My dog is driving me nutso. He's a very intelligent and obediant flat-coated retriever. When we moved to a house with a pool, we wanted to bu sure he waited for us to tell him it was OK to go in... or we would have a soaking wet dog every time we let him out to go potty. So, when we first moved in, we took him to the side of the pool and made him sit for a second... and when we told him "OK--SWIM" he knew it was OK to do so... and in he went! But what has seemed to happen is: he goes in... swims around... then gets out and comes to us asking to go back in! Once we say it's OK, we want him to swim his paws off and not keep asking us. My wife had an idea to buy him a special "swimming collar" (just a regular collar) that we'd put on him any time it's OK for him to swim. He knows what it means when we put it on him... but he still comes out after each round in the pool. (Right now, for example, he is crying at the door awaiting my command to "SWIM!" How do I break him of this??
2007-02-20 08:08:41 · 10 answers · asked by SoCalAgency 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I wouldn't necessarily try to change this habit. He's asking your permission. This is a good thing! He's associated the fact that when he's not in the pool, he needs your permission to go in. Therefore, whenever he gets out, he again needs your permission to enter. To train him just to go in at all times after you've said "okay", is to more or less train him that he can go in any time he sees fit. He's asking your permission because he respects your boundaries. I wouldn't try to train him not to do this. It could open up many other doors for disobedience that have nothing to do with the pool at all. Is it really that difficult to say, "okay"? On the other hand, do you always let him go in when he asks? I wouldn't imagine that you do, but its good to, even when you don't mind, tell him to go lay down once he's gotten out. This will implant the idea that once he's gotten out, he's done, resulting in him possibly staying in for longer periods of time. Other than that, I wouldn't suggest changing anything about his asking to go in. He's only being respectful of your wishes.
2007-02-20 10:11:26 · answer #1 · answered by Lily 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's very nice that you have such a good dog,my weimaraner is 4 years old and he always comes by me if he can go back into the pool unless we throw his toys in the pool I just got used to it,try to do a game out of it it might work :-) Good luck and don't worry if he keeps asking :-)
2007-02-20 16:20:21 · answer #2 · answered by kraska 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My golden retriever jumps into the pool after his tennis ball, and has recently taken to playing with the ball JUST at the edge of the pool until it "accidently" falls in, then he jumps in after it. Maybe kick a ball into the pool (accidently) and see if he takes the bait without you saying "OK".
2007-02-20 16:15:52 · answer #3 · answered by kgbmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have'nt you ever heard to be careful what you wish for?
Be thankful he asks and keep on telling him to swim.It's not like you have to work up a sweat to get him in or out of the pool.
Otherwise get in the pool and swim with him.That's why he keeps getting out and coming to you anyway.He's inviting you to play too.
2007-02-20 21:23:07 · answer #4 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he is trying to get you into the pool with him.
He doesn't like swimming by himself? Wants you to play with him in the water.
Maybe?
2007-02-20 16:31:17 · answer #5 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try getting in the pool with him. He probably won't get out to ask. Stay in the water with him for a while and when you get out, have him stay in and fetch toys.
2007-02-20 16:24:09 · answer #6 · answered by Sue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just throw the ball, but i do have to warn you that dog hair is not good for pool equipment. we tell our new customers this often. so it's a good thing your dog asks....my suggestion is to only allow your dog in the pool once a week.
good luck
2007-02-20 16:18:13 · answer #7 · answered by Stephanie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe get in with him a few times for a good long play so he can get the idea. then see if he will do what you are hoping?
2007-02-20 16:16:30 · answer #8 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful what you ask for... You wanted an obedient dog and now you've got one.
This is why I've got cats....
2007-02-20 16:13:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, what an obedient dog you have. You are very lucky.
I'm not sure you can break him of it.
2007-02-20 16:12:17 · answer #10 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋