Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Swim
Just because your dog is a "Retriever" breed does not mean that he knows how to swim naturally. You may need to teach him to swim. Swimming is both very healthy for dogs and a great way to freshen up on long summer days.
Unfortunately, thousands of dogs die by drowning every year. They often face this danger because they fall into the pool and cannot swim out. Just like humans, it is very important for dogs to learn how to stay underwater or get out of water.
As I mentioned above, dogs learning to swim has many benefits in terms of health as well as safety. Swimming can be a safe aerobic exercise for dogs who have arthritis, are recovering from surgery, or are overweight because the water prevents their joints from being subjected to pressure while allowing them to burn calories.
Swimming also allows dogs to burn off excess energy. Swimming is one of the best ways to burn off energy, especially for performance dogs (those competing in agility, flyball, herding, frisbee, tracking and obedience) and high-energy breeds such as the Jack Russell. We must not forget that every dog must engage in physical activity to expel its energy.
Don't all dogs naturally know how to swim?
While some dogs don't like water and getting wet, some seem naturally built for water sports. Short-necked, large-chested breeds like the Bulldog often have trouble keeping their heads above water, and some Retrievers and Spaniels may even need some practice to perfect their "stroke."
How do you know if your dog is a natural swimmer?
If your dog only uses its front legs to swim and tries to swim by taking its paws out of the water and slapping the water; This means that swimming is not one of the skills acquired from birth. You can teach him to use his back legs and tail while swimming by giving him a small support under his belly.
A few simple rules when teaching your dog to swim can make this activity a lifetime of fun:
Safety first
• NEVER leave your dog unattended under water! If you're in a pool, make sure your dog knows where the ramp is. To help your dog orient himself out of the water, some trainers recommend placing a large vertical marker, such as a plant or flag, that he can clearly see while in the water.
• Get him used to it by gently placing his feet in the water and make him get into the water and feel safe with the "come" command. Then, put a short distance between you and move forward, step by step, being careful to increase the distance very slowly. Practice in shallow water and keep lessons short – ten minutes maximum.
• Maintain control of your dog during your lessons by using a dog life belt or a leash attached to a harness. Dogs cannot stand on the ground and rest in water like humans, so they can get tired quickly.
• If you swim in the sea, do not forget to vaccinate your dog against Giardia (a waterborne parasite that causes intestinal infection). Giardia can cause vomiting and diarrhea and can be transmitted to you! Avoid strong currents and stay away from boating and fishing areas where there may be underwater hazards that could damage your furry friend's paw. Also watch out for logs or rocks hidden in the water that your dog might step on.
• Avoid swimming with your dog in water larger than your height. A panicked dog may try to "climb aboard" and push you under the water.
• Dogs can also get sunburn – especially around the nose and ears. Therefore, make sure that it stays in the shade and does not spend long time under the sun. You can get information about sunscreens prepared for pets from your veterinarian and use these creams as well.
• Food stays in your dog's tummy longer than it does in yours, so wait an hour or two after your dog eats, then start swimming.
• Learn pet first aid and improve your skills regularly.
• Avoid bad experiences. Make sure the water is not too cold and never throw or push your dog into the water. Get him used to the pool steps or the gradual slope in the sea by rewarding him with a toy. Many dogs will enter water if they can feel the ground under their feet.
• Some dogs do not like water and do not want to stand in water. If your dog starts breathing heavily or his hips sink into the water, it's time to go outside and rest. Never force him to stay in the water!
• Chlorine can irritate skin and eyes, and marine bacteria can make your pet sick. After swimming, be sure to rinse your dog with clean water and make sure that his ears are thoroughly dried. We would like to point out that dogs with ear infections should never be put into water.
• Although dogs try to do whatever we want to make us happy, you need to understand whether your dog really enjoys water. Not every sport is for everyone. For example, while our eldest daughter Mici (she is a chubby pug) goes into the water and cools off, she immediately jumps out and lies in the shade, while our youngest son Darwin (a schnauzer) does not know how to get out of the water. The important thing is that your dog is having fun, do not force him.
Remember to be patient and keep your lessons short. By swimming together, you will avoid being overwhelmed by the heat and have a great time.
