12/20/2024
๐๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ
As temperatures drop, itโs time to think carefully about water training. Cold water combined with physical, mental, or e-collar pressure can stress your dog, potentially creating an aversion to water. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ
Dogs may jump into chilly water, but that doesnโt mean itโs safe for training. Stick to water temperatures above 68ยฐF for comfort. Below 65ยฐF, evaluate your setup and adjust for lower-stress training. Below 55ยฐF? Skip the water work altogether.
๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
Monitor more than water temperature. Wind, cloud cover, and air temperature impact your dogโs ability to stay warm. If youโd feel chilled in light clothing, itโs not a good day for water training.
๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง
Start every session with a brisk 5-minute walk to get your dogโs blood flowing. Finish by toweling them off and taking a slow 10-minute walk on lead to prevent stiffness.
๐๐๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง
Choose low-stress drills that minimize mental, physical, or e-collar pressure. Keep swim distances short (under 75 yards) and avoid setups requiring complex decisions, like shoreline blinds or double down-the-shore marks.
๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ญ, ๐๐จ๐งโ๐ญ
Cold water isnโt worth the risk. Taking the time to evaluate conditions and make wise choices can prevent setbacks.
Stay safe and train smart as the season changes. Happy training!