How to Teach Dogs to Swim

Teaching a dog how to swim takes a lot of skill and patience. Many dogs are born to swim, but there are many other dogs that have no idea on how to paddle their way through water. With a few special techniques you will be able to teach your dog how to swim.

• Find a safe place to teach your dog how to swim. Make sure the area is free of loud noises and distractions. You do not want your dog to become agitated and scared because of the noise.

• Make sure the water is shallow where you teach your dog how to swim. It is best to start in a small pool, you may even want to use a small children’s pool to get them used to water first.

• Purchase a small life jacket for your dog to wear while training. The jacket will keep your dog from drowning and allow you more flexibility to move around.

• Hold your dog’s hindquarter and midsection allow the dog to learn how to paddle it’s legs. You do not want your dog to use its front two legs, because this will cause the dog to sink. The dog should keep its rear up and neck pointed downward.

• Reward your dog at the end of each try. Most dogs will want to keep learning if they know they will receive a doggie treat. You want your dog to keep trying until swimming is perfected. Don’t expect your dog to learn how to swim on the first try, but it is possible.