My Newf won't get in the pool

[ksullivan]

My Newf is one year old, and will not get in the pool unless we pull him in.
My daughters Golden Retriever is always in the pool, and he watches her, and likes her. We thought that would help, but it hasn't. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. He feels good when he gets out because it cools him down, I just don't know what to do.
Thanks!!!!!

[GYPSY JAZMINE]

I'm sure you've probably already tried this but how about engaging him in play with one of his favorite toys & when he gets good & excited about getting it throw it in the pool...Maybe he'll go after it if he's excited enough about it.

[newflvr]

Here's what another Newf owner explained to me because my Newfs are the same...scared to death of the pool....but SO happy in the ocean, lakes and streams (and their water bowl!).  They can't see the surface of the pool!!!  That's it!  So when you try to coax him in to the pool, it's like you are coaxing him to jump off a 5 foot cliff!  (or deeper!!)  She suggested that we just take it slow, to start at the top step and just ease him down step by step.  She's actually building a pool with a ramp in instead of stairs (to do water therapy for injured dogs) so that problem will go away.

[ksullivan]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I am going to try treats, I haven't tried that yet, and the story of the pool, and the different look than the ocean makes sence. We live on a lake, but I have the invisible fence set where he can't get into it, because of dragging up dead fish, etc. Our lake isn't as clean as alot due to a resort area.
Thanks again for all the info.
ksullivan

[jabear]

I totally agree with newflvr! Bear won't diveinto the pool even though he loves to swim. He goes nuts when we jump into the pool and finally did a version of a dive but for the most part he walks in. Good luck!

[nickerbokker]

well cody just falls in.  doesn mean to, but when he's by a pool, he slips and crashes in.  then cant remember how to swim. 

consider yourself lucky LOL

[jabear]

We have to have a playdate when we go to see Natty. All doggies in the water!

[mona]

We had a wonderful Newf who lived to be 12.5 years old - and she never got in the pool.  Eventually she would climb into the tub for a bath, but that was it!  We took her to the ocean, to ponds, bought her a kiddie pool for the back yard, took her to watch water trials, discussed getting in touch with her ethnic heritage with her, went swimming with hotdogs in our hands....  and she just never liked the water.  No, she wasn't traumatized in her youth either.  Our next newfie  loved the beach, ponds, and tipping over her water bucket for that surf's up experience.    Maybe you just got a lovable weird one, like we did!

[nickerbokker]

We have to have a playdate when we go to see Natty. All doggies in the water!

um.....ok

[ksullivan]

Koda is finally getting into the pool sometimes with my daughters Golden Retriever, and swimming beside her. He will go down the steps with me when I have a leash on him. He is still a little reluctant, but does enjoy the swim when I get him in.
K Sullivan

[sarnewfie]

first i didnt read the replies.
are the steps slippery?
is the area around the pool slippery?
put a ski belt around his loin area, to start, than once swimming well take it off, let him swim three minutes with it on, than take it off
build his confidance up
he needs to learn an unnatural body of water is safe.
maybe take him to a lake for a few times than to the pool

[LoveNewfies]

A ski belt - what a great idea!  Of all the things I've tried, I've never thought of that.  While Jillian loves to play in the water, she's terrified to actually go out and swim - we didn't get her as a young pup so we don't know if she was traumatized as a pup or not.  I'll have to give that a try!!

[lins_saving_grace]

koax him in with treats.

[sarnewfie]

i doubt it was trauma
i would be willing to bet this newf was not socialized properly as a young pup
was the pup in a barn with straw?
a kennel?
my pups are in my living room, until 10 weeks of age
they are socializing with the adults i have on a daily basis learning submission and bite inhibition, people visit tthem on a daily basis.
i would be willing to bet, the fears are those instilled from not properly raised by a breeder who is totally dedicated to them.
just a guess and not a bash to your breeder....