Introduction to Water

[lpk_moe]

At what age do you let your pups start getting into ponds? Do they need to have all their shots first?


Thanks
Daniel

[ezzy333]

I never restricted them so they got in anytime they wanted when it was available

[mnaj_springer]

I'm not sure a restriction is needed. Although avoiding strong currents and heavy cover may not be the best for a young dog/pup.

[lpk_moe]

Thanks. We have a small open pond and I have started taking him to the field where our pond was at just never got close to the pond but will let him explore more thanks again.

[gonehuntin']

Younger the better as long
No as the water's warm and you let them enter naturally. This pup is 9 weeks.

[Swampbilly]

Younger the better as long
No as the water's warm and you let them enter naturally. This pup is 9 weeks.

^^^^
You'd mess your britches ifn' a huge Musky hit that bumper thinking it was a Runt Spook Floater, lol

[gonehuntin']

You're right Swamp, plus, I don't have a musky lure that resembles a Draht!!

[oregon woodsmoke]

Is there any Lepto in your area? If so, dog should be fully vaccinated before going into water.

I won't set my pups onto ground where other dogs or wild canines have been until after the third shot in the series.

[Timewise65]

I agree with most above, let the pup go in on his own, better yet if you have waders and let him follow you in...........but do not take him in cold water for his first swim.....!

I have retrievers and if we get a pup in late fall we wait till late spring to put them around water.....

[polmaise]

At what age do you let your pups start getting into ponds? Do they need to have all their shots first?


Thanks
Daniel

Great replies already Daniel. Always a difficult one to answer unilaterally because of current temperature and or opportunity and different breed types and temperament of both pup and owner ..... I call these 'variables'
As for 'shots/jabs' ..that also depends on your individual area (density of possible infections ) .
But in 'general' ..the best age is the best time for the individual pup and it helps if you get all the conditions just right for that just right time (imo) ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpdsdOmyuA8

[lpk_moe]

Thanks for all the replies. I don't know of any lepto around. We are in Alabama so it's hot here. I have just been taking him over there along with my dad's lab and just let him wonder. He gets close to the water but still isn't sure. I figured doing retriever work with the lab might entice him more. But doing like others have said and just let him do it on his own. Thanks again for all the replies.

[polmaise]

just let him do it on his own. Thanks again for all the replies.

sounds like a plan .
well done