As you guys may know, we recently lost our Ridgeback and decided to get a lab pup to be part of our clan. He is adjusting well to our heeler/collie dog and at 10 weeks is already showing great strides in obedience and potty training. Took them both down to the lake today but the pup wouldnt have anything to do with the water. Is this normal? For his age? My thought labs would take to water quickly. Should I just be patient and let it happen, our does he have a phobia?

too cold, slow down ..........

too cold, slow down ..........

Way too cold for that young especially. Give it time. Once it warms up, let them try it out on their own, and work up to it.

Make everything fun at this point, and enjoy the puppy stage while it lasts.

When it gets warm enough, you go into the water, make it fun , your pup should follow you with a little coaxing

They will but first exposure can't be that cold. Start this summer when it warms up.

Yes, definitely !!!

I wouldn't be sending a pup in for it's first water time right now. Unless it's a heated pool.

Buzzsaw is exactly right. Wait for it to warm up and take the pup swimming with you. Make it fun.

Thanks guys. I have waited until now when lake is warm and pool is warm. Have been in water with him and he doesn't seem to mind it, but still apprehensive, but not scared. I just expected a lab to jump in the pool from day one. Maybe he will get there, I know there is a big difference between a pool and pond, marsh, lake for hunting. Any advice to get him more comfortable in the water?

Get in w/him, play, fire him up and make it a game. He's a lab, he'll get it.

I just let it happen naturally, and don't pressure the pup to get in the water. Find a place where the water slowly gets deeper, and let them figure it out on their own time. You can walk in the water yourself, or bring another dog that loves water with you.

Cash showing June the ropes.

Nice pics.