Golden Retriever Shows Hesitant Rescue Husky the Fun of Swimming

When an adult dog experiences something new, they may initially show signs of apprehension. This is often true for rescues who may have had challenging past experiences. However, with patience and understanding, they usually find the courage to embrace these first-time encounters.

It’s especially helpful when another dog is present to teach them the ropes. In fact, learning by example from their canine friends can be much more effective than anything we can do as humans. This was the case when this Husky learned how to swim.

Watch how quickly he became a fan of this sport in a video shared on August 31:

Clara (@goldensdigger) is the best big Golden Retriever sister! Even though her brother Shadow was hesitant when first introduced to the pool, he reconsidered his position once he saw his sister safely frolicking in the water. He may have also put his fears aside for the toy he wanted to play with. Whatever the reason, once he put his paws inside, it didn’t take long before he tried it again. What a trooper! He was so proud of himself that it prompted a full-blown case of the zoomies, which had him flying around the outer perimeter of the pool. Thankfully, after releasing that big burst of energy, he could return to the water for a quick cool down. After building his confidence, he even tried the doggy paddle with Dad’s help. Overall, this newbie had a blast!

Related: Great Pyrenees Patiently Shows Newly-Rescued Husky the Joy of Swimming

Introducing Dogs to Water

Even breeds that are natural-born swimmers, like Labrador Retrievers, are not always fond of the water, at least initially. That’s why it is essential to allow them time to explore and acclimate to the new environment. It’s also important to remain relaxed, as they are experts at picking up on our vibes. When my Frenchie mix was first introduced to water at a lake, she showed no interest whatsoever. However, she ventured further into the water after walking along the shoreline several more times. It wasn’t long before she had stuck her head underneath to dig for snails, which became one of her favorite activities. However, if she had been forced to go in, she would have unlikely ever done it again.

People enjoyed watching the interaction between these siblings. One person responded, “Sometimes all it takes is a friend.” That’s so true. Another revealed, “The best way to teach your dog to swim is to have a buddy who loves it!” It definitely helps!

Sometimes, a good pal can show us that something new isn’t as scary as we believed. When we find them, they are the friends we keep for life.