Grandma and Grandpa Dipped Their Toes in the Lake. Rufus Drew a Firm Line.
Under a soft gray sky, the lake is calm and the dock planks are dark with damp. Grandpa in an olive jacket and Grandma in a rose-colored cardigan sit at the very edge with their pant legs rolled up and bare toes dipped into the shallow water. They are leaning into each other, both wearing easy, unhurried smiles. Rufus, however, has drawn a firm line. He sits on the dry part of the dock with his front paws together, head turned toward the shore, clearly uninterested in joining the foot-soaking. Reeds and cattails line the far bank in the misty distance.
Not every dog is a water dog, and that is perfectly fine. Some breeds take to swimming naturally, while others, including many Basset Hounds, are not built for it because of their heavy bodies and short legs. Never force a hesitant dog into the water. If you want to build confidence, start in very shallow spots, let them wade at their own pace, and consider a dog life jacket for safety. Around lakes and ponds, also watch out for algae blooms, which can be dangerous to pets. If the water looks scummy or discolored, keep dogs out and rinse them off if they get wet.
Rufus is happy to supervise from a dry plank, thank you very much. Toes in the water are for humans. Hounds prefer their adventures with all four paws on solid ground.
