Nothing better than a morning swim on a crisp, autumn day – according to Rocco, at least.
A lot of people ask me how I taught him to swim. Usually, those asking are frustrated owners whose dogs just refuse to go in the water. My best advice is to simply let it go. The dogs can sense our frustration and we’ll accomplish quite the opposite – make them suspicious or even resentful of water and swimming.
I’ve never, in my wildest dreams, thought that Rocco would pick up swimming. As a yearling he was curious but scared, so he would wade close to the shore, making sure the water doesn’t go past his ankles. His curiosity and need to “out-do” other dogs made him go deeper and deeper, until one day he fell off a rock into the deep water and had no other option but to swim. He was almost two at that time. Ever since then he’s been a water husky.
I love going into the water all year round – it’s lovely!
A water Husky! Mine never went into the water except to fall into the pool the first time they came to the house – happened a couple of times. I did have one that would lie on the steps of the pool in hot weather, body submerged, head resting on the edge. It’s gorgeous where you live!
I’m sure Rocco would love to have a pool! I would probably have a hard time dragging him out of it 🙂 We’re in Vancouver BC, it is truly a very special place.