How to Introduce a Retriever to Water

Retrievers are a type of sporting dogs that were bred purposely for retrieving game for the hunter. Since most retrievers were typically used for waterfowl hunting, these dogs should naturally be predisposed to love water. Indeed, several retrievers are equipped with characteristics such a water-repellent coat or webbed paws to make them adept at their work. If you happen to stumble upon a retriever that dislikes water or is fearful of it, you may successfully introduce it to water be following some easy steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Retrieving dummy
  • Bathing suit
  • Pond or lake
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start on a nice warm day when the water is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the air temperature is around 85 degrees. The best places to introduce your retriever dog to water are ponds or lakes with shallow water. Still water is preferable than a beach, since the waves crashing against the shore and their pulling motion may easily intimidate dogs.

    • 2
      Most puppies and dogs will follow the owner into the water.

      Wear your bathing suit and wade out into the water. Encourage your dog to follow you, calling its name and luring it in with the retrieving dummy. Most dogs will follow when they notice their owner at a distance. Praise and reward your retriever dog by letting him have the retriever dummy.

    • 3
      Start asking to retrieve near the shore.

      Avoid forcing your dog into the water if it is too hesitant. Go gradually, have patience, and give it time. Start by going by the the shore and wriggling the retrieving dummy into the shallow water at the shore and encouraging your dog to play with it. Get your retriever gradually wet with a few small splashes; have fun playing together.

    • 4
      Gradually ask to retrieve in deeper waters.

      Start gradually playing in the deeper waters. Make sure to make the whole experience fun and exciting. Start tossing the retrieving dummy in the deeper water and praise your retriever for retrieving it. Increase the distance and see if your dog will go belly-deep.

    • 5
      With a little encouragement your retriever will love to swim.

      Continue tossing the retrieving dummy further out until your dog will be forced to swim. If your dog refuses to do so, get into the water and start luring it to you with the retrieving dummy. Instinctively, your dog knows how to swim so it should not have problems with that. Once your dog associates the water with pleasure, it will be on the way to loving water and making a great water dog.