How To Teach Your Dog To Swim

Topic: Going to the Beach

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There are several different breeds and types of dogs that seem to take to the water very naturally. These tend to be the hunting or gun dog breeds and in particular the retrievers. As a group these dogs have several special adaptations that make them excellent swimmers. These adaptations can include:

Oilier, harsher coats that repel water and don't absorb water even when completely soaked

Webbed feet that provide additional propulsion in the water

Thicker, otter like tails that can be used as a rudder for setting direction in the water

Natural instincts when it comes to swimming and retrieving in the water

These breeds include the Irish Water Spaniel, Cocker Spaniels, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Poodles, American Water Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and the less common Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Other breeds that also like to swim and be in the water include the Schipperke, Boxers, some Pit Bull Terriers and almost all Newfoundlands and Barbets. German Shepherd Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Blue Heelers and other herding breeds are a lot more individual in their likes and dislikes of water. Most hound breeds are good swimmers and seem to like a cooling dip in the heat of the day.

Toy breeds as a group tend to be rather hesitant about getting into water, however they can be taught to enjoy paddling through a cool lake on a hot summer day. The key to working with any dog is to introduce them to water slowly and gradually and to avoid any type of trauma when it comes to the first few times in swimming.

It is important to carefully monitor puppies around any type of water, even if it is just a few inches deep. Puppies, especially under one year of age, need to be carefully watched when they are around water. Most dog trainers and experts don't recommend allowing any puppies to attempt to swim until they are over six to nine months of age since they are easily tired and may become very frightened with the whole swimming experience. During their fear stages, the second one which occurs at 6 to 14 months, puppies and young dogs should not be forced into any situations where they are showing fear, aggression or anxiety if you want them to see these events as positives in the future.

For juvenile dogs and adult dogs that naturally take to the water there is really little that you will have to do other than monitor them in the water and be prepared to jump in if they panic or have trouble getting to safety. This is relatively rare, however some double coated dogs may run into trouble if their thick coat becomes water logged, actually pulling them down just as wet clothes would pull down a tired human swimmer.

Dogs that don't seem to like the water can be encouraged but should never be forced to swim. A good first step is to get the dog to wade into gradually deeper water as they gain confidence. The most positive way to start the process is to bring a few of your dog's favorite treats or a favorite toy. Step into the water to about the level of the dog's knees. Call the dog to you, showing the treat or the toy. Most dogs will first dash back and forth on the water's edge and then dart in an eat the treat or get the toy. Don't try to force them to stay, just let them dash in and back out. Keep repeating this several times on each outing and give lots of verbal praise and attention to the dog when they are in the water.

When the dog is comfortable standing in shallow water, gradually step backwards into deeper water. Keep repeating this process, moving slowly to the point where the dog's legs will have to come off the bottom and he or she will need to actually swim. Most dogs will require several attempts before they actually "swim"�and other dogs may never feel comfortable taking their feet off solid ground.

Dogs that are hesitant but seem willing and are healthy dogs without huge coats or other physical conditions that may cause difficulty with swimming may just need a bit of human support to get the hang of doggy paddling. You can support the dog by forming a cradle under their stomach and chest and keeping them afloat while they get their legs working. Once the dog seems to be comfortable you can gradually lower your arms from their stomach and chest and allow them to swim on their own. Most dogs will start by swimming in circles around the owner, which is a great way to give praise and attention.

There are also lifejackets and floatation devices that are made specifically for dogs. Like human lifejackets they do need to be fitted correctly for the dog and the dog should be desensitized to having the device on before the first time they are expected to get into the water. Floatation devices are great for dogs that are swimming in pools or very deep water where they cannot quickly get to shallow water if they panic or become stressed while swimming. Always provide lots of praise and attention when the dog is successful in swimming and returning to shore. Swimming in the water with your dog is also a great way to let them know that this is what you want them to do.

Encourage your dog to go into the water by throwing a favorite toy and asking them to fetch. Start with throwing along the water's edge and slowly direct your throws to deeper water as the dog gets the hang of grabbing the toy in the water. Some dogs are comfortable in sticking their heads under water while others are not. Teaching your dog to retrieve or pick objects from under the water is not an easy task and may not be suitable to attempt to teach unless your dog is naturally comfortable with submerging their head.

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