Being 10 pounds I have to admit, I am not to fond of the water. I have been swimming one time, and that was against my will. My Humans took me to the James River, to an area that is an off shoot of the river, so it is not deep or fast moving. Brice, Eva and Jasper (the dogs) were all playing and swimming in the water. Then my humans began swimming around. I was all alone on the shore. So I slowly got my paws wet. Then my Human coaxed me out to the water and slowly I moved a little bit deeper and deeper till I had to paddle around. I did swim while my human had their hands spotting me the whole time!
A few weeks ago, on my own, I got my paws wet. But once it got to my belly, I just did not get the point.
The James River is Beautiful.
Do you have a dog that wants to learn how to swim? Below are a few tips to help your dog swim.
Dogs already know how to swim, we just have to get them to realize this without pushing them, or making them scared of the water.
1. If you aren’t in the water more than likely your dog will not be going in either. Get in the water and play around.
2. Start in wading waters while letting the dog get used to having their feet and belly wet. Slowly move into deeper waters.
3. Use lures, such as a toy or food, to help a dog that isn’t sure become more comfortable and confident.
4. Peer Pressure. Bring other dogs along that are already know how to swim, and who are happy and comfortable with the water.
5. Think safety first. Make sure you are in an area that is safe and secure. Teaching your dog to swim in fast moving river water might not be safe for a first time swimmer. Consider the size and build of your dog when deciding on where to swim.
6. Stay Positive! Do not punish your dog if they are unwilling to get in the water. The more positive you are, and the more fun you are having, the more likely your dog will be willing to make the choice to take the plunge and start paddling.
7. Make sure your dog is making the choice to get in the water. If you throw your dog in the waters most likely your dog will not want to go back in on their own.
Post a comment to share your favorite place to swim with your dog, how you taught your dog to swim, or any other fun dog swimming story.
I love swimming, fetching a squishy small ball out of the water, just like the big dogs. I’m sort of a show off, a 10lb tough girl with a Can Do attitude.
I started swimming before I 6 months old, my mother was in the ocean, and I had never been away from her…I followed, and she cheered as I paddled out to her. She lifted me up, kissed me and carried me back to shore. All day, we played in the water, and every time after that day when we went to the beach, I would run right in the water, before she even had the umbrella and blanket set up.
Once when I was two, walking on a sea wall on very hot day, I just jumped in the water. That scared my mom, no cheers at all, she had to pull me up by my leash…I got cooled off, but I am not going to try that again.
About 3 times a week in the summer we go for a late afternoon walk in the woods, where I get to swim in a lake. Its great, my mom brings along a squishy ball, and tosses it in for me to swim out to retrieve. I don’t swim as far out as the big dogs, but hey, my legs are only 3 inches long! Still awesome for my size.
Another favorite is kayaking, my mom ties my bed to the front of the boat, and I sit on top in my green life preserver watching all the sights. Best thing is…I am with my Mom, not left at home. Thats my secret, be a good dog, do the things your owner likes to do, listen and obey, and you get to EVERYWHERE with them. I got a great life.