Mini Dachshund Conquers His Fear Of Water And Is 'Obsessed With Belly Flopping'
Everyone has fears, even dogs — fear of heights, fear of bugs, fear of the unknown. But sometimes, we're able to conquer those fears, and maybe even enjoy the very things that once made us scared. A perfect example is this mini dachshund who was once afraid of water but who now can't get enough of belly flopping right into it!
@lindsaysilb I legit can't stop watching this.
Captioned, "POV: your mini dachshund who was afraid of the pool suddenly becomes obsessed with belly flopping," the TikTok video shows the little wiener dog taking a running leap into the backyard pool, over and over and over again. "I legit can't stop watching this," notes the content creator.
"Impeccable form," one person ran to the comments to say, with another adding, "10!!!!!!" Meanwhile, someone else posed the question, "Am I the only one that each time it jumps I said 'WEEEEE!!' In my mind?" No, no, you are not — and we're having almost as much fun as the dog!
Why some dogs fear water
Some dogs love getting wet and splashing around (like this dog who discovered a genius way to play fetch with herself at a lake), while others would rather stay far away from any body of water. Most dogs aren't being stubborn when they refuse to go into the water, instead having a legitimate fear or natural apprehension.
For example, dogs who did not experience water during puppyhood may find baths, pools, or lakes intimidating because they are unfamiliar. So, positive early exposure can help dogs learn that water can be safe and fun, but when they didn't get that kind of exposure when young, even a shallow puddle can raise alarm bells. Past experiences can also shape a pup's reaction, a scary fall into a pool or a jarring bath time routine may leave a lasting negative association with water. Physical traits matter too, as dogs with short legs, heavy bodies, or flat faces may have more difficulty swimming, making maneuvering through water genuinely challenging.
While understanding the cause of what might be creating a pup's fear of water is the first step toward overcoming that fear, equally necessary is having patience with your pup. Going into the water, except for bath time, isn't a must for dogs, but if you think your pup might generally enjoy it or needs to have some basic acceptance of water to stay safe around a pool or at the beach, slowly working on gentle encouragement and building positive experiences can help some dogs gradually become more comfortable in and around water, like these dogs who are all dressed up in their swimsuits and ready to hit the pool.