Teaching a Dog to Swim: Answering Questions

There have been recurring questions from the three part series that was done on how to teach the dog to swim. Since that series has been found again and questions are being asked, I thought I would address some of the most frequently asked questions here:

• do you use a leash or a long rope? - This is something that I discourage. The rope or leash may become tangled and it becomes more of a hindrance to the dog. The point is to build the dog’s confidence so that initially you are close enough to reach and push the dog toward shore. That is the easiest way to handle the problem if the dog suddenly finds the situation to be frightening. I would not like to drag the dog by leash or rope. This just creates too many possible problems.
• your anxiety - Teaching the dog to swim may be something that makes you anxious. The approach that I have given makes the dog’s safety the first priority. It is best to acquaint yourself with the approach and just do what is comfortable for yourself and the dog. There is no speed of progress that you have to achieve. If this takes weeks - or even the whole summer - that is fine. It is important that you are comfortable with the lessons. Part of the lesson that you want to teach the dog is that the water is a fun place. If you are not confident and anxious, the dog will know and wonder if there is cause for concern.
• more than one person - Some have suggested that teaching the dog be done as a team with another person or persons. While there may be support in numbers, I would encourage that this be one to one lessons with the dog. You want to focus on the dog and have as few distractions as possible. The same applies to the dog. You want the dog’s focus on you - and only you.
• my dog takes to the water naturally - You are fortunate that you have a dog who likes the water. However, even for dogs who initially enjoy the water, I would like to add a word of caution. Sometimes, the dog does not know its limits in the water. Don’t be fooled by the ease with which the dog takes to the water. The dog may tire or become scared with a wave. Until the water is something with which the dog is experienced, caution is important. The dog may like the water but it still lacks the experience.
• my dog thrashes about in the water. How do I know if it is trouble? - If you have been teaching the dog in a systematic approach, you know what your dog’s “style” is. Thrashing and splashing may be your dog’s swimming style. If you are looking for signs of trouble, the dog’s head is the best indicator. As a rule, dogs like to keep their heads and noses above the water line. (Yes, I know that there will be some dogs who like to dive down, explore and retrieve a rock or something.) Watching the dog’s head is a good first indicator. - And remember, if the dog is in trouble, you are close enough to give a push toward the shore. You push from behind the dog. And if the head is dropping consistently, you want a hand under the dog but still your approach is from behind.

The three part series can be found at the following links:

links: How To Teach Your Dog To Swim Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

And finally, just like kids, no matter how good or how experienced the dog is in water, it still needs your attention. Watch your dog and, in the process, your dog will remind you how to have fun.

Catherine Forsythe