Teaching a Dog to Swim: A Photo Essay

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By AC Gaughen

Bella Learns to Swim

So, in trying to teach his dog to swim, my dad had to go through various trial and error methods, including figuring out a way to get her in and out of the boat. Check out the photos below to see what happens!

An excited Bella is eager to get on the boat.
An excited Bella is eager to get on the boat.
Not sure what to expect, she's checking everything out.
Not sure what to expect, she's checking everything out.
For her own safety (and because prior experience has indicated she cannot innately swim) Bella gets a life jacket.
For her own safety (and because prior experience has indicated she cannot innately swim) Bella gets a life jacket.
Bella isn't sure about swimming yet, so when we anchor she sticks to the shore.
Bella isn't sure about swimming yet, so when we anchor she sticks to the shore.
She's interested in the water, though.
She's interested in the water, though.
Finally, with Dad's help, Bella baby decides to tackle some swimming.
Finally, with Dad's help, Bella baby decides to tackle some swimming.

Safety First!

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Though you can't see it here, my dad built a ramp for her to climb up into the boat.
Though you can't see it here, my dad built a ramp for her to climb up into the boat.
Bella gets her footing.
Bella gets her footing.
Bella is very thrilled to be safely back on board
Bella is very thrilled to be safely back on board
This was her face when I asked if she wanted to go swimming again.
This was her face when I asked if she wanted to go swimming again.
Isn't she a pretty girl?
Isn't she a pretty girl?
Bella's very happy to be back on dry land.
Bella's very happy to be back on dry land.

Comments

CherylTheWriter profile image

CherylTheWriter 3 years ago

I have to admit she doesn't seem happy in that photo of her swimming! Let us know how this progresses, okay?

When we took our two dogs to the beach, Worf was thrilled until he walked into the waves and got his front paws wet. At that point he seemed to decide that this was just some enormous bathtub and all our picnic efforts were simply a ruse to get him therein, and he promptly turned around and dragged me back to the car.

AC Gaughen profile image

AC Gaughen Hub Author 3 years ago

Haha she's a little skittish in the deep water, as long as it's shallow she's madly in love with it, which is kind of funny. My other dog (star of the raisin hub) really loves the water--she would never come out if she could figure out how to feed herself!

guidebaba profile image

guidebaba 3 years ago

Nice man. I had lot of fear in swimming. Later I learnt it. Now I cross rivers when we go for some picnic at the river bank.

almasi profile image

almasi 15 months ago

Beautiful hub. I love how you integrated the amazon capsule.

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