Zuma Swims!

[SaraB]

I've been trying to build Zuma's confidence in the water since I adopted her last year but the closest I ever got was having her swim parallel to the shore to retrieve a toy, never away from it. She was stuck in this pattern of running out to where she could just barely touch, keep one front paw on the ground while her back end frogged out behind her and straining as far as she could to grab the toy. If she couldn't reach it, she'd turn around and stand on the shore waiting for it to get closer. I tried EVERYTHING (including an awesome backchaining method) but couldn't get her to break that pattern (yay for herding dogs). Finally I gave in and bought her a life jacket. I can proudly say that I have a swimming dog now!! I can't wait until I can take it off and have her swim for realz.

She wasn't so sure about it at first... But then she realized how fabulous she looks in it.

Zumabeach by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom1 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom3 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom2 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom5 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom4 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zoom6 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Zinga was there rooting her on... she splashed a bit in the waves too.

Bazinga1 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

Bazinga4 by ZooomDog Photography, on Flickr

That's all!!

 

[yoko]

I love how proud she looks in that first pics

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

I loved these on FB already but I forgot to ask, I love Zingas tail! Is that a "good" or "bad" in Koolies? Backup has a curled tail when excited too, be scared. lol

 

[SpringerLover]

Yay Zumaaa!

 

[SaraB]

I loved these on FB already but I forgot to ask, I love Zingas tail! Is that a "good" or "bad" in Koolies? Backup has a curled tail when excited too, be scared. lol

It doesn't really matter in koolies as the breed is based on temperament far more than looks. I on the other hand hate gay tails and was slightly disappointed when I saw it... but then I realized how awesome my puppy is and I got over it really fast.

ETA: if she turns out to be even a quarter as awesome as I like to believe the Lemur is, I'll be a happy camper!

 

[Emily]

YEAH ZUMA!!! Also, her life jacket is STYLIN' and that color looks awesome on her.

 

[FG167]

I love her coat! Where did you get it? My Eden is a strong swimmer but isn't confident enough to go in on her own, I have been wondering lately if a life jacket might help her...

 

[Shai]

YAY for swimming Zuma!

I remember how excited I was when Mira started swimming (not that there was any doubt she would and yet.....)

Then Mira got Kim swimming and I was on cloud 9 lol

Now if only I could convince Webster...!

It doesn't really matter in koolies as the breed is based on temperament far more than looks. I on the other hand hate gay tails and was slightly disappointed when I saw it... but then I realized how awesome my puppy is and I got over it really fast.

Well she may grow out of it or at least have it less up than it is now...friend with a Malinois had a pup will a gay tail like that...she's now two and it dropped as she grew and is now pretty normal.

Not that it matters much like you said but just saying there is still hope lol

 

[SaraB]

I love her coat! Where did you get it? My Eden is a strong swimmer but isn't confident enough to go in on her own, I have been wondering lately if a life jacket might help her...

Zinga and I went on an adventure to FIVE different pet stores to find that life jacket. We went first to all the locally owned shops before we finally had to go to Petco where we found it. I'm actually very impressed by it, especially since it's the "Petco" brand. Nicely put together and fits her very well.

 

[SaraB]

Well she may grow out of it or at least have it less up than it is now...friend with a Malinois had a pup will a gay tail like that...she's now two and it dropped as she grew and is now pretty normal.

Not that it matters much like you said but just saying there is still hope lol

I was thinking that at first but as the weeks go on, it's actually curling tighter and tighter. LOL I'm actually thinking it's pretty cute now.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Zuma is ADORABLE.


The lifejacket is what really encouraged Jackson to start jumping in. He always loved water, but did not dive in until he had the jacket on. It gave him a lot of confidence.

Besides Zuma looks super adorable in that color!

 

[Shai]

I was thinking that at first but as the weeks go on, it's actually curling tighter and tighter. LOL I'm actually thinking it's pretty cute now.

Funny how a really great dog will make you not only accept but even love "looks" you wouldn't expect.

But you know how this all went down right?

"Oh, you would rather I not have a curly tail? BAZINGA!!"

 

[SaraB]

Funny how a really great dog will make you not only accept but even love "looks" you wouldn't expect.

But you know how this all went down right?

"Oh, you would rather I not have a curly tail? BAZINGA!!"

HAhahahahhahahaha! Kind of set myself up for failure on that one, didn't I?

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

It doesn't really matter in koolies as the breed is based on temperament far more than looks. I on the other hand hate gay tails and was slightly disappointed when I saw it... but then I realized how awesome my puppy is and I got over it really fast.

ETA: if she turns out to be even a quarter as awesome as I like to believe the Lemur is, I'll be a happy camper!

I like that a lot, the not caring. I was actually disappointed when Backups tail curled too but I'm over it. It adds to his character as I am sure it will to little miss. I can't wait to see what you two (and linds and her baby) do.

 

[BostonBanker]

You think the life jacket is what gave her the confidence? Maybe that's what Gusto needs. He's still stuck in the stage where he will wade as far as possible in, but won't let his feet leave the ground. Do you mind my asking about how much the life jacket was?

 

[SaraB]

You think the life jacket is what gave her the confidence? Maybe that's what Gusto needs. He's still stuck in the stage where he will wade as far as possible in, but won't let his feet leave the ground. Do you mind my asking about how much the life jacket was?

Yes!! We went to the beach the day before and she was still stuck... put the life jacket on, leashed her and brought her out a couple times with me... took her a couple times but then she was launching herself after toys like a pro!

The life jacket was $39.99. More than I wanted to spend but worth it.

 

[PWCorgi]

Oh Zuma, wait until I show these pictures to your boyfriend!! (not to be confused with her internet boyfriend, Trav, who we just won't tell Froman about )

Also, Zing, keep the tail. Foreverz.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

Zuma is seriously the cutest thing - love the pink on her!!

And I like Zinga's tail!!! She's a VERY pretty little girl!

 

[Linds]

I'm kinda jealous of her gay tail. I think it's super cute!!

And I am so completely and utterly thrilled for you that Zuma is now a swimmer. And to think, all she needed was that life jacket.

 

[stardogs]

Awwww! The life jacket really helped Snipe as well.