Quote: Billy Shaw

And I was replying to this:
My very first question of the O.P. was is this a pool and the reply was yes, a 6-feet-deep backyard pool.

Hence my focus on those stairs.

Don't worry, I am a veteran of Forums and am removing my profile as I got this, Enjoy

WTH??? Are you kidding?

Mr Shaw said;
"I'm sure we all know that fear is not born into pups, it's acquired, that's why an 8 week old fears nothing and all of a sudden a 6 month old is afraid of thunder".

That is totally dependent on the individual puppy and genetics. Some are spooks from day one. In other words, they are born that way!
60+ yrs and a couple of dozen dogs here. ;-)

 Quote: Bob Scott

Mr Shaw said;
"I'm sure we all know that fear is not born into pups, it's acquired, that's why an 8 week old fears nothing and all of a sudden a 6 month old is afraid of thunder".

That is totally dependent on the individual puppy and genetics. Some are spooks from day one. In other words, they are born that way!
60+ yrs and a couple of dozen dogs here. ;-)

Only one + Bob?? Come on now,,,,,,,,,

Im really taking the stair lesson to heart, I would not want my puppy to accidentally fall in and not know how to get out if theirs no one around, which is never the case.

 Quote: Christian Cruz

Im really taking the stair lesson to heart, I would not want my puppy to accidentally fall in and not know how to get out if theirs no one around, which is never the case.

I know that ... really, I do know that you would never have the puppy alone around the pool.


Every year it happens: a dog sneaks out and goes for a swim and can't find the way out when he's done, becomes exhausted and/or panic-stricken, and drowns.

Many are reported every year in the U.S., and no idea how many are unreported.

One of the more thought-provoking aspects is that a dog who is an enthusiastic swimmer is probably more vulnerable than one who is water-shy, because that water-lover is going to look for chances to get into that beautiful pool, with or without supervision.

I take every opportunity to mention the importance of really getting the steps' location firmly implanted in the dog's head as soon as possible.


BTW, besides this being an impressive mom dog who sprang into action, this video also shows how the closer to dry land the surface of the water is (the higher the water level), the better the dog's changes are of hauling himself out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_daN5_pUlnE
(Starts at 20 seconds)

That is, a pool that's two-thirds full offers far less chance for even an adult dog who has exhausted himself swimming to find a non-stairway out (or even an edge to cling to).



So believe me, Cristian, this is something we all bring up often, and it's not any kind of a slur on your care or sense of responsibility.