Dear Cathy, We have a wonderful eight-year-old "shihmalpoo" named Oliver. We have an in-ground pool. Whenever I enter the pool, Oliver becomes very frantic and races along the pool's fencing, barking wildly, clearly upset.
He does not act this way when my wife enters, even though she is his primary caregiver. We have put him inside when we swim to avoid him overheating. Any suggestions? — Steve, Kings Park, New York Dear Steve, Oliver's behavior might be influenced by several factors that cause him to react differently to you compared to your wife.
Even though your wife is his primary caregiver, he might have a unique bond with you, making him more anxious when he perceives you’re in a potentially "dangerous" situation, such as being in the pool. Additionally, he might perceive you as more vulnerable or in need of protection, triggering his protective instincts. Dogs can also pick up on subtle differences in body language, tone of voice, and energy levels, which can influence their reactions.
Any past experiences involving you and water, even minor ones, could also have left a lasting impression on Oliver. Understanding the root cause of Oliver's behavior can be complex and might be a combination of these factors. Keeping him inside while you swim is a good temporary solution.
To help him overcome his anxiety, though, here are a few things to try. Try spending time with Oliver near the pool, so he can get used to the environment without the added stress of seeing you in t.