Teaching your dog to swim - Water Safety

Lucky has complete confidence in the water after having done solid swim lessons and now loves to play in the pool DAILY!

Swimming is a great way for dogs to exercise and have fun, especially during the hot summer months. However, not all dogs are natural swimmers, and it's important to teach them how to swim safely. In this blog post, we'll go over some safety tips, steps to teaching your dog to swim, and best practices for swim training for dogs.

Safety Tips:

Before we get into the steps of teaching your dog to swim, it's important to go over some safety tips:

1. Always supervise your dog while they are swimming. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, accidents can happen, and it's important to be there to intervene if necessary.

2. Start in shallow water. Don't throw your dog into deep water right away. Start in shallow water where your dog can touch the bottom.

3. Use a dog life jacket. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a life jacket can provide extra support and help your dog stay afloat.

4. Don't let your dog drink pool water. Chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can be harmful to your dog if ingested.

Steps to Teaching Your Dog to Swim:

1. Start with a calm and shallow body of water. A lake, pond or calm section of a river is ideal. Start with water that is only a few inches deep.

2. Let your dog get used to the water. Let your dog explore the water at their own pace. Some dogs may be hesitant at first and need time to get comfortable.

3. Encourage your dog to swim. Once your dog is comfortable in the water, encourage them to swim by tossing a toy or treat just out of reach. Praise your dog when they swim towards the toy.

4. Support your dog as they swim. Place one hand under your dog's belly while they swim. This will provide extra support and help your dog stay afloat.

5. Gradually increase the depth of the water. Once your dog is comfortable swimming in shallow water, gradually move into deeper water.

6. End on a positive note. End each swimming session on a positive note, with praise and treats for your dog.

Best Practices for Swim Training for Dogs:

1. Don't force your dog to swim. If your dog is afraid of the water, forcing them to swim can be traumatic and make them even more fearful.

2. Start with a life jacket. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a life jacket can provide extra support and help your dog stay afloat.

3. Avoid swimming in rough water. Waves and strong currents can be dangerous for dogs, even good swimmers.

4. Be aware of your dog's limitations. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some may not be able to swim for long periods of time. Take breaks as needed and never push your dog beyond their limits.

5. Rinse your dog off after swimming. Chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can be harmful to your dog's skin and coat. Rinse your dog off with fresh water after swimming.

In conclusion, teaching your dog to swim can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Remember to always prioritize safety and take things slow, starting in shallow water and gradually moving deeper. With patience, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, your dog will be swimming like a pro in no time!

Some in the Coachella Valley or those we board and train from a distance, dont have a pool or feel confident they can teach their dog to swim. We DO include this in the Board and Train programs for dogs whose owners request this type of training. For more information or to get your dog in our training programs, GET STARTED TODAY by setting up an initial consult