The way dogs can learn new skills and activities very quickly makes people think if they are naturally born with the ability to do things this way. One such activity is swimming, and while many dogs can swim without any training and hesitation, some need proper skill training and teaching to swim efficiently. Here is everything you need to know regarding how to teach your dog to swim: 

Factors Involved to Keep Your Dog Safe While Swimming

Before starting to teach your dog to swim, it is essential to consider the factors that can highly impact your dog’s safety while swimming, such as: 

Water Intake: Keep swimming sessions short and arrange balls or soft toys for your dog to play with so they don’t swallow too much water because it can cause vomiting and electrolyte abnormalities in severe cases. 

Water Temperature: Ensure the water temperature is average and comfortable, just as you would like. Staying in water or staying wet for too long can cause your dog to succumb to hypothermia, which can further cause violent shivers, thrashes, and panic when in water. 

Water Currents: As dogs are equally susceptible to the ocean just like humans, do not throw toys or balls very far away from the waves. 

Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can also affect dogs, just like humans. Protect your dog’s skin with a sunscreen designated for dogs so their pink and sensitive skin is not harmed in any way. 

Water Toxicity: Make sure to keep your dog hydrated before swimming so they don’t consume toxic water liquids such as chloride in pools and algae and aquatic creatures from natural water bodies. Bath them afterward with a hydrating shampoo to clean and protect their skin from toxic water elements.  

Steps to Teach your Dog How to Swim

Here is a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog how to swim: 

Arrange a Life Vest for your Dog

Ensure a good-quality life vest for the dog to learn how to swim more confidently. Life vests are a great way to keep your dog safe. The life vest should properly fit your dog, have a handle for the owner to control their dog and be of bright color to be easily visible. 

Arrange a Quite Spot for the First Swim

Arrange a controlled and quiet spot for the dog’s first swim to go slowly and steadily on the dog’s learning. You can even start with a pool or a large tub for the beginning. 

Start with Shallow Water

To begin with, start initially with shallow water by throwing a ball or toy in the water. Repeat this process until your dog is entirely comfortable swimming in shallow water. If the dog is hesitant or frightened at the start, pick them up and gently place them in the water while being cautious of any distress or panic signs. 

Proceed to Deep Water

When your dog is comfortable with shallow water, proceed to deep water. Make sure to control and grip your dog’s life vest handle to help them swim. Gently start teaching them how to enter and exit a water body, through stairs, a ramp, or anything else. 

Bottom Line

Your dog can quickly learn how to swim effectively through the practical learning steps mentioned above. Just keep a close watch on them to keep them safe while swimming. If you are looking for a professional trainer for your dog, contact Leader of the Pack Dog Training for the most professional and skilled experience. 617-296-1711