Clover doesn't like water :(

[Sowa]

I've taken her to the beach a few times and she won't go in. I even got her a kiddy pool for the yard. I use lots of treats when she goes around it/a paw or 2 in it. but she just isn't interested. I really really want a dog I can take to the beach and go swimming with me. Is there anything I can do so she'll like water?

[Taz_Zoee]

When we first got Zoee she didn't like water either. My parents had just drained their pool and were starting to fill it up again. So there was just a little water at the deep end. My niece took Zoee and taught her how to swim. Now you can't keep her out of the pool when she goes to my moms.

Taggart was scared of the pool when we first got him. I think partially because my niece (the same one that taught Zoee) forced him to go in a few times. He'll go in on the first or second step, but only if he's after Zoee. She gets in and swims around just to get away from him. Even in the kiddy pool in our backyard he will only stand in it and stick his nose in the water. Zoee lays in it, but he won't.

My suggestion is just to expose her to water any chance you can get. And make it a fun experience. It will help if you can get in the water with her, like a large pool. I think she's still young enough that you can get her use to the water. Just don't get discouraged and give up. Keep at it and make her think water is the most fun thing in the world.

Good luck!!

[luvofallhorses]

Maybe she's afraid what it is? Does she like baths? Just try to encourage her to like it. Some labs just don't like water, lol.

[Varga]

I would love for my Taggart to learn how to like water too. My boy is so finicky that he doesn't even step in puddles, lol.

Anyway, Taz_Zoee's suggestion is probably the way to go. Especially keeping the kiddie pool available.
I would not try and get her into deeper and colder water just yet (beaches, lakes etc.) considering she's so young and you definitely do not want her to have a bad experience with water at this age

[Sowa]

I have given her a couple baths cause she gets really dirty sometimes. And she doesn't like it. I try to make it positive but...I don't really know how??

As for the kiddy pool, I had lots of treats and toys. I tried to show her it was fun but either she didn't care or she was afraid. She got in it on her own to get a treat once. I gave her a ton of treats and praise. But she jumped right out after she ate her treats. She runs around the pool barking if there is a toy in it that she wants. But she won't go in.

She does the same at the beach. If I go in, she stands at the shore barking. Sometimes it's hot, and the water is actually kinda warm.

How should I be making it fun for her? If she is afraid (she is of bathes) how do I make her not afraid? With the bath, I just use a small container to pour the water over her. So I'm not using a hose or anything that puts "pressure" on her. I hope I can show her it's ok!

[luvofallhorses]

Does she like to play ball? You can start filling up the kiddie pool a little bit throw her ball in there and see if she gets it or put some yummy treats in there. My dog Dixie will get her ball or treats out of the pool but won't get in. Make it as positive as you can. As she gets older, she may like it. She is pretty young right now so there's still hope!