Many individuals know how to swim and especially know how to doggy paddle. Most people don’t know that dogs also have to be taught to swim just like humans. While dogs are born with the ability to do the “doggy paddle” they aren’t born with a natural ability to stay horizontal in the water. This is why it is important to take the time to actually teach your dog how to swim using other techniques besides the doggy paddle.
Dog Swimming
If you decide that now is the right time to introduce your furry companion to the wide world of swimming, make sure you choose the right kind of environment in which to teach him. Make sure it’s a warm day outside with lots of sunshine. You should have a helper come with you on your doggie’s first swimming lesson. Try to avoid beaches or rivers where there is a lot of noise and crashing waves.
If your dog is still a pretty young puppy you will probably not have much trouble getting him into the water. Most puppies don’t have a fear of water and will just dive right in with all four paws, while older dogs tend to be a bit apprehensive about taking the big plunge. Just remember not to get discouraged or think that your dog doesn’t want to swim. Your pet just wants to feel safe and secure.
Training Your Dog To Swim
Take your dog out in the water until it gets about knee high, no higher than waist high. You should put one of your hands underneath your pup on his stomach, and the other hand holding up his tail to help him stay level while in the water. Make sure you and your pet are facing your help on the shore.
This individual should be offering praises and encouragement to your pooch during the lesson. Next, immerse the dog’s torso into the water. The first thing your pup will do as soon as it hits the water will be to start paddling. Once the pup is paddling at a decent pace, remove your hand from its belly and keep holding up its tail to keep it steady and level.
If you don’t have access to a river or a beach, you can always teach your pooch to swim in a swimming pool. The only drawback to teaching your dog to swim in a pool is cleaning the hair out of the pool’s drain. This can be a laborious task so make sure you have the right equipment.
The first thing you should do is help your dog feel comfortable with the pool by allowing him to get familiar with it. Let your dog come with you in the pool and show him where the steps are located. Carry the dog away from the edge of the pool and immerse him in the water. Let him swim all the way back to the steps. After you repeat this process a few times, your dog will be a champion swimmer!
It’s important to remember that you should never toss a dog into water. Your pup will panic and this can cause your dog to drown. Also remember that while dogs do love to play games in the water, they are susceptible to getting cramps as well as just getting plain worn out from the exercise. If you aren’t paying close attention and your pooch takes a cramp or tires out while in the water, he could drown. Please make sure to keep your furry friend safe and enjoy the water!
Hi thanks for your tips, ive just been teaching my 3 year old cavalier king charles in our paddling pool.
She really wasnt having any thing to do with it at first!!
I was keeping her steady by holding underneath her stomach, but thanks for the tip about holding the tail, i will try it tomorow!!