Summer is almost here again, and for millions of us that can mean only one thing: it is once again time to head to the beach, lake, or local pool. Most of us bring our families – along with the necessary food, drinks, towels, lotions, and fun floatation devices – and never give a thought to bringing along our canine companions. If you’re one of those millions of people, ask yourself a couple of simple questions. Is the family dog invited as well? And if so, have you taught your dog to swim?
The vast majority of dogs enjoy a little swim every bit as much as their human companions. And, like their human counterparts, many dogs need to be taught how to swim. Teaching a dog to swim may sound like the premise for a joke – accustomed as most of us are to the notion that dogs are natural-born swimmers – but the fact is that even dogs that naturally take to water can benefit from your guidance when they are first introduced to swimming. Here are 10 essential tips to help you teach your dog to swim.
1. Know your breed. Many dogs naturally take well to water and enjoy swimming. Among the breeds that enjoy the water are setters and retrievers, most poodles, and many spaniels, among others. Stocky dogs, especially those with short legs, often find swimming to be a difficult task. Bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs and Basset hounds are among some of the more notable “sinkers. Knowing your breed’s fondness for swimming will help you determine the depth of expectation you should have for the dog’s swimming development.
2. Life Jackets can help. You may not need a dog flotation device (life jacket) for a dog that loves to swim, but for those who tend to sink like a rock it is an absolute necessity. After all, just because your pug swims like a brick doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be able to enjoy the water as much as his water spaniel friend. In addition, good floatation devices come with handles on the back which can be a great boon when you need to haul your pet out of the water.
3. Splish Splash – you’re going to get wet! Plan on getting in the water with your dog. There are a number of reasons for this, including the safety of your pet. In any event, recognize that those less-enthusiastic dogs may need you in the water with them anyway. Dogs are pack animals, and feel more comfortable doing what others in the pack are doing. As the Alpha dog in your pack, you will need to lead by example.
4. “Sink or Swim” is a big no-no. Do not just throw the dog into the water, thinking that he will learn from the sudden shock. That technique can prove deadly to your pet, as we all know that dogs can panic just as easily as a human child – or adult, for that matter. That sudden shock can cause your dog to flail his paws wildly, which can result in him taking in water and beginning to choke. Dogs can drown just as easily as humans.
5. Find a quiet place to swim. One of the worst things to do is to take your dog to a busy, noisy part of the beach or pool. Any dog owner worth his salt knows from experience that dogs, like children, can easily become scared or overly excited. Fear and confusion will not only prevent you from effectively teaching your dog to swim; fear and confusion can send your dog into a panic that could cause him to be in danger. The key to effective swimming lessons for your dog is to keep him relaxed and keep his attention on the task at hand.
6. Keep it simple. Start in shallow water and progress to deeper water gradually. If your dog is reluctant, do not force him to venture into deeper water with you. Try to coax him with a favorite toy. As with any dog training, always remember that your dog is a dog first and foremost. Do not get frustrated or lose patience with the process, and never lose sight of the fact that every dog learns at its own pace.
7. Watch your tone. Do not raise your voice or become overly excited when you are attempting to coax your dog to swim properly. Swimming lessons for dogs are no different than any other dog training, and tone is always important. Use a calm and gentle coxing tone with your furry friend, and always keep things positive. Positive encouragement is the one constant that always works when training your dog.
8. Support your dog as he learns. By this, I mean support his rear end. I have had several dogs who could paddle fine with their front paws, but they had difficulty grasping the concept that a good dog paddle requires the back legs treading water as well. If your dog shares that difficulty, gently place your hand under his hindquarters and lift so that his body is properly balanced. He will soon get the idea that this is the natural position his body needs to be in, and will kick with his back legs to achieve that form.
9. Bring an accomplished canine swimmer with you. If you have a dog who already knows how to swim, or have access to one through a friend or family member, bring him along with you. Seeing another dog swimming with ease will help to build your dog’s confidence and assure him that learning to swim is not some impossible mission. Use your dog’s natural pack instincts to your own benefit, and provide a situation in which he can “follow the leader”.
10. Keep your dog close to you. Last, and most important of all, is to always keep your dog within eyesight and swimming distance. Don’t just trust that your dog will come when called, no matter how far you let him swim away from you. If you have a dog that tends to wander, use a light lead to keep him near enough to work with.
Above all, enjoy the process of teaching your dog to swim. When all is said and done, you will be able to have years of aquatic fun with your dog, and your canine companion will be happy to be included in those family outings to the beach or pool.
