Keeping it safe, fun, and defining the borderline of tolerance.
One of the most important topics for me working with Bernhardt’s swimming, retrieving toys, and jumping after them from a dock was the water. Early on, I did a lot of online research, interviewed a couple of different veterinarians, asked the North American Diving Dogs (NADD) organization management for advice, and talked to as may dock diving facility operators as possible. So, I have gathered the results of that study to serve as a fundamental guideline for promoting good decisions when swimming a dog.
Before starting, major factors to consider for swimming a dog are: coat, size, age, and overall health and fitness level. Another factor is the eventual use of protective gear. There are customized neoprene wet suits ranging in thicknesses, depending on whether the whole body (including the head) is exposed to water impact and to what depth the dog will go under the water. There can be a severe temperature difference of several degrees between the water’s surface and below the surface. The duration (time in the water) of swim matters as well as the outside temperature and the amount of work the dog has done prior to entering the water, as these factors create a difference in body heat.
As a general margin, most dogs (not all) can tolerate a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius) with environmental (outside air) temperatures of no lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The gap in temperature between environment and water is very important to keep in mind. A pool that is set outside overnight with tens of thousands of gallons water – or indoors, filled with hydrant water – that has a water temperature in the low 30’s Fahrenheit will not be able to heat up enough for the competition the following day, even if the environmental temperatures reaches 70-degree margins. Jumping in the cold water from warm environmental air feels like exposure to severe ice water.
Bernhardt has a short hair, no undercoat, and very little fat layers. Similar coat conditions occur in Greyhounds, Whippets, and mixes thereof (Vizslas, Dobermans, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shorthaired Pointers, and so on). These dog breeds actually dominate the diving circuit. They have shown hesitation and begun to refuse entering or swimming in water that is at temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius). Quite the contrary are the thick coat, or double coated, dogs such as Labradors, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernhards, or similar breeds which have shown no problems enduring temperatures in the low 30’s Fahrenheit or even lower. My feeling here is where I will not go in, my dog should not go in either; a 16-degree Celsius margin.
Small dogs (lap class contenders) are not as sturdy, senior dogs are more fragile, and puppies should definitely not get a horrible taste of the wild early on in their precious lives. It should be logical to be aware of any underlying health conditions such as Cushing’s disease, heart conditions, kidney disease, or diabetes as these impact a dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature properly. Hypothermia begins mildly when the dog’s body temperature falls to 90-99 degrees Fahrenheit, moderate hypothermia is measured at 82 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and severe hypothermia below 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.7 Celsius); one should be vigilant looking for signs such as strong shivering or trembling, sleepy or lethargic displays, stiffness, diluted pupils, or lack of coordination. If you must work your dog in colder water, then you should slowly condition the dog prior to the work so as to get them accustomed through a step-by-step procedure over weeks. The length of swim time can be a matter of life and death since prolonged outings can lead to hypothermia, a sudden impact to severe shock and psychological trauma.
I personally use protective gear on Bernhardt when the temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But in the end, I prefer to not swim him in these conditions, period.
Dogs who are toy-driven or playful towards prey are notorious for exceeding their own limits, pushing themselves further and further. The combination of chilling water and outdoor temperatures in the mid 40’s (Fahrenheit) with a breeze on top of that seems destined to impact muscular and tendon functionality, which are about to perform the next high agility move, in a rather negative way. It is imperative to monitor the amounts of jumps, water contact, and swim times during these treacherous conditions with eagle eye precision. The imprinted pattern to jump and chase after their object of desire drives the dog to throw themselves into ice water. Yes, dogs will jump without hesitation based on what they learned but also what they do not yet know. It could be the very last jump of their career, or their lives, and one must absolutely be aware of the possibility and your subsequent role of responsibility.
Some stationary diving facilities do offer constant monitoring of their water through a permanently installed or floating thermostat. This is the absolute right thing to do. Not only is it morally right, but it speaks to the quality of the facility. Almost all mobile docks operated by the main hosting organizers do lack transparency in regards to the water conditions that they offer and leave it up to the customers who have varying amounts of education in making decisions regarding the exposure of their dogs. In my view, it should be made mandatory to establish thermostats at outings. By doing so, data is provided which leads to informed decisions in the best interest of the well-being of the animal. The actual temperature should be publicly disclosed for everybody to see before you pay admission fees, just like at a public swimming pool. Simply put, just sticking your hand or arm into the water is not a one-hundred percent safe procedure in making a decision. Your hands might be cold and the water seems warm, or the surface feels alright but just two feet further down it is almost freezing since the pool sits on asphalt or grass and is not insulated. The water is considered to be too cold once you feel stinging or burning sensations on your skin when exposed.
Water temperature is a critical material fact, not only in the business of dock diving but also for those just wanting to play with their dogs at a pond or the ocean shores. Bernhardt does not know before touching the surface what this will be about me throwing a toy or a stick. He will happily execute the task he loves to do, just to eventually get badly hurt or traumatized. I hold tremendous power over the outcome and in direct result, I also hold power over his physical and mental well-being. Trust once lost is a hard thing to regain, and a life lost is a tragedy.
