Since every dog is different when it comes to his or her affinity for water, you should be prepared to teach your dog to swim the first few times you’re around water. Through some initial safety procedures and a few fun games, you can gauge your pup’s swimming skills, strength, and how well he or she takes to the water.
Dog Swimming 101
Maybe you have a beach vacation or a trip to Summit Lake planned this summer; or maybe you just want to be prepared for whatever fun may be in store for you both. Whatever your motivation,the best course of action when it comes to teaching your dog to swim is to start simple and in a safe, controlled setting; such as a backyard pool.
Begin with the steps – Especially when it comes to pools, it is important for your dog to know how to enter and exit the water. Many pets drown by accidentally falling into swimming pools, so begin by teaching your pet to find the steps and use them to get into and out of the pool.
Start solo – Since crowded pools or lakes can create too many distractions, start your pet off in a private pool or shallow area of a lake with just you or a few family members present.
Shallow swim – Once your pet is used to the feel of the water and entering/exiting, start by swimming around the shallowest area of the swimming pool or natural body of water. Get a gauge on how well your dog does and if he displays any signs of fear or trepidation.
Gradual depth – Over time, a confident, water loving swimmer can be allowed to venture into deeper water with you by his or her side, ensuring safety. Limit the amount of time in the deep water to a few minutes by swimming back to shallow water and alternating between the shallow and deep levels.
Life jacket – If you plan on spending time on a boat or canoe with your dog, we highly recommend the same safety precautions be made for him as for all other boaters. Canine life jackets can be professionally fitted for greater protection and are essentials for dogs who spend a lot of time in the water.
Swimming buddies – Over time you may want to invite a friend with a water-loving canine to come along for some swim time. There are several games that can tailored to shallow water or swimming pools – good for exercise and socialization.
Professional training – If you are unable to provide swim lessons to your dog, there are several doggie daycares and training classes that incorporate canine swimming classes into the mix. Call us for some recommendations on how to find the right facility.
Swimming with your dog is the ideal way to burn off some energy and enjoy the warm summer days. Keeping your best friend safe entails some practice, awareness, training, and confidence in your dog’s comfort level around water.
And, while you are out there dog-paddling with your dog pal, don’t forget to practice heat and sun awareness. For a refresher, refer to our previous blog post Summer Safety for Pets.