My dog, lab collie cross, is not usually very vocal. He barks to go out or in and at squirrels in a tree. However, we have an inground swimming pool in the backyard, where he goes crazy if anyone is swimming. He runs around and around the pool barking loudly. Then he jumps in and swims to anyone swimming in the pool, usually scratching them, before he turns around and swims out. Then he starts the whole thing again. What can we do to get him to calm down when people are swimming?
Hi Janet and thanks for your post. It is not uncommon for labradors and certain other breeds to show agitation while people are swimming. I personally have been "life saved" by a labrador several time while swimming. The easiest way to get around this behavior is to desensitize your dog to swimming by distracting him then praising him while he is ignoring the swimming. Start by having his favorite treat in your pocket and going through his commands and treating by the side of the pool while no one is swimming. If he is concentrating well and not worrying about the water have someone come and sit on the edge of the pool with their legs in. Once he has lost interest in them and is doing his tricks well again get them to stand quietly in the pool. Once he is calm with this have them walk slowly in the pool. Later you can extend all the way out to people swimming and making noise and generally splashing around. Do this training regularly over several sessions. If the dog becomes agitated and runs to the pool get him back and go back a stage. Always end each session on a high note i.e. with him relaxed and concentrating on you. Remember not to may each session too long either or he will just loose interest in you and the tricks.
