We’re lucky enough here in South Florida to be able to enjoy swimming and playing in the water year-round. One way to be more confident in bringing your furry friend along for your water adventures is by teaching them to swim. Some dogs are natural-born water lovers, while others need a bit more encouragement before making a splash. To help acclimate your pup to water, try these tips – and get ready to hit the beach this summer!
Safety First
Before any training involving deep water (be it swimming, boating, or some other activity), you should get a life jacket for your dog. Even the strongest swimmers can get hurt or otherwise have their ability to keep themselves afloat compromised. With a life jacket, you ensure that your dog will be able to stay above the water no matter what. The vest should be snug but not so tight that it restricts breathing or is uncomfortable. You should be able to fit two fingers between the jacket and your pup at the neck and waist when the vest is tightened correctly. It’s likely your dog won’t like it at first–be sure to reward them with plenty of treats while they wear it, and have them wear it around the house or backyard so that they get used to it before putting it to use in the water.
Head to the Water
The next step may be simple, or it may be pretty tricky, depending on your dog’s affinity for water. Go to a lake or pond with no waves, and the ground slopes gently down to work its way into deep water. If there isn’t a safe lake or pond nearby to learn to swim, stick with the stairs of your pool. Walk them to the edge, and reward them with treats for following you. If they seem nervous, don’t push them to go further; the last thing you want to do is create a negative experience that turns them off of the water for good. If they seem comfortable enough, walk a few steps into the water and see if they follow, offering them treats as you go. Always pay close attention to their body language so you can tell when they need to stop and turn around. Walking into the water may take a couple of weeks of training sessions to achieve; stay patient while your dog gets used to this new environment. You can try to calm them or encourage them further by bringing toys to play with at the water’s edge or having a friend bring their water-loving pup to show your dog how fun taking a swim can be.
Perfect their Paddling
Paddling “doggy-style” quickly gets exhausting for both people and pups. While your dog won’t ever be able to do the breaststroke, they can be taught to use their back legs while swimming. Using their hind legs takes the strain off the front and will make them much stronger swimmers overall. Hold them gently either by the top of their life jacket or on their belly (position your hand closer to the front than the back). This way, you are helping to support their front paws and forcing them to kick harder with their back paws. After a few training sessions, you will likely notice quite a difference in their speed and strength as they paddle with all four legs.
Swimming with your dog is a blast, and you can create some truly unforgettable memories enjoying the water together. Don’t forget to keep them safe in other ways as well – read more here about life vests, sunburn, and heatstroke.
