heard back today that my vets have told them Misty is fine to have a swim so we are all booked in for 11am tomorrow. Its a twenty minute swim followed by 10 minutes to get dried and showered etc. She will be the only dog in the pool as they rent it to each person and don't share with others (unless you have more then one dog). We have booked it with no hydro therapist in the pool so we can be alone- I think either Misty will see both of us in the pool and get in or we will spend 20 minutes trying to coach her in and her looking at us from the side of the pool with no intention of getting in!!!

She wont walk in a puddle but there is some filthy old stagnant water type of tiny bog thing down the local park that she will get in to her shoulders and she only stops as shes on the lead then. Im really excited as to how it will go tomorrow. I just hope she doesn't act up in the reception or anything!

Has anyone else taken their dog swimming in a pool and if so did your pup enjoy it?

Sounds like it could be a lot of fun Emma, looking forward to hearing how you all get on

Sounds great Emma, hope Misty enjoys it

You might not want to ask Millie about her hydro. Let's say she wasn't a fan!

Just don't force it. If Misty goes in and takes to it, then fantastic. If she just tips her paws in, fantastic too. No matter what she does, even if it's nothing, just make sure there is no pressure on her and that it's fun. Take her favourite toy and favourite treats.

If it doesn't work, find a stream that's only paddling deep and call for Auntie Liz. I've taught several dogs who previously wouldn't put their toes in water to swim. Have a look at Millie's swimming video, that's what she'll do now whereas to start off with it was Millie Meltdown, big time!

OK we are home now. Well Im a bit unsure about it all to be honest. I think it can be looked at in two ways. Either we did a horrible thing or we just took her for her first swim in a warm pool.

Ok so we turn up and its a really nice pool with two ladies- one hydrotherapist and one receptionist. They let us in early as there is no one before us. Misty was obviously very excited as it was one of her longest every car journeys (30 mins) and she went in and was great with the ladies. She was kissing the hydrotherapist and then decided to check out the place for herself so she went sniffing in every nook and cranny. The pool fascinated her. She had to wear a life jacket as thats regulations for new swimmers so she let us put that on her no problems. Then hubby and I went into the pool and she stood by the side watching us. She kept running around the pool and we put our hands out for her to lick and she loved that. So after about 15 mins of doing that we asked the therapist if a lot of new dogs don't go in and they said that they always put the dog in and hold them so they learn how to swim. So she got a biscuit out and tried to coax Misty on the ramp- Misty wasn't really having any of it. So then we agreed to let the hydrotherapist to put her in and do what she normally does. She picked Misty up by the jacket(it had handles) and took her into the pool. Misty didn't like it but she was given a biscuit and she ate it so then again holding her the other lady threw a ball in and Misty went for a swim (with the lady holding her at all times) and did pick the ball up and bring it back. So we did it a total of 3 times. The last time Misty was quite calm while swimming and made a lot less splashes. Then we got out and changed and they gave Misty a quick shower with no shampoo. So we come out and go home and Misty is now snuggled up asleep. -Well she was asleep until two minutes ago when I took her to the toilet- she met our neighbour and was very well behaved she doesn't seem stressed or upset.

However I am a bit upset at myself- I went in with the intention of Like Liz said- if she doesn't want to do it I wont force her- but it turns out we did as we made her go in the pool by letting the hydrotherapist pick her up etc.. The therapist says they do it with all dogs but Im just worried in case it scared Misty. Now I could well be overraeacting- I do tend to treat her with kid gloves. We have decided to ask our Trainer on Tuesday her opinion as she knows Misty and will see what she says. We do have another appointment booked in a few weeks but if the trainer says its not a good idea to put her in the pool etc then Ill cancel.

I can fully appreciate Liz's point of view but on occasion a refusal to get in could simply be it being a new experience and unsure so once in and having a swim around that tiny fear may have been overcome.

If it were me Emma, I would go to the next session and see what Mistys reaction is, if she shies away then perhaps it's not for her but if the life jacket goes on OK and she looks happy about getting in then all's good. I'll be interested in knowing how you get on.

Oh wow, that sounds like a wonderful facility, but I can understand how you're feeling now you're looking back. I hope your trainer has some input for you, but it does like it went well with Misty getting the ball.

Hi mistys mum, funny enough I had bruno at hydrotherapy yesterday for a fun swim. He's not keen on water and they done the same thing. Picked him up and put him on the ramp, they say it will take a few sessions for him to get use to it as its new to him. Him and the Ziva the pup are booked in for next Sunday. Yesterday Ziva done puppy socialisation, when we can back I had to very happy sleepy dogs. Ziva is going on Tuesday on her own first but they say it's great to burn excess energy off a pup. Misty went for the ball that's great, bruno wasn't interested in any toys. Slowly and surely he'll come around. I thought he was going to hate me when he came out, but he was a very happy boy x

Thanks all for your comments.

Well last week we went to our weekly training session and spoke to our trainer. We told her everything and she said that in her opinion its not the way she would have done it. She said it was completely up to us but if we were uncomfortable then maybe not go back. She didn't tell us one way or the other but just gave us her honest opionon and both hubby and I really respect her as she is a very good positive trainer. She also said that the place we took her hasn't got the greatest reviews. She said that it would be a different thing if she was going to hydrotherapy and it would be a health reason to make her swim but as we are doing it just for fun there is no urgency etc. We also mentioned after the swim she was kissing the instructor but she pointed out that this could be appeasement behaviour from Misty which we hadn't thought of. Feel really bad for putting her through this all.

I really don't know why I didn't ask our trainer about the pool reviews before I booked anything but I just got carried away when I found a pool we could swim in with Misty.

So after speaking to her we have cancelled this weeks lesson. I just don't want to make Misty uncomfortable- Ill try to find some quiet lakes where she can gain a bit of confidence in the water.

The sounds a sensible idea, and a sensible trainer!

Shout if you want a breakdown of how I've taught my dogs, but it sounds like you've also got a good lady on hand to help you anyway.