Has anyone ever had a Lab puppy that was afraid of the water? Did he/She grow out of it ?

Question

We just bought a Chocolate Lab pup (4 months) He seems to be afraid of the water. I'm worried that this will be a problem in the future because he was bought as a pet and a hunting dog. My last Lab loved the water from day one and was an excellent retrever. Any comments?

Answer 1

I had a lab who absolutely hated the water,. Of course, the night I brought her home, it was dark and she walking around the yard smelling everything, and walked right into the swimming pool before I could stop her. It was kind of funny, but she hated the water ever since.

I think m the majority of labs love the water, but my dog was an exception. Give him some time. He's still young, and I'm sure he'll love it before long. I think if my own dog had been walking into a puddle or lake instead of a pool, she wouldn't have been so afraid.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Not sure about retrivers but I have a hound dog mix pup. She hated going into the swimming pool but would get in b/c she was all alone on the pool deck however when I brought her to a lake where she could walk into and feel the bottom she loved it she played for hours in the water w/ me. I think he/she will grow out of it just keep working w/ him/her so that she is comfortable w/ her surrondings bring some of her fav toys w/ you when you are in the water and alway remember that if she is scared to make her feel that she can get out of the water at any time she wants not that you are making her stay in the water. See if that helps any.

Answer 3

I have had a yellow lab, that at 5-7 months, was afraid of the water. At around 8 months, she was finally becoming okay with it. Then, a friend's dog accidentally tried to drown her and now she is scared of even bath time.

Answer 4

My friends have a lab/huskie/retriever cross that hates the water. She fell into the ice as a puppy and some kids tried to drown her is why. Perhaps your dog also had a traumatic experience with water?

Answer 5

Labs love water, unfortunately today's breeders don't breed for hunting and retrieving most think they are going to win a dog show and breed for big dogs or something like that you can blame a water hating lab on people who don't understand dogs. like the Irish setters they don't hunt hunt any more most golden retrievers are bred for looks this absolutely ruins breeds Good Luck duck hunting with a dog that wont swim

Answer 6

in basic terms like with something new, introduce small quantities and slowly. If he's fearful of the water, perhaps it is via fact he would not have the arrogance and protection so as that he feels secure. attempt getting him a domestic dog existence jacket and introduce him with the help of tiers with a small plastic pool which you will set up interior the backyard yet in basic terms placed somewhat water in in the commencing up, perhaps sufficient to cover his paws yet nevertheless placed the existence jacket on him so he starts off to associate the jacket with the water. boost the water quantity each couple of days till the pool is comprehensive. ultimately, he would be swimming with the jacket on and than sooner or later he won't want the jacket. Treats for accomplishment are additionally solid so as that he could additionally associate a solid factor with overcoming his worry.

Answer 7

Have you tried taking him into the water with you? Even if you put on a pair of wellies or waders and just go out to knee deep with him on a lead & reward him for coming with you.

One of my dogs (a Lab X) refused to go near water until the day she spied me swimming in the river and decided that she was being left behind...now I can't keep her out of the water!

Answer 8

One of my labs HATES water, and always has, she won't go near it, its her personality she is stubborn as a mule, and he might be the same way, you might not get him to like water, do you know if any one of his parents hated water? Sometimes it's passed through the line.