Swimming...

[CrazyMare]

That's good to know! I often wonder if I'm too blame as I didn't learn to swim until 2015! Doesn't help that I'm sinker by nature 😂😂

I tried persuading mine by swimming myself but they thought I was mental. I'm quite a strong swimmer and confident in the water.

I have to say, two greyhounds swimming together were not at their most elegant and they were seriously cross about the wash off afterwards!!

 

[Kat_Bath]

Success! We went to Millarochy Bay first thing this morning and we did swimming! It was lovely and quiet, save for a couple of bemused people who had the most puzzling look on their face when we just walked straight out into the water in our PE kit 😂😂

He is quite happy to go up to his tummy anyway so we did a few retrieves and then went in with him. He came in to get his ball almost until he could touch the bottom, at which point I just touched the handle on his harness and that must've given him confidence to just sort of leap for the ball and swim. He swam around me and then back towards the shore, still swimming even though he could touch the bottom, which is good. We just did that 3-4 times, with a few dry land retrieves inbetween, so it was definitely fun and games. Then we went for a walk in to Balmaha and got breakfast. He was in and out of the water the whole way which was really lovely to see.

He was obviously very proud of himself and there was only once where he splashed a bit too much. He looked quite at ease

I think we'll go again in the next couple of weeks to reaffirm and then try somewhere else. We all had a lot of fun and it was so nice to see him do something which I think he's wanted to do for a while.

I'm so glad I asked so thank you all for your help and advice. Sadly no videos or photos for obvious reasons - I did nearly put my phone in my pocket but glad I didn't as I nearly fell over once or twice 😂

 

[Roxylola]

Oh clever lad

 

[Pearlsasinger]

We have had a lot of Labs (parents bred them) but we have also had x-breeds, JRTs, Border Collie and Rotters, they have all been able to swim, even if some enjoyed it more than others. But I would encourage everyone to be cautious with their dog around water, just as you would be with your child.

Canals *are* dangerous places to mess around near, the water can be very deep and steep. I would make sure you only let your dog in the water where you know he can walk out easily. We had a Lab who was very stubborn, who struggled to get a massive branch out of a loch and would NOT leave it until she was extremely tired. Fortunately sense eventually prevailed, just before Dad went in to fetch her.

 

[Kat_Bath]

We have had a lot of Labs (parents bred them) but we have also had x-breeds, JRTs, Border Collie and Rotters, they have all been able to swim, even if some enjoyed it more than others. But I would encourage everyone to be cautious with their dog around water, just as you would be with your child.

Canals *are* dangerous places to mess around near, the water can be very deep and steep. I would make sure you only let your dog in the water where you know he can walk out easily. We had a Lab who was very stubborn, who struggled to get a massive branch out of a loch and would NOT leave it until she was extremely tired. Fortunately sense eventually prevailed, just before Dad went in to fetch her.

I'm with you on this - I'd rather he only went out in water I could get in myself and it only seems fair. I'm also not too concerned that he may only have the confidence to swim if we're in with him because it should hopefully mean he is less likely to go off and take himself for a swim and get into danger. To be fair though, he doesn't stray far from us on a walk when he's just roaming so I think we'll be OK.

I just can't believe how good he was today - I'm so chuffed. Luckily, he's not stubborn so we should be OK on that front!

 

[Kat_Bath]

Apologies for this post putting my thread back to the top when it's old news but I just wanted to update as I know some were watching this.

Following our trip to Millarochy Bay, we were on Arran for the day this weekend, taking my friend who came up to visit from Bristol. I read on a Facebook group someone saying that fresh water is denser than saltwater so they are naturally more buoyant in the sea (is this true?!) and thought this would be the perfect opportunity for a quick dip so I rolled up my shorts (turns out to be quite tricky but luckily they were quick drying anyway 😂) and waded in.

Harvey came with me and literally threw himself in and went for a short swim. I didn't even have a ball! Although I was still attached to the treat bag 😂

We went in 3-4 times and each time he came in without any encouragement - he was even ahead of me a couple of times! I think he would have gone in to fetch a toy a bit further but we weren't that prepared. Also, I'm quite happy for him to not be unintentionally gulping down mouthfuls of seawater when he opens his mouth to get a toy. Also, I'm just happy that he is getting more confident - I don't really want him to take himself off for a swim.

Thanks again to everyone who replied to this thread originally

 

[Clodagh]

Apologies for this post putting my thread back to the top when it's old news but I just wanted to update as I know some were watching this.

Following our trip to Millarochy Bay, we were on Arran for the day this weekend, taking my friend who came up to visit from Bristol. I read on a Facebook group someone saying that fresh water is denser than saltwater so they are naturally more buoyant in the sea (is this true?!) and thought this would be the perfect opportunity for a quick dip so I rolled up my shorts (turns out to be quite tricky but luckily they were quick drying anyway 😂) and waded in.

Harvey came with me and literally threw himself in and went for a short swim. I didn't even have a ball! Although I was still attached to the treat bag 😂

We went in 3-4 times and each time he came in without any encouragement - he was even ahead of me a couple of times! I think he would have gone in to fetch a toy a bit further but we weren't that prepared. Also, I'm quite happy for him to not be unintentionally gulping down mouthfuls of seawater when he opens his mouth to get a toy. Also, I'm just happy that he is getting more confident - I don't really want him to take himself off for a swim.

Thanks again to everyone who replied to this thread originally

Great news. . Mine is a nightmare at the beach - sets off for Iceland.

 

[Kat_Bath]

Great news. . Mine is a nightmare at the beach - sets off for Iceland.

😂 Am a touch worried about that but if he does start getting keen then he can be on a long line for some guidance.