Can all labs swim?

GeriF · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:28 pm Post subject:

Think Luca is still a little water shy. He accidently fell in the canal when very young, trying to chase after a boat (don't worry he was on a lead). It has happened again a few times and he isn't quite sure just what happened to him! He loves dipping his toe in but isn't quite ready to take the plunge voluntarily! He loves pulling out twigs from the canal though!

VJH · Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject:

he he - love these stories. We have a lake near to where we live which we are planning to take Ruby too lots (first walk this sunday am SO excited Embarassed

)

Was wondering what to do about the lake - think I will avoid it for the first few weeks anyway.

She has taken to jumping in the shower with me over the last few days if i dont close the door properly at the moment and barges me about trying to 'catch' the water with her mouth. Then when i turn the water off and get out she sits there looking at me as if to say 'you spoiled my game' Laughing

mellymel · Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject:

LMAO at Ruby in the shower!!

I bet she doesnt even notice the lake on her first walk...she will be so busy sniffing you will probably be able to keep her out of it!

Might be an idea to get her paddling by the edge of the water (if its got sloping edges) just to get her used to it! We have yet to take Lionel anywhere with a lake! Might do it this Sunday! Confused

I remember a good tip from John tho (one of his many!!!!) when you dry them dont rub vigorously in all directions as this pushes the water down to the second layer of their coat and takes them longer to dry. Stroke them with the towel in one direction only and they will dry much quicker! Might be worth baring in mind just in case Ruby decides to take a dip! Laughing

alyhyena · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:04 am Post subject:

We learned the hard way. We took molly to the seaside she was fine just a little paddle no problem, then a fortnight ago I really thought she was going to drown I have never been so frightened. We were walking along and I was throwing her ball for her and when it went a little far on previous occasions she would just wait for me to go and get it, but this time she just waded further and further until she was just standing shaking all over. I rushed in to get her I was up to my waist. She didn't attempt to swim I pulled her out of the water and she was fine. We also take a towel with us, usually for me. I was frightened that it might have turned her off, but after a visit to a stream this weekend she was paddling again but on her lead.

Joelf · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 1:07 pm Post subject:

The first lab we owned was a rescue & to start with she was a bit apprehensive of the water. She would stand in the water up to her elbows & bark! Rolling Eyes

Then when we got our first puppy he went straight into the water & swam which gave her the confidence to try actually swimming. After that there was no stopping her & she became a really strong confident swimmer all her life!! Very Happy

She once swam out on the beach & loads of people were watching her from the pier.......she used to just tread water for ages!! Laughing

Trickster · Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 10:13 am Post subject:

Nope, not all Labs can swim. Same as not all German Shepherds guard and not all Border Collies like to herd, not all retrievers can swim. The vast majority CAN but it is whether or not they choose to that's the question. Most have the abilty but might not have the confidence to take the plunge. Many of the sporting breeds are naturals and have the desire to swim and retrieve from birth. Others need a little encouragement.

My two Labs are nuts for swimming and retrieving. Murph has been swimming since he was 8 weeks.

jenn · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:06 am Post subject: swimming

I agree with the others... my 2 year old wasn't introduced to water until last summer, and he really wasn't too sure he liked the idea of getting wet all the way to his neck...and actaully swimming was really out of the question LOL. Just be careful and take it a little at a time, I think if you keep it fun and safe, you'll both enjoy water...or just walking on the beach.

Tor · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:45 am Post subject:

hi all both hooch and duke love to swim but beware when hooch was younger we nearly lost her in the sea i kicked an old ballcock from a toilet into the sea and as normal she went in after it i wasnt aware that because of its size she couldnt grab it in her mouth so she started ot push it out to sea and being a lab she wouldnt give up PANIC when she was about 600m out some how she managed to grab the rim turned around and swam back in phew dew to my shouting during this local fishermen had alrted the coastgaurd red faced or what so now i keep a close watch on them both as you cant keep them out of the sea as they love it but beware

Ernie01 · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:30 pm Post subject:

My old boy Jake went strait in after walking of a river bank(on a lead) the duck flew off and labs aint that good at flying which he found out.
"SPLASH"
After that i could,nt keep him out the smellyer the better to him pooo