How to teach your dog to swim and do it safely

When summer comes and it gets hot outside, you want to find a way to cool off and cool down your four-legged friend. Nothing is as refreshing as a dip in a cool pool! If you have never bathed with a dog before and are not sure if he can swim, teaching this is not so difficult. Everything you need to know to become your dog’s trainer is in this article.

The dog is a born swimmer

Before you dive into the pool with your dog, you need to do a little research: find out what genetics say about a dog’s relationship to water. Read up on the breed (or crossbreed) of your dog to gauge your likelihood of a love of swimming. Some breeds are more aquatic than others for reasons ranging from size and build to temperament.

Dog breeds that enjoy swimming, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Newfoundland, are just as comfortable in this element as they are on land. These dogs have been bred to work in the water, making them ideal swimming companions. Other breeds, such as Dachshunds and Scottish Terriers, are inherently more insecure swimmers. Some brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, also typically cannot swim, reports the ASPCA.

How to teach a dog to swim

Do not start swimming lessons in deep or dangerous water. A great place for the first swims will be any body of water with a weak current and large areas of shallow water, such as a quiet lake. But it is best to start with a children’s pool.

To teach your dog to swim, it is best to follow a number of guidelines.

1. Safety first: Before swimming lessons, find a life jacket that will protect your dog without restricting its movement. Train your dog to wear it.
2. Encourage exploration: install an empty children’s pool outside. Take your dog in a life jacket to the pool so he can scout everything. Praise her for exploring the pool, offer to climb inside and reward her if she obeys. Keep practicing and remember that learning can take time.
3. Just add water: add warm water to the pool – not too much, just enough so that a couple of dog toys can float on the surface. Encourage your pet to get into the pool. Keep practicing, adding a little more water each time, so that the dog feels more confident at greater depths.
4. Think floating aids: While you are training your dog to water, you can try rafts or air mattresses that can support the weight of the animal. They will help the pet get used to swimming, while being above the surface of the water.

As soon as the dog feels comfortable, he is ready for swimming lessons! Head to a safe place where you can quickly get your dog ashore if he gets excited or tired. Also, be sure to check local laws or restrictions regarding pets in public places. Some beaches and lakes don’t allow dogs, and there’s hardly a better way to ruin a fun day in the sun than turning around with your dog as soon as you arrive at the beach.

Do you know if all dogs can swim? Not all. Just like not all dogs love water. Pay attention to the reaction of the dog – if he is clearly not happy, then he is not destined to become your partner in water activities. Do not force if the dog is afraid to swim or does not like water procedures.

Be careful swimming with your dog

If you still decide to swim with your pet, be careful. Beware of his claws – a dog that swims close to you may unintentionally scratch. If you are planning to swim with a large dog, make sure you follow recommended safety practices at all times, such as using appropriate watercraft at depth. A large dog that wants to cuddle in the water can interfere with the swim, putting their health and the owner’s life at risk.

And the spray flew

The benefits of swimming with a dog are well worth the time it takes to train them. Once your dog learns to swim, you can try new activities with your fluffy swimmer, both on the beach and by the pool. A little patience and practice – and your best furry friend will be ready for a bright summer holiday.

If teaching your dog to swim still seems like a daunting task, you can always hire a professional trainer. Dog spas, groomers, pet stores can help you find a specialist in your area. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about teaching your dog to swim. When in doubt, use the paddling pool, which will always help your dog cool off on a hot summer day.