HELPING YOUR PET OVERCOME THEIR FEAR OF WATER

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HELPING YOUR PET OVERCOME THEIR FEAR OF WATER
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• While some dogs get super excited at the prospect
  of getting wet, whether having a bath, going for
  a swim or playing with a garden hose, others are
  petrified of water and will do anything to avoid
  it. One fun thing for dogs and their owners to do
  together, is to go to the beach or a lake for a
  dip, but if your pet pooch is frightened of
  getting into the water, what can you do to help
  them overcome their fear?
• Ensure that your dog can get out of the water
  before they go in
• Whether a lake or pool, its important to check
  that your dog can get safely out of the water by
  themselves, should they want/need to. Getting them

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• inmight very well be a battle on its own, but if
  your dog panics once in the water and realises
  that theyre not able to climb out unaided, this
  could spell real trouble for you and your dog.
• Start small
• Paddling pools for children are fantastic for
  introducing dogs of all sizes to water, and with
  no fear of them drowning since they should be
  able to touch the bottom, you can start by
  throwing treats or toys into the water and having
  your pet retrieve them. If your dog is still
  reticent, try holding the treat or toy very close
  to your dogs nose, and then leading them
  gradually into the water.

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• When they have their front paws in the water, you
  can reward them with a treat, and so on, until
  your pooch has all paws in the pool.
• Remain patient with your dog
• Never shout at your pet or punish them during
  this process as youll simply elevate their
  stress levels and make it more of an ordeal for
  your dog than it already is. The process should
  be fun and full of rewards, or a water-shy dog
  will never overcome their fear. Patience also
  means not forcing your dog into the water if
  theyre not responding quickly enough for you
  always try to coax them in with the use of treats
  and toys instead of dragging them.

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• Remember that this is a big deal for your pet
• Overcoming any fear in life is as big a deal for
  dogs as it is for humans, and so never
  underestimate the achievement when your dog makes
  small steps towards becoming a water baby. Praise
  them continually and use positive body language
  to reassure them that they are safe. If youre
  feeling a little tetchy or dont have a lot of
  time to spare, then save the swimming lesson for
  another day.
• Dont assume that your pooch will know how to
  swim!
• NEVER throw your dog into a pool, a lake or the
  ocean and expect them to swim right away the
  chances are that they may panic, flounder, or
  even drown, and if

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• you are able to rescue them, theyre likely to be
  so mentally scarred by the experience that
  teaching them to swim in the future will be so
  much harder.
• If youre not wholly confident about teaching
  your dog to swim, always seek professional
  guidance from someone qualified to help you.
• K9 Second Line has been in business since 2011
  and offering dog walking in New Orleans. We
  provide the best possible care to each of our
  clients. We individualize services to tailor to
  you and your pet's exact needs. If you are
  looking for dog walker in Metairie or New Orleans
  and around, check out our services at
  https//k9secondline.com