How to Teach Your Dog to Swim - Part 3

Hopefully, the previous two parts of this series have been sufficient to have your dog/pup swimming in the water. The final part of this series is an important cautionary note - and a technique for you to remember. Your dog may know how to swim now; however, your dog may not know how to swim with any sense of good judgment. Therefore, like a child who knows how to swim, your dog/pup must be watched carefully while in the water. And yes, it does mean that you supervise and know what to do if your dog is in trouble in the water.

There are times when a dog’s enthusiasm and sense of fun cloud any sense of judgment. This is especially true in the water. For example, your pup may see some ducks on the lake and decide to go for a visit. There is raw enthusiasm; but there is no sense of distance or physical exertion to reach the ducks. This is when a good recall command is essential. A good recall means that, consistently (absolutely without fail), your dog comes to you each and every time - no matter what the distraction. If you do not have a reliable recall with your dog, it may mean that you will have to be in the water to help your dog/pup, if it runs into trouble.

Know what your dog can do in the water. Watch how your dog moves and how your dog rests while in the water. In that way, you can spot the very first sign of trouble. If you do not have a sound recall or if the dog cannot respond, you have to go to the dog. - And be careful. A scared dog in the water is dangerous. Do not pull the dog by the collar. This may restrict the dog’s leg movements and may increase the dog’s panic. Further, a dog in the water may feel that it is going under the waterline, if there is pressure on the head / neck area. Therefore, leave the front end of the dog alone.

In helping the dog in the water, give assistance from the tail end. Place yourself by the dog’s side. The dog, even struggling in the water, will remain buoyant for a while. Push with one hand from the back end of the dog - push the dog toward the shore. - All you want to do is push. There is no grabbing or holding the dog. - Pushes to shore will be all you need to help your dog/pup. And please remember, push from behind the dog.

Hopefully, you will not need to use the aforementioned instructions. However, it is good to know beforehand - and it is good that you practice this with your dog in case you ever need to use this technique. Let the dog/pup have the experience of you pushing from behind and towards shore. Do it when it is just a fun thing and the dog will remember if and when it is absolutely necessary.

And with that said, you and your dog/pup are set for a fun, safe summer in the water. You have taught your dog to swim - now the dog will show you how to have a great time.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]dogs, pups, swimming, safety, technique[/tags]