4 Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Swim Safely
Golden Retriever Swimming in the Water
Be Safe Rather Than Sorry!
Never assume your dog can (or wants to) swim!
Just like humans, not all dogs love the water. Surprisingly, dogs from water-loving breeds may be hesitant about the water even among the sixteen K9 breeds the AKC says are “born to swim!”
Taz, a Yellow Labrador Retriever Laying on the Couch
Taz was a gorgeous and huge yellow Labrador Retriever, but unfortunately, not a natural-born swimmer!
On his first excursion into a gently flowing creek that was only a few inches deep, Taz panicked, slipped and planted his whole face under the water, freaking him out.
But with some guidance and time, Taz eventually learned to love the water and swimming!
If you’re not sure whether your dog can swim (or even wants to swim), take it slow in a quiet environment to avoid scaring them and creating an unwanted – and often difficult to change - fear of the water.
Never force your dog into the water!
Follow the 4 tips below to safely introduce your dog to swimming!
Small Pug Wading in a Blue Kiddy Pool
Kiddy Pool
Even the smallest step can be huge for your dog! A kiddy pool is a perfect way to safely gauge your dog’s comfort with water. Try throwing in a favorite toy or lead them into the pool with an irresistible treat. Sit in the pool too to encourage your dog.
Generously praise and reward the wanted behavior!
Open and Moving Water
First, know your dog’s swimming ability and comfort. The noise of the waves or even a mild current can frighten the novice dog. Keep them leashed and wade into the water with them for support and encouragement. If your dog tries to run out of the water, let them!
Bella, a black lab/Great Dane, loved her swimming pool, diving and swimming for hours. But when she was first introduced to a mountain lake on a windy day, she couldn’t run away from the waves fast enough!
With some time, she learned to love the lake and the waves.
Brown Vizsla Wearing a Blue Dog Life Vest
K9 Life Vest
If your dog is still learning to swim or is hesitant about the water, ensure their safety with a canine floatation device or a dog life vest. Make sure it fits snugly around your dog’s body for added security.
Go to K9 of Mine to learn about the 7 best dog life vests!
Swimming Lessons
Moose, the Great Dane, Greeting a Swimming Puppy in the Pool
If your dog still needs help in learning to swim, find a local dog trainer or professional for expert help. It can often be easier for a dog to learn how to swim from a trainer, especially if the dog parent is nervous around water.
Moose the Great Dane would slowly back down into the shallow end of the pool and hang onto the side of the pool even though he was taller than the water!
NO amount of coaxing or treats would change his mind. But he loved cooling off in the water!
Remember, meet your dog wherever he is comfortable when
it comes to the water and swimming.
It’s more important for your dog to be comfortable, happy
and safe in any activity!
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Mobility Service Dogs West Coast Project
The MobilityDog’s goal is to fill a desperate need!
Many people living with disabilities aren’t able to receive a Mobility Service Dog because there aren’t enough of these trained dogs and they are too expensive.
Our goal is to provide a Service Dog to all those who qualify! MobilityDog is the “ability” in disability!