Happy World Animal Day!
Are you familiar with the Lassie-effect? Research teaches us that when big people own a big dog, they lose their extra kilos big time due to the walking-duty. However, the same scholars stated that 40% of the people do not walk with their dog on daily basis
Well, we have the solution for both your ferry friend and you: Stand Up Paddling with your doggy! No matter how big, hairy or wrinkly your dog is; just put him in the front of your paddleboard! He will love it.
Warning! Certain breeds will not stay on there for long because they seriously love to swim (after SUP of course).
Top 10 swimmers
1. Labrador retriever
2. Cheaspeake Bay retriever
3. Newfoundland
4. Poodle
5. Portuguese water dog
6. Lagotto Ramagnolo
7. Irish Water Spaniel
8. Spanish Water Dog
9. Flat-Coated Retriever
10. Barbet
But the vast majority of dogs will love to swim. If you have the scared exception, we have some tips for you.
Don’t
1. Cesar Millan said it many times, because it’s true. You’re the leader and your dog looks up to you. So if you act like water is something that needs to be avoided, your dog will register the water as something dangerous. When you arrive, head down to the water, get on your SUP and show your dog how fun the water is (because it is).
2. Try to avoid the ‘accidental’ entry in the water, like on a slippery dog.
3. Do not force your dog! Do not push, pull or drag him when he not wants to.
Do
1. Pick a warm day!
2. Select a quite location without (high) waves and with a gradual slope. Throw a stick and your dog find himself swimming (surprise-effect).
3. Your dog needs a way to get out at all times.
4. Take some water-loving dogs with you. Seeing other doggies play in the water, makes him less frightening.
5. Have treats and toys with you, to reward your dog if he behaved like a big dog
Other tips:
- Play in the water and lure your dog with whatever his favorites are. If he has swum a few meters, reward him and swim back with your dog. Repeat this a few times.
- If you dog swims vertically – try to motivate your dog to swim straight to a ball or treat so they experience that swimming horizontally is simply easier.
If nothing works…
If your dog is little, carry him to a point in the water where he needs to swim. Set him in the water (gently), and let him swim to the shore. Support him while swimming, not on the shore. Repeat this a few times.
Jobe celebrates world animal day
To help your cuddle friend to save his energy and yours too, spoil him with this cute >neoprene dog vest<. After he had his splashing fun, hold him close with this >cool dog leash<, that looks like a waterski handle.
Happy world animal day! - Jobe
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