Which dogs are bad swimmers?

What does it depend on? First, from character. Secondly, the dog can be inhibited by fear. Perhaps your pet is timid by nature or was thrown into the water as a puppy and almost died. Thirdly, dogs are also lazy. There are such spoiled sybarite pets: they are wet in the water, and they don’t want to touch their paws once again. Fourthly, the state of health affects. The dog does not feel well, she would lie down in the shade (or in the sun), and the owner drags him to bathe. Of course, the beast rests on all four paws.

What dog breeds are bad swimmers?

And besides, there are breeds that initially do not swim well. These are all brachycephals: from bulldogs to pugs and Pekingese. Due to the special structure of the muzzle, they have to settle down in the water almost vertically. It is also uncomfortable to swim for dogs with a long body and short legs – for example, bassets, dachshunds, corgis. They can splash near the shore, but there are problems with swimming for long distances.

Decorative crumbs. Chihuahuas, toy terriers, etc. They just get supercooled faster and get tired faster, because for one stroke with their paws, say, a shepherd dog, they will have to work with their paws for a long time. And even the smallest waves and … large seagulls are dangerous for them.

How to teach a dog to swim?

So, every dog ​​can stay on the water – this is a skill she has from birth. But this does not mean that all animals are good swimmers. Therefore, if you want your pet to enjoy water procedures with you, you need to accustom him to them and train the necessary skills and obedience.

It is best to accustom to water from puppyhood. In warm weather – in the pool or any container that is suitable in size. In winter, in the bath. The puppy should be immersed in water very carefully. If the doggie cheerfully and cheerfully moves his paws, besides trying to grab a toy, then everything is in order. You only need to increase the duration of classes and complicate the tasks – for example, leave the ball or stick, teaching the pet to bring them back to you. In the case of a chihuahua and other babies, it is still better not to take risks and be close to the pet, at arm’s length.

If the puppy is clearly frightened and resists, then it is necessary to accustom to swimming gradually. First, put in a bath or basin, picking up quite a bit of water. Stroking, talking, slipping toys and sweets, pouring water on the back. Increase the depth over and over again. You can support the dog with your hand under the belly. What to pay attention to? Of course, the temperature of the water. In winter, it should be a little warmer than your hand. In summer, in the heat, it can be cool, but not icy.

In addition, in winter, the dog should be well dried after bathing. In the summer, if your pet is short-haired, this can be completely neglected. Shaggy dogs still have to be dried and combed out, otherwise mats will form.

It is desirable that water does not get into the ears. Dogs with upturned ears are usually well shaken off after bathing – while those with long floppy ears, water that has flowed into the auricle may partially remain there, causing inflammation as a result. This moment is very individual, so after swimming, you should check the condition of your pet’s ears.