BarkingScared

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking Around the Pool [Easy!]

When summer hits, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dip in the pool. But if your furry friend won’t stop barking while you’re trying to enjoy your swim, it can quickly turn a relaxing moment into a stressful situation. If you’ve been asking yourself how to stop your dog from barking around the pool, look no further.

In the coming sections, we’ll dive into why your dog might be so vocal around the pool area and provide solutions to help create a quieter, more peaceful environment. Whether your dog is upset when you go swimming, keeps jumping in, or just won’t get out, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make your pool time more enjoyable? Dive into the solutions below!

How to Stop Dog From Barking at Pool

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking Around the Pool

To stop your dog from barking at the pool, there are several techniques you can use. The ultimate goal is to reduce your dog’s stress and fear, so they can enjoy, or at least tolerate, the pool without excessive barking. Here are a few steps to make that happen:

  1. Positive Associations: Create a positive association with the pool. You could start by rewarding your dog whenever they’re near the pool without barking. Treats, praises, or their favorite toys can be used as rewards.
  2. Desensitization: Gradually desensitize your dog to the pool. Start from a distance where your dog feels comfortable, rewarding them for staying calm. Gradually reduce this distance over several sessions.
  3. Distract and Divert: Distract your dog when they start to bark at the pool. Use toys, commands, or activities they enjoy to divert their attention from the pool.
  4. Consistent Training: Practice this training consistently. It may take several sessions, but over time, your dog should start to feel more comfortable around the pool.

These steps will get your dog to stop barking around the pool, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, overprotectiveness) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“So, how do I make them last then?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog barks around the pool and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog barking around the pool ever again!

My Dog Freaks Out When I Go Swimming

my dog freaks out when I go swimming

If your dog freaks out when you go swimming, it’s typically because they’re concerned for your safety. Dogs don’t fully understand the concept of swimming and may interpret your splashing as a sign of distress. Here are the main reasons behind this behavior:

  1. Protective Instincts: Dogs are naturally protective of their human family members. When they see you in water, they might interpret it as a dangerous situation and react accordingly.
  2. Water Apprehension: Some dogs are wary of water, especially if they’re not used to it. This fear can translate into anxiety when they see you in the water.
  3. Misinterpretation of Play: Dogs might perceive your swimming and splashing as play behavior, which can excite them.
  4. Separation Anxiety: If your dog experiences separation anxiety, they may become distressed when you’re in the water and they’re left on land.

Understanding the root of your dog’s fear is the first step towards helping them cope. With patience and the right training, you can help your dog understand that swimming is a safe activity for humans. Go back to the first section and we’ll explain more on how you can do that.

Why Does My Dog Bark Around the Pool?

If your dog is barking around the pool, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as excitement, fear, or even protective instincts. Pools are a source of activity and noise, which can trigger different reactions in dogs.

Here are a few more reasons why your dog might be barking around the pool:

  1. Excitement: If your dog enjoys swimming or playing around the water, they might bark out of sheer excitement and anticipation.
  2. Fear or anxiety: On the other hand, if your dog is afraid of water, they might bark due to fear or anxiety when near the pool.
  3. Protectiveness: Some dogs might perceive the pool as a threat to their family members, especially if they see people jumping in and splashing, and might bark to try to “protect” them.

Understanding why your dog is barking around the pool is the first step to addressing the behavior. If it’s due to fear or anxiety, you might need to gradually introduce them to the pool to alleviate their fears. If they’re barking out of excitement or protectiveness, training might be needed to teach them to remain calm around the pool.

But regardless of the exact reason why your dog barks around the pool, you’ll handle things much the same. Go back to the first section of this article now where we’ll explain how you can help your dog through this and put an end to the behavior.

A failure to do anything about their behavior will just lead to things getting even worse. It won’t be long until your dog is barking at you in the jacuzzi, barking at the lawn mower, barking during fireworks, barking if you go upstairs without them, barking for breakfast, and so on. Obviously,  you can see now why it’s so important to begin addressing things.

How to Stop Dog From Going Into the Pool

To stop your dog from going into the pool, try these steps to discourage the behavior:

  1. Install a Pool Fence or Cover: Erecting a physical barrier around the pool can effectively prevent your dog from getting too close or falling in when you’re not around.
  2. Supervised Pool Time: Make it a rule that the pool area is off-limits unless you’re present. This approach will help your dog understand that they’re only allowed near the pool under your watchful eye.
  3. Provide Alternative Water Fun: If your dog loves water, consider setting up a kiddie pool or a sprinkler in a safe area. This setup gives your dog an opportunity to enjoy water play without the risks associated with a full-sized pool.
  4. Training and Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior around the pool. If your dog stays away from the pool, make sure to reward them for it. Over time, they’ll associate avoiding the pool with positive experiences.

Remember, some dogs are more water-inclined than others. It may take time and patience, but with consistent effort, you can help your dog understand the pool rules. For help on teaching your dog to obey your around the pool, go back to the first section of this article now.

Dog Keeps Jumping Into Pool

If your dog keeps jumping into the pool, it’s typically because they’re drawn to the water, they’re trying to cool off, or they’re seeking attention. Let’s dive into these reasons:

  1. Attraction to Water: Many dogs are natural swimmers and love water. If your dog is one of these breeds, their pool-jumping may just be an expression of this instinct.
  2. Relief from Heat: Dogs can get hot quickly, especially during the warmer months. A quick dip in the pool can be an effective way for them to cool down.
  3. Attention-Seeking Behavior: If jumping into the pool gets your attention, your dog might continue doing it simply because it works.

While it’s great that your dog enjoys the water, it’s important for safety reasons that they only go in the pool when you’re present and have given permission. Strategies like installing a pool cover or fence, providing alternative water play options, and reinforcing positive behavior can help manage your dog’s pool-jumping habit.

Learn more about teaching your dog to behave properly around the water by going back to the first section of this article now.

Dog Won’t Get Out of Pool

When your dog won’t get out of the pool, it could be due to a few possible reasons. They might be having too much fun, they could be cooling off, or they might feel safer in the water. Let’s delve into these reasons:

  1. Having Fun: Dogs often love water, and your pup might just be enjoying themselves too much to want to get out.
  2. Cooling Off: If it’s a hot day, your dog might be staying in the pool to keep cool and may resist leaving the refreshing water.
  3. Feeling Safe: In some cases, dogs may feel safer in the water. This is especially common with dogs who have grown up around water or have had positive experiences with it.

While it’s okay for your dog to enjoy the pool, it’s crucial they also understand when it’s time to get out. Establishing and enforcing pool rules, using commands like “out” or “come”, and providing positive reinforcement can be beneficial in teaching your dog to exit the pool when instructed.

You also need to learn to address this type of disobedient display from your dog. Go back to the first section of this article now where we’ll explain how you can do that.

Why Does My Dog Pace Around the Pool?

If your dog is pacing around the pool, you may be wondering what’s going through their mind. Here are some potential reasons for this behavior:

Curiosity

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. If your dog is new to the concept of a pool, they might be pacing around it out of curiosity, trying to understand what it is and how it works. They may be intrigued by the water’s movement, reflection, or even the sound it makes when disturbed.

Desire to Swim

Many dogs love to swim. If your dog is one of them, they might be pacing around the pool because they want to jump in and enjoy a swim. This behavior can be particularly noticeable on hot days when a cool swim can be quite enticing.

Anxiety or Fear

On the flip side, some dogs are afraid of water or have had a negative experience with swimming in the past. If this is the case, your dog might be pacing around the pool due to anxiety or fear. They might be worried about falling in, or they may be stressed by the presence of others in the pool.

Guarding Behavior

Dogs are naturally protective. If there are people in the pool, particularly children, your dog might be pacing around the pool as a way of keeping an eye on them. This could be a manifestation of their guarding instinct.

Understanding why your dog is pacing around the pool requires careful observation of their behavior and knowledge of their past experiences with water and swimming. If your dog’s pacing seems obsessive or anxious, or if they’re showing any signs of distress, you should address things through training. Go back to the first section of this article and we’ll explain how.

I’m sure you’re ready to enjoy your time in the pool without your dog getting stressed or going crazy, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article on how to stop your dog from barking around the pool.

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.