When dogs are in the water, you may notice them doing a dog paddle with heads above water and paws pushing up towards the surface. Some breeds, like labradors, are natural swimmers but don't assume your dog can swim even if they are known natural swimmer. However, other species like bulldogs or chihuahuas, require patience and training to learn this skill. Below is our guide for helping your dogs and puppies become efficient swimmers.
Why are some dogs afraid of water? It might be because it's a new experience for them, or water generally feels unusual on their fur or paws. If your dog is adopted, they may have had a traumatic experience with water or were forced to get wet when they weren't ready.
The key to helping dogs overcome their fears of swimming is to take the entire process slow and steady. The earlier you do this, the better. Start by familiarising them with water through bathing. If they are still anxious about bathing, follow these simple steps to alleviate their anxiety:
💧 Bring your dog into the bathroom for playtime with a closed door
💧 Get your dog comfortable with being leashed in your home
💧 Use a non-slip mat in the tub
💧 Ensure the water is lukewarm
💧 Only use a small amount of water
💧 Remember to give them plenty of praise and positive reinforcement during the bathing process, as it will help condition them into realising that water is not harmful.
💧 Once they are used to being around water, the next step is teaching a dog to swim.
Do you have to teach a dog to swim? While it's not necessary, it's a valuable skill to master. It will allow dogs to explore new areas like dog swimming on beaches and enable them to utilise this skill whenever needed. They may even end up loving the water after a while, so much so you won't be able to keep them away from it!
That said, there are some essential safety tips to follow when teaching them to swim.
Ideally, a quiet peaceful area with minimal or no distractions does the trick. A natural habitat like a gradually inclined shoreline or shallow lake is ideal. Place close attention to the weather, rips and waves in the water, depth and if there are any underwater plants their legs may get caught on. Also, note that many beaches and national parks don't allow dogs, so researching locations before swimming will go a long way.
Remember to pack treats and toys to reinforce positive behaviours. These can help encourage your dog to go into the water. Bring a towel or dog robe to dry them after swimming too.
We also firmly recommend always bringing a life jacket for your dog. This ensures they stay afloat during the training process. It can be overwhelming at first, and they may panic causing them to lose their focus in swimming.
Try tossing a ball or a chew toy from the water's edge – don't throw it too far. Your dog should be able to comfortably enter the water and grab the ball without too much effort. Once they return the toy to you, reward them with praise and a treat. Then repeat the process, throwing the toy further each time. Your dog should be able to wade slightly but still be close enough that their feet can touch the ground if needed.
If you are training your dog to swim in a swimming pool, ensure you provide hands-on support. When your dog enters the water, place your hand in a supportive position to keep them afloat. The key to teaching them to swim is ensuring their bottom is aligned with their head. In other words, their body should be straight. Consider giving them lots of praise and practice patience - you may want to start by placing them in the water without moving until they are comfortable with it.
To help you start teaching your dog how to swim, check out top product recommendations to turn your puppy into an avid swimmer.
Made from 100% certified recycled plastic bottles and fabric, our swim jackets use an ultra buoyancy foam to keep them supported while in water. Meanwhile the double velcro neck strap assists with keeping your puppy's head above water. We used bright vibrant colours to help you quickly identify them when out in water.
Our dog robes are super absorbent and utilise microfibre technology, allowing the fabric to dry as soon as it's wet quickly. The wraparound design suits dogs of all shapes and sizes, helping them dry soon after a long day of swimming. It's made with 100% fast-drying and absorbent microfibre polyester.
This floatable toy is colourful and easy to spot, encouraging dogs to enter the water to fetch and retrieve. We designed it to suit your dog's mouth, while the rope mechanism provides a convenient anchor to hold, throw or play a game of tug. Made of natural rubber, it floats in water and is non-toxic.
Teaching your dog to swim can be a rewarding experience as it means you can take your furry friend along with you to all your summer adventures! So take your time to introduce your dog to the water with patience, proper guidance and safety precautions to make it a fun and positive experience.
