Going to the river this weekend

[Ddski5]

We are going to a camp on the Bogue Chitto River this weekend and am very excited to be taking Ragnar.

We have been training all week on him riding on back of my 4wheeler. He does not like it, but will stay on command. This will be only if needed, otherwise, I am sure he will be happy running alongside.

Was wondering if y’all have any ideas on how to introduce him to going into the water- will find a shallow spot for him.

He has never been truly submerged or been exposed to any water above his legs so this will be a new experience.

Ideas? Suggestions?

 

[Gelcoater]

We are going to a camp on the Bogue Chitto River this weekend and am very excited to be taking Ragnar.

We have been training all week on him riding on back of my 4wheeler. He does not like it, but will stay on command. This will be only if needed, otherwise, I am sure he will be happy running alongside.

Was wondering if y’all have any ideas on how to introduce him to going into the water- will find a shallow spot for him.

He has never been truly submerged or been exposed to any water above his legs so this will be a new experience.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Our family had a golden retriever that liked riding ATV’s.

I’d get her to sit in the seat in front of me, front paws on the tank.
Then she’d push back into me.

On water, you could try coaxing with treats.
Personally I find they accept the whole thing easier if they see another dog(s) doing it first.
Then the desire to compete kicks in, next thing you know, keeping him out of the water at inappropriate times will be your challenge.

 

[LifeofRubie]

How much fun that will be!

Let him check it out and get comfortable. If you can have someone out there with him, all the better.

Rubie does not swim of her own accord but she knows HOW to swim, which is important for safety, I think. We practiced in my SILs pool when Rubie was younger.

I'm sure he'll love splashing around! He might only be interested in going in up to his chest or he might full on try and swim! Just have fun with him and make sure he doesn't get in over his head!

 

[Ravenbird]

Have fun! I'll bet if you go in Ragnar will come with you. If he loves toys, there are floating ones that you could toss in the shallow water and see how it goes. He may just surprise you. I wouldn't force it, just have fun! We'll expect pictures, you know.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

My two watched a flat coated retriever go in after their ball and decided that they wanted the ball too and in they went.

It was a shallow beach type walk in and I started throwing the ball further each time and they started going into deeper water and struggling to swim until they finally got their rhythm going.
Now it’s a huge effort to keep them out of the water.

Both Bogie and Bacall will get in and swim laps and race each other. Needless to say I have to keep the gate access to the pool locked otherwise they would be in it 24/7.

 

[Lizbeli]

Honestly I just used Jaspers favorite ball to get him in. Just threw it in water that was only a few inches deep. I Eventually threw it far enough to make him swim. However I think he naturally likes the water. He wasn’t really scared and pretty happy to swim so it only took a few ball tosses to get him fully in.

 

[Kaiser2016]

How fun! Don’t forget the bug spray!

Toss his favorite ball along the water line at first and then slowly increase how far in it goes. If it gets caught in a little wave and he goes after it, he’ll think it was all his idea Kaiser was lured by a discarded slurpee cup lol, so maybe try a few different things. If he doesn’t want to go near the water at all, you’re going to have to lead the way, then they have no problem following you.

 

[Rits]

How fast is the river current? Just be careful, even a strong swimmer like a lab can have trouble with a strong current. Maybe get a lifejacket just in case while he learns. Another dog that's a confident swimmer helps. Otherwise you can go out a little and call him. Don't think toy drive will send him in. The unsureness of water is a stronger drive not to be underestimated. Ask me how many $15 toys I've lost to know.

 

[GennyB]

As the owner of many river rat dobes I agree a lifejacket is a great idea. Dogs don't understand not to fight the current so a lifejacket may at least keep his head above water if he gets in trouble.
I haven't really ever done anything special to get my dogs to enjoy the river except don't push them. I walk out in the river, if the dog follows fine, if not maybe next time. Eventually they do. In our case they almost have to. We have 2 boats and a lot of our spare time is spent on the river.

 

[Gelcoater]

One more vote for a PFD for Ragnar.
Wise investment.

 

[Gelcoater]

two watched a flat coated retriever go in after their ball and decided that they wanted the ball too and in they went

Daisy was at my moms pool and saw the golden retrievers doing what they live to do, lol.
I took her out once I think. Showed her where the stairs are to get out.
After that it was just coaxing with a ball.

I’m pretty sure simple jealousy got her in. Those bitches weren’t going to do something she couldn’t do.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

This is the life vest I have for my two when we are in the ocean.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Daisy was at my moms pool and saw the golden retrievers doing what they live to do, lol.
I took her out once I think. Showed her where the stairs are to get out.
After that it was just coaxing with a ball.

I’m pretty sure simple jealousy got her in. Those bitches weren’t going to do something she couldn’t do.

Competition seems to work every time.
This breed is highly competitive. Lol

 

[JanS]

Have fun! I agree that a lifejacket would be a good idea and it helps them feel more confidant. I haven't tried with Della but with Albert I just led him in on a leash and he was happy to come in as far as I went.

 

[Lizbeli]

So I think we will all agree that this is the one you need to get for your dobershark...

 

[Ddski5]

I was very pleased today he did not take that much coaxing to get up on the 4wheeler. Seemed a little more at ease too.

I really don’t think the bull in him is going to like the water. Not this time at least. But then again, the family says that he will follow me anywhere.

He is going to absolutely shit to be way out in the woods like that.

I will make sure and take pictures.

 

[Gelcoater]

Side bar question.

What 4 wheeler are you riding?
I’ve got a few.

 

[Ddski5]

Nothing special Gel.
1980 something Honda 300 FourTrax.

I bought that thing about 25 years ago. I sure am glad that I got it before they all went electronic and automatic.

I do believe I would be lost with all the electronic stuff now a days. With this one, I am able to clean the carb and do all the service/maintenance myself. Also light enough in which if I happen to high center, I can get off and lift/move it myself.

I use to be a really big duck/deer hunter before my girls started to stop me at the door and ask me to stay home- and one day they won... I stopped going.

That 4wheeler sat for years. I just got it out, cleaned carb, changed plug and fluids, new battery. Started right up and runs well. Will see this weekend when I put it to the real test.

 

[Ddski5]

 

[Kaiser2016]

I really don’t think the bull in him is going to like the water. Not this time at least. But then again, the family says that he will follow me anywhere.

We were hiking near a wider, almost-rushing river one time and I didn’t expect Kaiser to take any interest. I found a safe shallow spot to wash my hands and Kaiser came to check it out. So sometimes it really is a matter of letting them follow you. Agree with @GennyB that not pushing them is important.