bulldogs and pools?!
Submitted by newtoenglishbulldogs on February 10, 2012 - 2:42pmHi everyone...We are in the process of purchasing a house will an inground pool. I'm already nervous about this thinking that Gemma is going to want to jump right in and sink the the bottom..no fence. What is the best way to teach her? I'm I going to have to put a life jacket on her every second she is outside? I guess i'd just like a few opinions from people who have experience with this..good and bad!!
Thanks
Lisa
Is it possible to install a
Is it possible to install a fence around the pool? When I was a kid, we had a house with a built in pool, and it was fenced and locked unless we were actually using it. We lived in a pretty urban area, and I think this was as much to discourage teenagers from sneaking into our yard and swimming at night as anything. (Even so, we occasionally had jerk teenagers scale the chain link fence in the night.)
You're right to be concerned...
bulldogs usually sink right to the bottom. We have out pool fenced off so that they can't get out there unless we are with them. You could look into temporary fencing to put around it. Our dogs won't try to go in the pool, but I could see one of them accidently falling in.
Be Concerned
she should either be watched every minute she is loose by the pool, should have a life jacket on, and never out there without you. If you can fence the pool I would and besure the gate stays shut and locked. Ester's liter brother drowned in a pool. They had a separate doggie fenced yard that he got out of and fell in the pool and drowned. They were home! You have to be very vigilant. I honestly would never buy a place with a pool.
Funny thing is
some can swim but do you or anyone else want to take the chance? I think not. I sold a puppy to someone who had a beautiful pond. The puppy got too close and fell in and sank to the bottom. Thank God they were right there to rescue him. Get a fence of some sort and don't let him out of your sight for even a second. Good luck with your baby!
Roanne
Swimming
Yes...many can swim, but they typically can't swim for long, because they aren't good swimmers. They just have too much heavy mass, those short legs and lack the stamina. Then there are those that sink like a rock. All of mine have been able to swim, but I'm right there with them.
Thanks everyone! I'm already
Thanks everyone! I'm already paranoid about our sweet girl so I know I'd watch her at all times. I just read about this thing called safety turtle that goes on the collar. If it gets put underwater a loud alarm sounds..I think you can get two bases one for inside and one for outside. This would put my mind at ease a lot more!! Let me know if anyone has this thing and if it works..hopefully no one has had to use it!
they have pool alarms too
there is a sensor in the water and if there is a big disturbance/splash it sets off the alarm.
I would get a safety fence. There are many options and they are easy to install. Check out Doheny's Water Warehouse. We get a lot of stuff form them.
http://www.doheny.com/Pool-Safety-Supplies.html
Cathy and Audrey
we have a pool
It does have a fence.
Audrey is NEVER EVER EVER outside by herself. She won't go out anyways-the door could be wide open and she will not go out unless I am with her.
When we are in the pool someone has to be responsible for watching Audrey at all times. She has jumped in a few times after a ball, sank like a stone every single time, now she HATES it. She will near the edge but will not get too close. I am actually really glad she hates the pool and is super cautious around it.
She does have a life vest too-but it's too hot to have it on her at all times when we are outside. If no one is available to babysit her, she stays inside.
My grandson has lived here since he was born, we now have our deck completely enclosed to keep him away from the pool too. He doesn't have Audrey's caution and will also jump right in! (he was around 15 months in July-wild man!)
Cathy and Audrey
We have a pool and it is not
We have a pool and it is not fenced. I never let Riley go outside without me. She hasn't fallen in, but our prior bulldog did. He sank to the bottom like an anchor. Several times we had to jump in fully clothed to get him. It's very frightening... he always threw up and it kept him away from the pool for awhile. You just have to be VERY careful at all times, and install the safety devices. We have 3 labs and during our pool playtimes, Riley always wears a life jacket. But even with the lifejacket on, her top heaviness dips her face into the water and it's dangerous. My bulldog CANNOT swim - with or without a life jacket! But she really loves the pool!
My heart sank
when i read this.... please reconsider the pool but if you decide- fence it!!!!!! i lost my 2yr old Butcher in my Mom's pool on Thanksgiving day. It was a horrible experience for the whole family. He was acustomed to the pool and he didnt have any interest in it until that day. He just simply fell in and sank. Terrible experience. FENCE YOUR POOL. We have a 3 year old bulldog now- the pool is fenced and i am still a bit nervous with him in the backyard at my Moms house still even though there is a secure latch on the gate.
jenn
We have a pool and it is not
We have a pool and it is not fenced. I never let Riley go outside without me. She hasn't fallen in, but our prior bulldog did. He sank to the bottom like an anchor. Several times we had to jump in fully clothed to get him. It's very frightening... he always threw up and it kept him away from the pool for awhile. You just have to be VERY careful at all times, and install the safety devices. We have 3 labs and during our pool playtimes, Riley always wears a life jacket. But even with the lifejacket on, her top heaviness dips her face into the water and it's dangerous. My bulldog CANNOT swim - with or without a life jacket! But she really loves the pool!