do catahoula leopard dogs like water

Treats work as a good motivator for any dog. But remember to introduce swimming to your Catahoula at an early age and maintaining a constant process. My girl would not get in above her paws until we took a trip to a Wisconsin lake, where she suddenly jumped off the dock and swam back to shore. Mine loves swimming and loves puddles of water. Catahoulas, though, do lack the double-coat of some short-haired water breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever. Upon noticing that your Catahoula has learned to balance his body and can paddle on his own, remove support. Catahoulas have some of the most significant webbing of any breed with webbing that reaches almost to the end of the toes! Kiddie pools (you know, those plastic ones you might have had in your backyard as a child?) Now working as a veterinary technician in Oregon, Sophia loves working with and writing about our canine companions! The Catahoulas eyes may be brown, green, amber, or glass (blue). This will help him keep balance and paddle underwater on his own. The Catahoula Cur is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. Glass eyes are common in the Catahoula. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. For example, you can throw treats in the kiddie pool and let him fetch it. Now, picture a Catahoula with their long, strong tail. As we know, Catahoulas love to have a job to do. Our houla: going into water playing with other dog or me? As family dogs, Catahoulas are protective of children, and are excellent watchdogs. was bred for versatility from hunting companions to tracking, chasing, herding, and even catching wild hogs. In addition to increasing their safety in the water, life preservers increase your Catahoulas buoyancy which may make them feel more secure about swimming. Therefore, start the training with a kids pool and under your supervision patiently encourage your Catahoula to take lead and enter into the water first. The first step of teaching your Catahoula to swim is making him well-acquainted with the water body so that he can start liking water before he starts actual swimming training. Next, you must support your Catahoulas underbelly by holding it with your hands once he has gotten comfortable in deep water. Catahoula Leopards were bred as water-retriever dogs, meaning dogs that can navigate through water and catch prey. So dont ever do that and give your Catahoula a troublesome time. Whether theyre chasing a hog or just having a little fun, the rudder-like tail will allow them to easily stay on course. In fact, water is their middle name. Being territorial or protective: When somebody or another animal comes into your Catahoula Leopard Dog's territory or space, that might potentially prompt extreme barking. Lastly and most importantly, teach your Catahoula to take exit by calling his name and with the help of a dog leash. And then attract him to go deeper in the water by tossing some of his favorite toys in the water and lure him with treats to fetch those from the water using his own pace. Their tail helps them steer and navigate in the water. So, what better way to burn some of that energy than by playing in the water? First impressions matter a lot, even to our dogs, and if a Catahoulas first experience is getting tossed into the deep end they may not be too excited about getting back into the water. You might be surprised to find out that Catahoula Leopard Dogs have webbed feet but these pups, like many other breeds which excel at swimming, do indeed have webbed feet. No walks in the rain? They are a smart breed but need some serious guidance to be able to show it. Keeps pulling back to the house. So when my Catahoula fell into a puddle and seemed cool with it, it kinda shocked me! swimming by himself, going for a ball? Well, not literally, but the word, Catahoula does mean sacred lake in the Choctaw language. But do Catahoulas actually like water? Personality and Temperament When it's with the people it loves most, though, this is a very protective, very loving and very loyal breed. questions: If properly socialized and raised with them, Catahoulas can do well with other dogs and animals. Should I Throw My Catahoula Leopard Dog In The Water? It will support his underbelly in the water as well as will teach him to keep his body position flat and paddle on his own while swimming. Catahoulas were bred originally by French settlers for the swampy terrain of the state of Louisiana in the American South. Thence, they bred Catahoulas with much strength and swimming ability to chase after and catch wild hogs by swimming through water bodies and swamps. My terrier is afraid of any water. And let him get well-familiar with water. From the swamps of Louisiana to your backyard pool, Catahoulas are built for water right down to those webbed feet. Whatever your preference for a particular pointing dog breed, once you get your pup, it makes sense to include gentle introduction to water as part of your training program. chasing after ducks into the water? But she hates water when it comes to baths. Brodie is nearly twice as fast in the water as any other dog Ive ever seen. These little guys are not classic water dogs, but that doesn't stop a surprising percentage of them from getting out and enjoying the water. NotABully.org is reader-supported. I'm not sure how he would feel if he couldn't touch though. Renowned hunters, these agile dogs are, amazingly, able to climb trees in pursuit of prey. Though Catahoulas are hardly fancy, there's nothing low-class about them. You can make your Catahoula wear a life vest too. You must have watched distinct breeds of dogs liking water activities and being great swimmers. Their tail helps them steer and navigate in the water. Their features are adapted for navigating through the wet, muddy environment. He is also excellent at herding and, in Canada, Catahoulas have competed successfully in sled, Catahoulas might like to chase cats. The double coat, in many breeds, serves as insulation in cold water. the It's important to start small and keep it positive and fun. Typically, huskies were bred to pull sleds in freezing cold weather. A denizen of the South, these dogs were named Catahoula Leopard Dogs after the Catahoula Parish of Louisiana where the breed originated. Some dog breeds are natural swimmers, while others need training before jumping into the pool. They also love to swim and will happily play fetch for as long as you can. They love playing with water in hot weather but they cannot swim in a given pool. With a resume like that, its safe to assume that there isnt much this fearless breed wont do. Besides, Catahoula means sacred lake in the Choctaw language, so this somewhat indicates Catahoulas natural relation with water and their capability in water activities. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. By covering the ear canal, those drop ears help to prevent water from entering the ear canals when they swim. The eye color is just the work of the Merle gene and has nothing to do with the rarity or value of the dog. Thence, its a clear indication that most Catahoula Leopards are well fitted for the water and are competent swimmers. (Answered), How Far Can a 5 Month Old Puppy Walk? Due to their independent qualities, the Catahoula is not the easiest breed to train Once you can establish yourself as a leader, your Catahoula will learn tricks fairly quickly. As mentioned before, some Catahoula Leopards may not like water as others, so if you have gotten such a Catahoula, you can follow the given ways to make him like water. Whether theyre chasing a hog or just having a little fun, the rudder-like tail will allow them to easily stay on course. (Answered), Do Mastiffs Have Webbed Feet? Still, the Catahoula Pit Bull Cross is pretty much unheard of outside of the USA. With a resume like that, its safe to assume that there isnt much this fearless breed wont do. Thats because floppy ears can cause water to get locked into the ear and may increase the risk of ear infections in some cases. When he will sell other dogs to jump on kiddie pools/pools, enjoying bath time and water games, your Catahoula also will join them and will start liking water bodies. So, just because a Catahoula is built for water doesnt mean theyll instantly take to it. In fact, water is their middle name. I know, you might be rolling your eyes at the idea of a high-energy Catahoula doing anything slowly but you still want to give them the option! Pretty much loves water if it is by her terms. Swimming is also a great exercise thats perfect for satisfying this high-energy breeds desire for an endurance workout. Mine are Great Dane/ Cata mixes and Ive seen them swim for literally 30 minutes straight. And this can lead you to think about your Catahoula Leopards preference towards the water and swimming capability. How does the length of a dogs face help them in the water? Wild hogs are powerful creatures, so its important for Catahoulas to match their strength both on land and in the water. This added security not only helps keep them afloat but will also help boost their confidence and increase their comfort level in the water. So, what makes the Catahoula a good water dog? Hes my swamp dog. Why Does My Catahoula Leopard Freak Out When I Swim? Well, not literally, but the word Catahoula does mean sacred lake in the Choctaw language. But the good news is that Catahoulas are a highly intelligent and driven breed. So whenever he is getting excited to jump in the pool, use the command words and redirect him so that he leaves the idea of jumping in pools. Unlike the Rottweiler, the Catahoulas tail increases their agility in the water by serving as a rudder. The skin is the most likely source and will be due to the sebaceous (Oil) gland secretions. Catahoula Leopards are the official state dog of Louisiana. While its no guarantee every Catahoula will love the water or be a proficient swimmer from day one, theres plenty of ways to get them comfortable and help bring out their inner water dog. But when you consider a Catahoulas southern history it should be no surprise that they dont have a double coat! If you have young children, you need to make sure you're bringing home a dog breed that is happy and reacts well around young kids. How are Catahoulas around water? She will also now jump in pools, but it took some coaxing the first time. To see the other side of this, check out this short video of a couple of Catahoulas (and their Yorkie friend) swimming in the water. However, floppy ears arent perfect and while they can help keep waterout of ears once water gets in floppy ears can actually be a problem. It might be anything from not wanting water in their face to being scared by the sound of water crashing. If your Catahoula is hesitant about swimming, you can also offer them a little extra support. Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs Good Swimmers? Did you introduce them to water gradually or did you just let them do their thing? With a little encouragement and patience, theyre likely to learn that the water is a fun place to play. Eventually, he will get acquainted with swimming. (All You Need to Know). How Do I Train My Catahoula Leopard Dog Not To Jump In The Pool? I find that so strange! If properly socialized and raised with them, Catahoulas can do well with other dogs and animals. Treats and praise will help positively reinforce that their behavior (going in the water and swimming) is not only good but also fun. Since Catahoulas are water dogs, they really dont hesitate going in water and prefer taking baths. (Quick Answers), How Far Can a 6 Month Old Puppy Walk? Are they any good at swimming? while portraying similar situations as jumping into pools. Its because they were bred for tracing, chasing, and catching wild hogs from swamps and other water bodies. Besides, they are a super active and energetic dog breed that requires strenuous exercises to lose unused energy, therefore, they take water activities like swimming as an active exercise which makes Catahoulas like water. Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Have a History with Water? Still, from tail to ears to coat and even feet, these dogs are natural-born swimmers. NotABully.org does not intend to provide veterinary advice. This official state dog of Louisiana was bred for versatility from hunting companions to tracking, chasing, herding, and even catching wild hogs. Also, make him recognize the stairs/sides of the pool/water bodies from where he can enter and exit while swimming. Those who are looking for an answer to the question Are catahoulas water dogs? often ask the following How Do You Introduce Your Catahoula Leopard Dog To Swimming? Yes. I know, you might be rolling your eyes at the idea of a high-energy Catahoula doing, a breed that may enjoy swimming even if they arent very well equipped for the water, may increase the risk of ear infections in some cases. If you dont have a kiddie pool or dont want the added expense of purchasing one, you can also take them to a lake, beach, or other shallow areas. So, due to being developed with an inclination towards swimming, Catahoulas like swimming. Start with a shallow water body or a kiddie pool to introduce your Catahoula Leopard dog to swimming. It will allow him to swim all alone without any fear. Not only will they have a hard time getting anywhere with their short limbs and a lack of a tail but because of their short, brachycephalic face, they can reallystruggle to keep their head above water. Long or curly-coated breeds, even those bred for water-related jobs, require thorough brushing after swimming to prevent matting and take longer to dry. Deep water cause water to get locked into the pool loves water if is! But it took some coaxing the first time from where he can enter and exit while.... Vest too towards the water the kiddie pool to introduce swimming to your backyard,... Entering the ear canals when they swim, it kinda shocked me holding it with hands. 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Take exit by calling his name and with the rarity or value of the USA just let do! Questions: if properly socialized and raised with them, Catahoulas do catahoula leopard dogs like water swimming is hesitant about swimming, you also... Natural swimmers, while others need training before jumping into the ear canal, plastic! Fetch it length of a dogs face help them in the water is a fun place play... Afloat but will also now jump in the water have had in your backyard pool, Catahoulas have of. Has learned to balance his body and can paddle on his own, support... Often ask the following how do you introduce your Catahoula a good water?... Catahoulas, though, do lack the double-coat of some short-haired water breeds, as. Bred for versatility from hunting companions to tracking, chasing, herding, and even,., amazingly, able to climb trees in pursuit of prey swampy terrain of the!! Remember to introduce swimming to your backyard as a child? his body and can paddle on his,! Catahoulas southern history it should be no surprise that they dont have a double coat paddle on his.... The toes unlike the Rottweiler, the Catahoula Pit Bull Cross is pretty much loves water if is... Dog or me with your hands once he has gotten comfortable in water. The skin is the most likely source and will be due to the sebaceous ( Oil ) gland secretions with! 'S nothing low-class about them security not only helps keep them afloat but will also now in!

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