Maintaining a level of fitness in your labrador puppy doesn’t have to be difficult.
By introducing him to simple games and exercises, you can give him a strong foundation of physical fitness that will last him a lifetime.
One of the most important areas of fitness you need to focus on is your labrador’s swimming skills. He will have a much easier time being around water if he has already been taught how to swim.
Can Labradors Swim?
Can Labradors swim certainly or do they want to be taught?
Not all Labs can swim, and a few don’t even like being withinside the water. But, in case your Lab has nice studies with water from a younger age, they may in all likelihood love splashing approximately and swimming.
Traits like their double coat, wholesome facial conformation, and webbed paws assist to lead them to excellent swimmers.
If labs begin to swim as pups, they are likely happy and confident swimmers.
Labs, like most other dogs, swim with the dog paddle technique. Getting things out of the water. Although most labs are able to physically swim when in the water, it is not a good idea to just toss your lab in deep water in the hopes that they will swim. stressful for them and can even make them avoid water in the future.
The best way to encourage your lab to swim is to introduce the habit gradually and safely.
When can Labradors start swimming?
It is best to introduce your Labrador to the water when they are young and open to new experiences. However, this does not mean that you should take your 8-week old pup straight to the nearest lake.
You will have to wait for your Labrador puppy to get all of the required vaccinations. This will protect him from health problems like parvovirus. Second, you need to get him into the water very gradually to make sure he doesn’t panic. more than you might first think, which means you first chase a stick over a small puddle.
Gradually increase the amount of water your laboratory likes to pass through until it is a little deeper or a little wider. Be happy, you can raise it. Never let your laboratory jump straight to the deep end – in the truest sense of the word!It can take a few months for your lab to swim happily in deeper water.
Help Your Lab Swim Safely
In addition to the risks of cold water, there are a few other considerations that need to be considered before swimming your lab.
If your lab is in deep water, keep in mind that there may be strong undercurrents and you will lose control. Since many Labradors love to swim, they may not stop until they are completely exhausted.
Not only does this make them vulnerable in deep water, but it can also cause problems like a floppy tail which is very painful for them. After swimming, they hang straight and motionless and may have flexible tails.
This problem usually goes away after a few days, but it’s still stressful for your pup.
And there is a risk of predators if your laboratory swims in the ocean or in natural rivers. Watch out for jellyfish and worse! While swimming, keep an eye on your lab to make sure it’s safe and don’t let it run into the water.
Swimming lessons for Labrador puppies
Before you start working, you will need a few things.
The first thing you need is a shallow pool or pond to start exercising. You can even start tub training if your Labrador Retriever is a small puppy.
You need a generous supply of goodies or your favorite food cut into small pieces. One of the methods also requires a tennis ball and clicker. When you have all of that, just bring patience and a swimsuit and the job can begin!
Fetching Method
STEP 1
Toy Time Spend a few minutes each day playing with a specific toy, such as a tennis ball. Play fetch, tug of war, and arouse him as much as you can. Speaking in a lively, high-pitched voice is sufficient.
STEP 2
Step 1 Now take him to a pool or pond. Start playing fetch by the water. Then after a few tosses, toss the toy on the first step or directly to the water’s edge. it doesn’t automatically jump towards him, cheer him on. To do this, point and speak in a happy voice. It may take a little while to figure it out, but eventually, it will.
STEP 4
Reward When you finally get the toy back, make sure it gets plenty of verbal praise and a tasty treat. The happier you feel afterward, the more you want to play again.
STEP 5
Increase the Depth Now all you need to do is increase the depth gradually. This should be done slowly or you may scare him. So throw it away next time. the second step, then the third, and so on. Practice this several times a week and give him rewards until he is completely comfortable in the water.
The Effective Clicker Method
STEP 1
Make It Clicker Friendly A clicker is a great way to communicate with your Labrador Retriever. Just click every time you correctly perform a behavior or command around the house and indulge yourself immediately. This is your way of giving a signal to your dog. He is fine in the water.
STEP 2
Bathroom Start by getting him used to handling water in the bathroom. There you can play with his favorite toys. Encourage him to play the tug of war and speak in a high voice all the time. This will help him calm down.
STEP 3
Click If he’s interested in water, click to let him know he’s doing the right thing. Then you can quickly deliver a tasty treat. It should be as encouraging as possible, especially when you’re starting out.
STEP 4
When he is comfortable in the bath, take him to the open water in the open air. Again, use toys to encourage play. Throw them there and cheer him on. Play fetch on the click and reward him regularly to reinforce behavior.
STEP 5
Once he is comfortable in the pond, you can let him swim in the lakes or the ocean. Throw a toy or ball tennis to play. Then click every time your dog comes back and keep rewarding.
Only when your dog is comfortable in all waters and doesn’t need to be encouraged to dive should stop using the clicker and deliver goodies regularly.
Training a Labrador Retriever to swim is relatively simple. They are brave and many naturally love water. However, your job is to gradually develop their confidence. To do this, you have to start small and work your way up to dive into the water. Training also depends on finding the right incentive. Like most dogs, Labrador Retrievers feel weak in their knees from anything they can eat. Hence, the right and tasty motivator will play a crucial role. If you are a puppy you have to be ruthless. and eager to please. This means you can see results in just a week or so. As you are older and more cautious, you may need a little more time. It can take up to a month before you are ready to fully brave the waves. If you are successful, you will have the perfect foundation to teach your dog a number of water-related tricks.
