While it’s easy to assume that all Golden Retrievers are natural-born swimmers, that’s not always true. Like humans, dogs can develop fears or anxieties that take time, patience, and a bit of creative encouragement to overcome. One pet parent recently shared a heartwarming video showing how her Golden Retriever, Pearl, finally conquered her long-standing fear of swimming.
Instagram video shows Golden Retriever swimming fearlessly
Pearl, now a confident swimmer, spent the first three years of her life terrified of the water. Unlike many Goldens who eagerly paddle at the first splash, Pearl was hesitant to even dip a paw in the pool. Her owner decided to document her progress in a now-viral Instagram video. The reel begins with early clips of a younger Pearl standing cautiously at the edge of the pool, visibly unsure. However, through a series of training steps and supportive experiences, she slowly finds her courage.
The video shows Pearl moving from fearful to fearless over time, with each clip marking a little more progress. By the end, she’s confidently jumping in, retrieving toys, and paddling with joy. In the caption, her owner shares the strategies that helped make this transformation possible.
Key to Pearl’s progress was a patient, step-by-step approach. Her owner emphasized the importance of not rushing the process and, instead, building her confidence with repeated exposure. One strategy that helped was attending three separate “try-it” dock diving sessions where Pearl could walk into the water at her own pace.
Pearl’s breakthrough came when a trainer noticed she seemed discouraged when her toy landed in the water. They worked to build Pearl’s confidence using her favorite toys, gradually encouraging her to follow them into the pool. The owner also noted that they reserved certain toys just for pool time, so they stayed extra excited and helped Pearl associate the water with fun.
For many viewers, Pearl’s swimming journey hit close to home. One user wrote, “My baby does not want any part of the water. Makes me feel like there is hope for her to love the water too.” Another said, “A golden who was afraid of water?? I’m glad she’s overcoming her fear though! What a brave girl.”
