Have you ever thought about water as a dog toy? But truly, it can be! To the right dogs. And who are the right dogs? Dogs who enjoy water. And dogs who enjoy water may enjoy it in different ways. Some like to swim, some like to chase it, and some dogs will fetch from water combining two loves.
Here’s an American Bulldog, Lex, who was a board-and-train at Love Wags A Tail. I didn’t know he was a water chaser until I took out the hose to do my daily watering and he took a dive towards the stream of water. He enjoyed the water game and I enjoyed watching him. This is the kind of ability that would lend to a having a sprinkler in the back yard for chasing during hot summer months.
Dogs who like to fetch may be enticed to fetch from water as is what happened in this video. And with as much as favorite dog toys, a kiddie pool, and a hose, an afternoon of fun was had.
Your dog will let you know what he’s comfortable with when it comes to playing in or with water. Remember, if a dog isn’t interested, do not push him into the water. That will only produce a dog fearful of water and distrustful of the one who pushes him in! When introducing a dog to water, let him take it at his own pace, and this may take a lot of patience over a long period of time, or it may happen faster.
Keep in mind that toys are for fun, and when using water as a dog toy, the dog is the one who should be having fun. If he’s not, it’s not a toy, so pass on the water, and find another game the dog likes to play.
Helen Verte Schwarzmann
Certified in Training and Counseling
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-KA
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Your Dog Trainer for Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Broward County South Florida
By Helen Verte
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