Pool Safety: Learn to Wait Your Turn!

Swimming is an exciting time for dogs–really, really exciting for most! Staying calm around the pool is essential for enjoying the pool safely:

Learn to Wait Your Turn!
by Stephanie M. Colman of Caninestein Dog Training

It’s important to teach your dog to remain calm when others are swimming and he has to stay back at the cabana. Many dogs want to excitedly race around the exterior of the pool, barking madly while watching their favorite humans take a dip. It’s hard for dogs to not be right smack in the middle of all the fun!

If you don’t want him racing around the pool in bark-fest mode, try not to ever let him practice. When you wish to have some dog-free pool time, consider confining your dog indoors where he can’t see the pool activity, and be sure to give him something wonderful like a favorite chew bone or other consolation prize.

Additionally, set up training sessions where one person works the dog (leashed, with wonderful treats in-hand) while another casually enjoys the pool. Reward generously for calm poolside behavior.

Tomorrow: Water In, Water Out

Stephanie Colman shares her life with Zoie, a Whippet and Quiz, a Golden Retriever and can be reached at StephanieColman@sbcglobal.net.

Photo courtesy Stephanie Colman and Caninestein Dog Training

Related posts:

1. Pool Safety for Dogs: Pool Steps
2. Pool Safety: Pool Covers: Tragedy in the Making
3. Pool Safety for Dogs: Easy Does It
4. Pool Safety: Teaching Your Dog to Swim
5. Pool Safety for Dogs: Knowing When to Say When