Swimming Lessons

So we have a 5 year old (nearly 6) Standard Poodle that hasn't been a fan of going in the water.  In many ways, how lucky for us.  I mean, who wants to deal with drying and brushing out a 65lb wet bundle of fur every time it goes in the water.


And try to imagine washing the dog in an RV.  We don't have a bathtub, it's a corner shower with a glass door and 2 inch lip to enter.  So if I try to use the indoor shower, I have to get the dog in the shower enclosure, have plenty of towels on the floor for the water that will come back at me, etc.  Most of the time, when Rugby needs to bath, we use our outdoor shower and let the water go where it wants.  Because of outside distractions this bathing process is a 2 person job - one to wash (and get wet) and the other to hold the dog.


Generally when we've gone for a walk along the lake/ocean/river/pond with Rugby, he's been on leash and has not shown any interest in going in the water.  In fact he much prefers to bark at waves as they reach the shoreline.  We've got lots of videos over the years of Rugby racing back and forth barking at water.

While at the Longhorn RV Resort in Dubois, WY, we've taken numerous daily walks alongside the Wind River.  We watch the water as it flows over shallow rock beds and through deep cuts along the bank.  (Many folks who come to the RV park go fishing and we've seen them catch Brook and Rainbow Trout).  Rugby hasn't given much thought to the water rushing by as we walk alongside it, other than to try to grab an occasional stick that is stuck along the shore.


About 2 weeks ago, while on one of our walks, Chuck took a few steps in to the river to see how Rugby would react.  Sure enough, Rugby started his barking and racing back and forth on the shore wanting his Man to get out.  Chuck and I traded places (me in water and him on shore with Rugby) and I was insulted, Rugby just watched me. No barking, no racing back and forth, just watching.





The other day Chuck had Rugby on leash and they were alongside the river. Chuck stepped in and we were both surprised that Rugby followed right in with him.  They stood on the rock bed with the river flowing rapidly past them for a short bit and then came back on the shore.  The next day, it was Rugby who led Chuck in to the river.



Yesterday was my turn. I opted to have Rugby off leash though as Chuck had nearly lost his balance the day before when Rugby kept circling him as they walked on the slippery rocks.  I wanted my hands free to help in my balance.  Rugby sure seemed to enjoy himself, running and jumping in the water, looking for submerged sticks he could pull up.

Because the river's water is so clean and clear, and because we've been letting Rugby go in the water around noontime and the weather is hot and windy, he's been able to dry off outside.  And there's no wet doggie smell either.    Lucky us!