Our friends Jan and George, through their training center (http://www.yougolittledog.com/), sponsored a "field trip" to the Cozy Inn for some swimming this morning. Jazz has never been swimming before, but we thought it would be great exercise during this incredibly cold weather when we can't be walking or biking.
The Cozy Inn has an awesome facility, but because of insurance regulations, owners are not allowed in the pool area with their dog. Jazz was fortunate to have Jeremiah, one of the technicians at the Cozy Inn, escort her for her swim session. I knew that Jazz wasn't going to just jump right in the pool and start to doggy paddle. While she and Tess enjoy romping in the ocean at the beach, they both prefer to have all four feet firmly planted on the ground while they frolic in the water. Jeremiah fitted Jazz for a life vest and off they went! I was able to observe through big windows in the room next to the pool, so the pictures are a little fuzzy since they were taken through the glass.
Jeremiah was awesome with Jazz and rewarded her with lots of treats for approaching the water.
Hi, Mom!! Jazz quickly figured out that I was on the other side of the window.
Jeremiah did eventually get Jazz into the pool for some honest-to-goodness swimming. He was wonderfully patient with her and I was very pleased with how well Jazz did, considering I took her to a place she's never been before and then handed her over to a stranger, who dunked her in a pool! By the time our session ended, Jazz was voluntarily getting all four paws into the water on the steps of the pool. She didn't actually swim on her own, but I didn't expect that she would on her first try. Her tail wagged the whole time, and I'm looking forward to another swim lesson for her.
Here's a video of Jazz in the pool:
God Bless her little heart!!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I just had to tell you about a book I just finished. It is called "A Dog's Purpose". You need to read it...I HIGHLY recommend it.
Sherri - Thanks for letting me know about the book. I had seen it in a magazine I read, but with your recommendation, I just ordered it from Amazon, along with a couple of obedience books I've been wanting!
ReplyDeleteBTW, loved your Christmas card. The dogs are all looking great!
Let me know how you like it.
ReplyDeleteThat was awesome Lisa. You gotta give it to Jazz, she sure knows how to doggie paddle. I am betting she will learn to love it and then Jim is going to need to put a pool in your yard. Better yet an indoor pool for all year long.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I wish I could take Steeler someplace like that! :-)
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