Curious 8-Week-Old Puppy 'Does the Unexpected' the First Time Seeing a Pool

Puppies, like toddlers, are known for getting into places they aren't supposed to be, but luckily, parents always stay on their toes to keep them out of dangerous situations.

One dog mom showed her German shepherd puppy named Charlie around their property in Clarksville, Georgia, getting him used to his new home. She told Newsweek they walked by the pool several times before something got in Charlie's mind.

His internal monologue must've won as a security camera captured the moment Charlie raced over to the pool. The TikTok video, which has nearly two million views, shows dog owner Joanne Krickovic following closely behind.

"My natural instinct kicked in," said Krickovic. "I grabbed him right before he got in the water."

And grab she did. The October 10 video perfectly showcases Krickovic springing into action and catching Charlie before he hits the water.

"The fact that he didn't STEP but jumped with INTENTION. Ma'am, get ready for a waterdog! Get all the towels," commented @honeybearsnuggles. Another TikTok user wrote, "Read that dog body language so well."

Krickovic said this video was taken about eight to nine months ago, but her husband, Bill Chen, just recently got around to posting it to his TikTok account @chenner747. Charlie has since been obsessed with the pool. The couple nicknames him Aquadog as he is constantly wanting to go in the water. He'll swim in circles and play with his ball.

"It's impossible to get him out of the water," said Krickovic. "There's a constant flow of towels to dry him off before he comes inside."

Can All Dogs Swim?

It's still important to practice pool safety with dogs even though they tend to have a reputation that they all know how to swim. The American Kennel Club states short-legged dog breeds or those with long bodies often struggle in the water.

Many dog breeds that do like the water, such as Labrador retrievers and Portuguese water dogs, were born to swim. They were bred for the purpose of performing jobs in and around water. For example, Portuguese water dogs were bred to be a fisherman's helper.

But despite whether or not a dog is known to be a strong swimmer, owners should always supervise to ensure their fur babies are safe.

Water Safety

For starters, owners should get their dogs comfortable with water through gradual introductions. This can be done by having them listen to the sound of water, walking them near water, and using treats as positive reinforcement.

PetMD's recommendations for dog pool safety include installing a pool fence, teaching them how to swim, and using life jackets.

Krickovic explained that they designed this pool with their dog's safety in mind. Their pool has a ramp that allows Charlie to go in and out of the pool safely. Ramps and dog-friendly ladders are excellent choices to let your dog get out whenever he or she is feeling tired.

While supervising your dog, you also want to be on the lookout for excessive water drinking. Both chlorine-treated pools and saltwater ones are harmful to dogs, and humans, if too much is ingested. Owners should check their dog's paws, skin, and ears for dryness and irritation. Ensuring your dog's safety will lead to more fun in the sun for everyone.

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