Translated from French
My dog keeps biting us in the water
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Hello,
This behaviour is quite common in dogs and doesn't necessarily mean they're being aggressive. More often than not, when they swim out to someone, they're just looking for something to hold onto. Because they can't tread water very well, they grab on with their front paws and might accidentally nip or bite due to stress or excitement.
The fact that it took him a while to gain confidence in the water could also be a factor; he might still be a bit anxious when he's out of his depth.
To avoid getting bitten, it's best not to let him come directly towards you when he's in deep water. You could try calling him back before he reaches you, or gradually teach him to turn around or swim beside you instead of climbing on you, using rewards. It's also a good idea to stick to areas where he can still touch the bottom for now, until he feels more confident.
Try not to push him away too roughly when he grabs hold of you, as this might just make the reflex stronger. If this behaviour persists despite your training, don't hesitate to get in touch with a dog trainer.
All the best,
Inès
Translated from French
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