New Water Bowl…or Wading Pool?
by Cheri Lucas
Have you seen the video making the rounds where the puppy thinks his new water bowl is a Jacuzzi? Many dogs are fascinated by water, but the sporting breeds—Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Newfies—are particularly drawn to it. Sometimes what starts out as an adorable, amusing behavior to the owners, ends up being an irritating problem when the dog grows up.
Year ago, Cesar rescued a Springer Spaniel, Oliver, who had been taught as a puppy to follow the light of a flashlight. The owners thought it was hysterical, until the behavior escalated into obsessive behavior that annoyed other dogs and caused him to be a target. Later on, Oliver came to my rescue organization, Second Chance at Love, where he was eventually adopted. But this behavior had become so ingrained in him that even the reflection of my watch when I was collecting leashes for the walk would set him off. Oliver passed away last year at the ripe old age of 14, but he never fully recovered from his obsession.
As with all behavior issues, the simple solution is for the owner to correct the behavior. After a nice long walk, take the pup to his water bowl and allow him to drink. When he's finished drinking, gently take him away from the bowl to another activity. This would be a good time to initiate play with him, or to begin some form of obedience training. The idea is to make a clear distinction to him that the drinking activity is over, and a new activity is beginning. Having him on a leash will make this much easier, especially for a dog his size!
If the pup seems to gravitate to the water bowl during the day, without the intention of drinking, try placing the bowl in a room where he only has access to it when you're watching him. Remember, every time he's able to successfully practice the unwanted behavior of sitting in the water bowl, he'll be more inclined to do it again. Make sure you offer him water multiple times a day, making sure you're observing him each time.
A pup like this would thrive in sports and activities that involve water. As he grows up, make sure he's able to be the water-loving dog that he was meant to be!
