Games with a dog who loves to swim

Dogs and water are often inseparable, like children and candy. Few things are as genuinely delightful to water-loving dogs as a trip to the lake or the beach. If you live near a body of water or have your own pool, we recommend checking out these dog activities and water games to keep your dog fun (and not hot) all summer long.

In the backyard

The most affordable option for organizing bathing is your own backyard. Chances are, this is already one of your dog’s favorite places and there are no rules or laws about the mandatory presence of a leash (other than those that you yourself have established). However, when extreme heat threatens to drag on, there’s an easy way to spice things up: just add water.

You will need: a few sturdy dog ​​toys, a hose (or lawn sprinkler), a paddling pool, some towels, and your imagination.

What to do

• Play with the sprinkler. Connect a sprinkler, portable or stationary, to your garden hose and have your four-legged friend jump over it. Just don’t be surprised if he attacks the sprinkler itself!
• Water your dog with a hose. No sprinkler? The same effect can be achieved with a garden hose spray nozzle. Watering your dog is a great way to beat the heat on a sweltering day.
• Bathe her. Water treatments are likely to run more smoothly if made into a game. Use your pet’s favorite toys, let her attention be occupied with something fun while washing. If you have a large trough or basin that you can take outside, she may be more willing to take part in the process because it is so different from ordinary bathing.
• Play water chase. Play water gun chase with your dog. See if he can catch a jet in the air – like a frisbee.
• Have a splash in the pool. Fill a hard plastic paddling pool (or a more durable pool made specifically for dogs) with water and let your dog frolic in it. If she gets tired, she can just lie there and relax.

In the pool

Dogs that love water are crazy about pools. And if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, look for a place nearby where you can bring your dog. Many public pools do not allow pets, so be sure to check the rules before you go. Keep in mind that the water in most pools is chlorinated, so not safe to drink and can irritate your pet’s skin, so be sure to bring fresh drinking water with you and find a way to rinse your dog after the pool.

Take with you a dog life jacket, a special bridge so that the dog can get out of the pool (if there is no convenient ladder), a drinking bowl and clean drinking water, a floating dog bed and waterproof toys.

What to do

• go swim. For most dogs, this comes naturally—hence the “doggystyle swim,” although puppies, older animals, or other inexperienced swimmers are advised to wear a life jacket for safety.
• Dive in. Experienced swimmers will enjoy diving straight to the bottom. Throw the toy into the water and watch your dog try to get it.
• Play catch the ball. Throw a ball or frisbee over the pool – let the dog try to catch him in a jump before he falls into the pool.
• Relax. Once your dog gets tired, he will want to just swim to the surface with you. Many companies make poolside dog beds that allow her to relax by lying in the water while you sunbathe.

On a lake or river

It’s easy to find a place for your pet to play along the coast, but not all beaches, swimming areas and other public places allow you to take your pets with you, so be sure to check the rules before you go. Once there, stay away from standing water – there can be many mosquitoes and other parasites, and even dangerous bacteria. Also keep a close eye on your dog’s safety for snakes, blue-green algae, glass shards, or sharp pieces of metal that could injure you. Also, avoid areas with fast currents, such as streams or rivers, to prevent your dog from being swept away.

Be sure to bring a dog life jacket, a water bowl and clean drinking water, waterproof toys, a paddle board, an inflatable dog-proof life preserver, a first aid kit, and a safety harness with a handle. Don’t forget the special bags to clean up after her!

What to do

• Play fetch the ball from the water. Hunting search breeds will especially enjoy this type of fetch ball game – they will happily fetch a favorite toy that you toss into the water.
• Boarding with a paddle. The calm waters of the lake are ideal for practicing this Hawaiian sport, which involves balancing on an oversized surfboard using a paddle. Many of these boards are designed for two passengers. 
• Jumping into the water from the pier. This activity has become one of the most popular water games for dogs, and with good reason. If your dog loves to swim, he will love to jump into the water with a running start and raise a bunch of splashes every time.
• Boating. Whether it’s a rowboat or a canoe, a speedboat, a sailboat or a slow pontoon, your dog will no doubt enjoy a ride into the depths where he can dive, swim and splash around to his heart’s content. Be sure to put her on a life jacket and safety harness with a handle so you can easily pull her back into the boat. Also, be sure to keep an eye on her while the boat is in motion. As with small children, following safety rules while boating with your dog will help keep it out of harm’s way.
• Towing. By relaxing and swimming in the water, you can teach your dog rescue skills. Attach a ski rope to his life jacket or harness and have him practice pulling you along.
• Swimming on a raft. You’re not the only one who enjoys relaxing river rafting. Carry an inflatable life preserver that is strong enough not to be damaged by a dog so your furry companion can keep you company while you drift through the water.

On the beach

A day at the beach can be fun not only for you, but also for your water-loving dog. As with the lake, not all beaches are pet-friendly, and some have strict rules that dogs must always be on a leash. Please read the rules before planning your trip. Just like you, your dog shouldn’t ingest salt water, so be sure to bring a supply of fresh drinking water for both of you, and think about where to rinse the salt and sand from her coat before heading home. Sun protection is also a must, not only for you, so find a place in the shade or take a beach umbrella with you, under which your pet can hide from the sun. In addition, there are sunscreens that are safe for dogs. This can be especially important for lighter colored dogs, as the skin under their fur can burn.

Bring drinking water and a water bowl, dog nose and ear sunscreen, beach umbrella, dog blanket, extra towels, life jacket and waterproof toys. Also, if you plan to spend the whole day on the beach, be sure to bring food or treats for your four-legged friend so as not to disturb his usual diet – an active day on the beach will certainly whet his appetite.

What to do

• Dive into the waves. Let your dog splash in the surf and dive into the approaching waves. Just be sure to put a life jacket on him first – even experienced swimmers may not be able to cope with big ocean waves. It would also be nice to stay close to him and keep him in places that are not very deep. Never let your pet swim too far from the shore, so that he does not get under the big waves.
• Walk along the beach. Your dog will love to explore the coast – it will get great exercise and energy.
• Let him run without a leash. If the rules of the beach allow it, and your pet is well trained enough to return immediately to the call, let her run, frolic in the surf and splash in the tide pools.
• Take up surfing. If your dog is a good swimmer, take him on a surfboard or boogie board. If this is her first time, take your time and let her learn to balance before heading out into the deep – and don’t forget her life jacket!

With so many water-loving dog activities to keep your four-legged friend entertained all summer long, no doubt. As are you and your family.

Image Source: Flickr