We've been enjoying some great weather lately so we headed to 'Paper Beach' on the weekend, located just off the River Tamar in Northern Tasmania. It's only a half hour drive from home and provides the kids with the opportunity to puddle in the shallows whilst fish spotting and playing fetch with Bailey.
It is also a very popular spot for people to bring their dogs and let them have a swim, so Bailey got to do some serious doggy socializing and off-leash time. He also went for his first swim with a little help and encouragement from my husband!
I read somewhere recently that not all dogs are amphibious. I think I'm like most in assuming that swimming is a skill that most dog naturally possess but apparently this is not so. Some breeds will take to the water more than others such as setters, retrievers and water spaniels but even if your dog has the ability to swim doesn't mean he'll like it. A dislike of swimming could turn to panic and maybe even your pooch sinking like a sack of potatoes.
It is also a very popular spot for people to bring their dogs and let them have a swim, so Bailey got to do some serious doggy socializing and off-leash time. He also went for his first swim with a little help and encouragement from my husband!
I read somewhere recently that not all dogs are amphibious. I think I'm like most in assuming that swimming is a skill that most dog naturally possess but apparently this is not so. Some breeds will take to the water more than others such as setters, retrievers and water spaniels but even if your dog has the ability to swim doesn't mean he'll like it. A dislike of swimming could turn to panic and maybe even your pooch sinking like a sack of potatoes.
Bailey doesn't mind the water at all and enjoyed going in the shallows to fetch his water ball but he wasn't completely comfortable being dropped in the depths. Thankfully, he didn't panic but swam rather smoothly back to the shore! Meanwhile I thought I'd share my recently obtained information with Chris before he attempted too many swimming lessons!
It was great to see Bailey enjoying himself, having time out from working and just messing about exploring and playing with the kids. He behaved well around the other dogs and came back to us when called.
He's had another great week alerting to highs and lows, averaging three to four alerts per day, so he really deserved this time out to relax and have some fun...
It was great to see Bailey enjoying himself, having time out from working and just messing about exploring and playing with the kids. He behaved well around the other dogs and came back to us when called.
He's had another great week alerting to highs and lows, averaging three to four alerts per day, so he really deserved this time out to relax and have some fun...