{"id":339612,"date":"2025-12-11T19:50:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T19:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/teaching-your-dog-to-swim\/"},"modified":"2025-12-11T19:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T19:50:04","slug":"teaching-your-dog-to-swim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=339612","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Your Dog To Swim"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Not all dogs are born knowing how to swim. Even if you have a breed that\u2019s know for loving the water, you might still might be teaching your dog to swim! And helping him learn now will not only strengthen your bond, but will set you up for a lifetime of fun together.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Why Spend Time Teaching A Dog To Swim?<\/h2>\n

Every year, an estimated 10,000 dogs drown in the United States. Most of these tragedies occur when dogs get into a pool and can\u2019t get out. Just like people, once an animal is in the water, they quickly tire splashing about. So, teaching your dog to swim is one of the most crucial skills he can learn.<\/p>\n

Teaching your dog to love the water while he\u2019s young has additional benefits besides safety. Swimming can be a safe aerobic exercise for dogs with arthritis, those with joint or spinal issues, or dogs that are overweight. In these situations, water supports the body, which reduces pain while allowing them to burn calories.<\/p>\n

Swimming is also and excellent way for dogs to burn off excess energy. In fact, it is such great exercise that owners of performance dogs (those competing in agility, flyball, herding, frisbee, tracking and obedience) often use swimming to keep their dogs in top physical condition.<\/p>\n

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Does Your Dog Want To Swim?<\/h2>\n

Swimming is fun for a lot of dogs, but others are afraid of or don\u2019t like the water. And some breeds are not naturally built for water sports.<\/p>\n

The short-necked, large-chested breeds like Bulldogs can have trouble keeping their heads above water. And even some Retrievers and Spaniels need a little practice to perfect their \u201cdoggie paddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

GoPetFriendly fans will know that Myles is not a fan of being wet under any circumstances. He even walks around puddles! So, he\u2019s happier admiring the water from a distance. <\/p>\n

But Buster loved to swim! Amy and Rod spent many years locating pet friendly beaches where Buster could enjoy playing in the waves.<\/p>\n

DO MORE \u21d2<\/em><\/strong> Best Pet Friendly Beaches In Florida<\/a><\/h4>\n
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Assessing Your Dog\u2019s Swimming Skills<\/h2>\n

So how will you know where your dog falls on the scale from \u201cmight melt if splashed\u201d to \u201cnatural born swimmer?\u201d One telltale sign is if the only way he\u2019ll get in the water is on a raft!<\/p>\n

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Actually, there\u2019s an easy way to tell if swimming is one of your dog\u2019s intrinsic skills. Just hold your pup, or walk with him on leash, in the water. If he struggles to return to dry land, your biggest challenge will likely be helping him overcome his fear. Use toys, treats, and a lot of patience to teach your dog swimming is fun. Or resign yourself (like Amy and Rod did with Myles) that swimming is not going to be one of your dog\u2019s favorite activities.<\/p>\n

If your dog starts paddling in the water, but only uses his front legs and slaps the surface with his back paws, he has the skills but will need some help from you to learn to swim. With a little time and support, your pup will learn to incorporate his hind legs and tail to stay afloat.<\/p>\n

Finally, if your dog starts kicking his front and back legs in a coordinated motion, he\u2019s got this! You lucked out with a dog who was born with the ability to swim.<\/p>\n

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Teaching Your Dog To Swim \u2013 Safety First<\/h2>\n

When teaching your dog to swim, a few simple rules can make for a lifetime of fun.<\/p>\n