Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss New (to me) Dog Ailment

Just back from a trip to the Vet. Our 6 year old Lab has (... drumroll ...)

Swimmer's Tail

which turns out to be a bad sprain of the base of the tail. We're supposed to make sure she gets plenty of rest and "don't encourage her to wag her tail."

We can lay off the praise and dog treats, but I'm trying to figure out how she got "Swimmer's Tail" when 1) the ponds are frozen and 2) she won't go in the water even when it's warm. Judging from her recent behavior, Swimmer's Tail is caused by dragging miscellaneous deer parts in from the woods to chew on in the yard. They're tail-waggin' good.

I thought about how much fun I'd be having if I had a deer part in my mouth...and then I looked back, and yep, my tail was wagging.

That tail walkin' is hard for a big dog. She knows spring is coming and was practicing so she could keep your attention when those Bass start dancing all over the surface of the pond and you are ignoring her.

ahh, the road to 7,000 posts..

you know how dogs learn...wag tail, feel pain, wag tail, feel pain, wag tail, feel pain....solution?, quit waggging tail.....hope it doesnt cause a permanent condition...

Theo, I thought I had the only Chocolate Lab that wouldn't go near water. He'll retrive anything, and I mean anything, on land but you could float a 3 pound T-Bone 2 feet from shore and he would let it rot.

Wonder if they are related?

Theo & Dan, do you dogs go into the water if you are swimming in the pond?

Our Lab will only go in (past getting her feet wet) if you catch her and drag her in. Our Cardigan will go in if the water is 33 deg F or warmer - that Corgi loves the water and never seems to get cold.


DIED: she really hasn't been wagging it much, mostly has it tucked between her legs. For a couple of days, I thought she was feeling guilty abut something.

Not mine. He will get to the edge of the pond and stop just inches away but never go in. Coaxing does not work and I don't want to force him in if he is that afraid of the water. He's 11 and a great dog otherwise so at this point in his (our) lives it just doesn't matter. He will walk out on the dock and ride on the pontoon boats but no swimming.

At 85 pounds with a chest like a 55 gallon drum maybe he just can't float. I don't hunt waterfowl so never needed him to get wet.

Good luck on that proposition! As the proud owner of 4 labs, I can testify that your task is nearly impossible.



I bet she always looks forward to deer season. I hope she gets better soon!

...proves that everybody at Jaegerwald busts their tail

My cow dog doesn't have a tail and they cut it to short. When he walks you can see his butt pucker at you. Would you guys like to see the video?

rt, that's so nice of you to offer up a video!

I think I'll pass though.

Theo -- lots of labs up here, and that "condition" is actually pretty common.

OK here's the video I promised

theo, i think you've found the NEW and IMPROVED FA BUSTER!! you should lease her out!

i've met a couple corgi's in my life, they are cool dogs.

The Cardigan fetches fish, too!

Okay, so she lets them age a little first.

Theo, I have German Short Hair that's the same way.

Boy, talk about a pampered pooch. A nice yellow jacket with a carrying strap on top. You are pretty well trained Theo.

Arrf! (Wags tail)

Dave takes field notes:



Our White-capped Retriever responds:

Always good to revisit the past.

For reference:
http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=74711&fpart=1

Guud Boy....Guud Boy

That pic of Theo never gets old.

It will go down as the most-viewed photo in the history of PB.