It’s summertime, and the swimming is easy — or it should be, if you’re a dog. But not every dog is a natural dog paddler. Some breeds, in fact, have all the buoyancy of a house brick.
1. Yes, dogs can drown
Yes, dogs can drown, especially if they panic and don’t know how to swim.
2. Invest in a personal flotation device made specifically for dogs
To prevent tragedies like dog drowning, a doggy flotation device is a must when it comes to dog swimming. This allows dogs to enjoy water sports they couldn’t partake in without one, and even for experienced swimmers, they make swimming easier and safer, especially in water with currents. One with handles can be a lifesaver if you need to grab your dog quickly. You can get your dog used to it at home.
3. Teach your dog swimming early on — if you can
Human infants learn swimming these days. As early as you can, buy a child’s paddling pool for your puppy and encourage him to play in it. Even an adult can appreciate a pool for lounging in on a hot day. Keep filling it more and more, until the puppy is splashing around in tip-toe deep water.
4. Bring a role model
What kid or dog doesn’t want to follow his buddies wherever they go, even into the water? Seeing another dog swimming will not only tempt him in, but will give him confidence once he’s braved the deeps. But do make sure dogs don’t try to climb on one another’s back or start play fighting in the water.
5. Go slow when it comes to dog swimming
Find water with a gradually sloping shoreline. You want water the dog can run alongside, occasionally hitting a deeper spot and then finding a shallow area a foot or so away.
6. Go swimming with your dog
Lead by example. Go in the water with your dog. Not only will it entice him to go with you, but it will give him confidence, and provide him with a safety net should things go wrong. Besides, you may need to give him some hands-on lessons.
7. Bring bribes
Dog swimming lessons are an area of training where bribery is acceptable. Bring a favourite treat or toy to entice him in further. Lure him along behind you with treat. Throw a floating toy parallel to the shoreline; you don’t want to throw it into deeper water than where you’re at because that’s neither fair nor safe. When he gets more proficient, he can play retriever, but not yet.
8. Be supportive
The main problem many dogs have when first learning to swim is that they really don’t know how. They panic and try to raise their front feet over the surface, as though trying to climb out of the water, which does not work. In the process their rear end sinks further and further down, and they start to sink. You need to support their rear.
With long-tailed dogs, usually you can just use their tail to ease their rear to the surface until they’re fairly level. Or just place your hand beneath their rump. This should help the splashing considerably. But you may also need to place your other hand on the water surface just over their front legs, preventing them from breaking the surface. You’ll probably have to repeatedly help them remember to keep their rear up as they’re first learning. Keeping them calm goes a long way toward keeping them level.
9. Teach four-paw drive
Many dogs only use their front feet to paddle, with their rear feet only occasionally contributing a random kick. You can encourage your dog to kick with his rear just by touching or tickling his rear paws. He’ll kick! Keep at it and he’ll discover he goes faster that way. If he likes to retrieve, encourage speed by throwing a toy in the water and sending him after it — maybe with you or another dog racing him!
10. Teach water words
Once your dog has mastered swimming, teach him some swimming cues. “Ashore!” for example, means to swim quickly to shore. To teach this, throw a toy to shore, or have a friend place a treat there or swing a tug there, and race her to it. “Man overboard!” means to race to you, and if he’s capable, you can also teach him to tow you to safety.
11. Be safe when it comes to dog swimming
Know your water before letting your dog in it. Are there riptides? Rushing water? Waterfalls? Undertow? Steep sides? Always train your dog to know how to get out. They can hang on the side but for only so long. And as with kids, you should always supervise no matter where he’s swimming. Have a safety plan and ALWAYS stick to it.
