Pom wants to swim

Question
Hi, Trish!

My 16 week old male Pom is very into getting wet and constantly wants to get into our water fountain/pond.  It is only 2 feet deep but plenty deep for him to drown in.  Is it true that Pom's double coats will drag them down so they can't swim?  We are constantly telling him "no" while he stands on the rocks that surround it.  Should we let him go in (supervised) so that he sees what will happen if he does?  Would that discourage him or incourage him?

Also, we have tried EVERYTHING (alpha roll, apple bitters, crating, dragging a toy alongside, "off", "no bite", etc. - you name it!) to get him to not attack our feet when we walk through the house.  It is summer and our legs are bare and now quite bloody!  He swipes at us with that sharp, curved, canine and literally often draws blood.  We know he thinks it is a game but we can't seem to cure him of it.  He has learned lots of "tricks" quite early and easily - why can't we teach him not to nip and bite?  We are hoping his upcoming neutering will help.  Any other thoughts?  We can't even run with him outside because he is constantly biting our feet and legs!

Any help would be great!  Thanks!

Haryl

Answer
I would let him swim but ONLY with supervision.  Some Poms love it and think they are part lab others are way too fancy to get theri feet wet. :o)

And as far as the biting. Thanks for checking the archives... but those are the only things I know that work.  Maybe you aren't being firm enough? It would seem that the pup isn't taking you seriously when you scold.  Maybe yelp loudly and flick his snout... wish I were more help.  I haven't had one that difficult to train to stop biting...

Best of luck.
xxoo
-Trish