Mention swimming and Golden Retrievers in the same sentence, and you’ll likely picture a perfect match. The breed has a long history of working in and around water, and many take to swimming without hesitation. Because of that, it’s easy to assume every Golden will dive right in with confidence. However, one pooltime video shows that even famously “water-loving” dog breeds can sometimes prefer a little extra comfort.
Owner shows expectation vs reality of dog’s pooltime in cute video
A video shared by @maddiethebad.e features Maddie, a Golden Retriever, during a pool training session that didn’t go quite as planned. Maddie’s owner took her for a swim lesson, likely expecting her to confidently paddle through. Instead, the pup showed just how challenging the experience was for her.
In the first part of the video, Maddie is seen in the pool with a trainer by her side. Her paws flap rapidly as she tries to stay afloat, clearly putting in the effort but also looking unsure. The trainer stays close, gently guiding her movements and offering support as she attempts to swim on her own. While Maddie doesn’t give up, it’s obvious that she’s still trying to understand what to do and how to feel comfortable in the water.
The mood shifts when the video cuts to a calmer moment. Maddie and her trainer are now sitting by the edge of the pool, cuddled up together. The dog looks far more relaxed, leaning into her trainer as if seeking reassurance. Other clips show similar moments, with Maddie clinging close during breaks in the session, choosing comfort over confidence as she processes the intense experience.
In the caption, her owner humorously sums up the situation by comparing expectation versus reality. She admits she imagined Maddie becoming a “strong independent swimmer,” but instead got a “clingy little bean who just wants cuddles in the pool.”
The comments section quickly filled with encouragement and affection for Maddie. One viewer noted that she simply “loves being loved,” while another praised her effort, saying she tried her best and deserved recognition for it. A few commenters even predicted rewards in her future, suggesting treats were surely on the way after such a brave attempt.
