Some Border collies love water. And I was under the impression that most mammals instinctively know how to swim. However swimming lessons are going slowly with Gunner. Well before adopting Jackie I started working with Gunner in the pool in gradually increasing depths of water from a few inches to just deep enough to dog paddle. Rosco is an accomplished swimmer and will happily dive in to retrieve tennis balls. I discovered with Gunner that he dangles his hind legs and only half-heartedly dog paddles with his front legs— certainly not enough to keep himself afloat. So we’ve been working on that.
Since we’ve made a recent move, we’ve transferred our swimming lessons to a safe beachy area of the Trinity River. In this Texas heat it is a welcome reprieve while out for a stroll. My pre-conceived notion was that herding dogs will hop into water— like ponds or stock tanks— in order to cool off. My previous herding dogs all did this, and loved to swim as well.
Gunner looks suspiciously at any body of water. We know that Gunner was picked up by the city dog pound in Galveston as a stray before being boosted from a high kill shelter by All Border Collie Rescue. Does Gunner have fear related to water since Galveston is on the gulf? I’ll never know but I’ve been very deliberate in introducing Gunner to water and swimming in a fear-free, positive manner.
I’d like to get both Border collies comfortable with swimming, for many reasons including it’s just plain fun, and it’s a great way to cool off and get some exercise. I love this low-impact activity especially for Rosco in his golden years.
The first few times we approached the beach area on the river, I reinforced Jackie for just walking near the water. When she was comfortable with that over a couple days I reinforced her for walking along the water’s edge in the sand. Today for the first time she stepped her front paws into the water so I reinforced that. It is always her decision and if she wants to retreat she is allowed. Gunner is at the point where he will get in up to his belly, and if I’m in with him he will dog paddle with his front legs and let his hind legs dangle, but only enough to turn around to go back to the shore.
It’s going much slower than I expected, and that’s okay because we’re having fun, and getting in some confidence-building education while it is still so hot during the day.
Pearls:
- Some herding dogs are born loving water, some need to be taught to love it
- Give a dog confidence by going slowly and allowing the dog freedom to make their own decisions, and reinforce volunteer behavior incrementally building confidence for the new activity
- A Spaniel out-performing a Border collie? I’m here to tell ya it happens
- Living on a river has proven to be interesting and fun
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