| lisaly | 07-20-2010 08:23 PM |
I had three Yorkies who loved to swim in the pool or jump in and float around on a raft when they were younger. When they got much older, they became a little more fearful, but still liked the water on their terms. Maybe just now in the beginning, hold her closely to you, and make Dharma feel secure. With my three little girls, I worked on getting them to swim to the stairs of the pool once they were able to swim. Each time I put them in the pool, I put them in a different area, faced a different way. I was right there ready to jump in if they needed me. They knew how to swim at this point, but I wanted to make certain that they could orient themselves and be able to find their way to the steps and be able to swim to safety. When you do start swimming with Dharma, you can be there holding her above the water and allow her to paddle her legs. I didn't use life jackets with them because I was right there with them. With the three of them, I only had to jump in two times to rescue them when they fell into the pool and went deep into the water. They came up on their own, and I wanted them to see that they could, but I also wanted them to see that I was right there for them and that they didn't need to worry. I never let them go by the pool without me being there with them. They loved walking along the edge, and sometimes one of them would push the other one in. It was never dull with three of them, and it was always fun and there was love all around. My little Gracie, our youngest baby, ran to the door several times a day and barked to let us know she wanted to go out. She ran to the pool, hopped into the stairs, swam around a bit, and then tore out of the pool and ran around the yard. She did this many times during the day just to cool herself off and play. She was an amazing little dynamo, who was so full of love and personality. Give your beautiful Dharma some time, and I'm sure she will love swimming with you. She's still a baby, and all of this is so new for her. Enjoy her! I am very happy for you. | 