Feeling nervous to dip your toes into the water for the very first time? We’ve all been there at some point or another. And, pups are the exact same! Whether it’s a human or a dog, it isn’t easy to teach someone how to swim. Before we give you some tips to ease the pool training process (for your pup at least), here are some important things to note:
- The best time to teach your dog how to swim is when they are a puppy. You want to ensure your new pup has no negative experiences with water.
- Not all dogs learn how to swim at the same pace so be patient.
- Certain breeds of dogs aren’t made to be swimmers. Some include: bulldogs, pugs, boxers, corgis, and shih tzus. So, be sure to never force your dog into the water.
However, with these 5 quick tips, we’ll have your dog swimming like Michael Phelps in no time!
1) Time & Patience When Teaching Your Dog To Swim
Teaching your pup how to swim is just like teaching them a new trick; it takes time, practice, and a few of their favorite treats (of course). Swimming can be fearful for many dogs and one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to not rush the process. Your pup should be cheerful and comfortable when approaching the pool, and the best way to learn is through positive reinforcement.
What is positive reinforcement, you may ask? Well, it’s reinforcing a behavior through rewarding good actions. For additional information check out Back to the Basics: Dog Training Essentials.
Lastly, breaks are a must! We’ve heard from certified trainer, Erika Gonzalez, that learning any new skill should be taken in intervals of only a few minutes in order to keep your pup(s) calm and secure throughout the entire pool training experience.
2) Treats Are Key, While Teaching Your Dog To Swim
Do you remember how as a child you were rewarded a lollipop after every doctor’s visit? It was that lollipop that made those visits much more tolerable and enjoyable. Dogs work the same way! Treats are essential in the beginning phases of those swimming lessons, especially to truly foster a joyous environment. Take a bag of Chicken Munchies or your little one’s favorite treats and spread out a path that leads to the pool or reward them after every step they take into the water. Treats aren’t the only way to a dog’s heart, however. Some belly rubs and extra love can go a long way! Remember to carry a cheerful tone and soon good ol’ Buster will become your next swimming buddy!
3) One Paw At A Time, When Teaching Your Dog To Swim
Once your pup has finally approached the pool, the next steps are to finally bring them in the water. And this can be a long process. First, you may want to splash your dog gently with water. Once they’re all splashed and wet, hold them over the first step of the pool and take a break until they are ready to go onto the next step downwards. If possible, go in the pool with them. This will encourage your dog to follow suit. Also, make sure to set goals. For example, take a slow approach and tackle one pool step at a time until your pup finally enters the water.
4) Tools & Toys
Did you know that some dog breeds learn how to swim faster than others? Well, they do! Life vests and other floating devices might be beneficial for your pup to try out, especially if they are having trouble getting accustomed to the water. Plus, who doesn’t love a photo op when your pup has a fashionable life vest on!
Why are life jackets useful? They encourage dogs to swim on all four paws by keeping them secure and stable on the floating device! In the beginning of your pool training journey, you may notice your pup swimming with only their two front paws. This is because they are just learning how to swim and are unsure as to how to go about it. Investing in a life jacket may aid in helping your pup become a confident and successful swimmer, despite it being on the pricier side.
5) Practice Makes Perfect.
Just like everything in life, practice makes perfect! As your dog slowly meets their goals, they will become confident and excited to be swimming in the pool with you on those hot summer days. Good luck with the training!
