Swimming training for dogs is always suitable if your dog is afraid of water and wants to become a water rat. But targeted swimming training with your dog can be beneficial not only in these cases. Especially in summer, it can be an incredibly wonderful refreshment for your dog if he can cool off a bit with a cool dip in the lake. Not every dog can swim particularly well by nature. How you can help your dog teaching your dog to swim safely, we explain to you in today's blog post.
Dogs can swim naturally, but …
Dogs can swim naturally, this statement is not wrong. However, not every dog is a very talented swimmerMany dogs are afraid of water and avoid it. They also often avoid playing in very shallow water. Dogs who like to swim are not necessarily water babies. These dogs will jump into any lake, but avoid romping around in the water and sometimes even avoid puddles.
The Movement sequences used in swimming, are in every dog's blood. They are part of the survival instincts of every dog. You may have noticed that some dogs start paddling when you hold them above the surface of the water. This behavior says nothing about good or bad swimmers. Short-nosed breeds with a heavy build and relatively short legs are not good swimmers. Dog breeds that swim particularly well and enjoy swimming include:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Landseer
- Leonberger
as well as the typical water dog breeds such as Irish water spaniels, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese water dogs. Some of these dogs are even bred or trained for work in the water.
How to get your dog used to water in a relaxed way
Dogs that don't want to jump into every lake because they are afraid of water should be introduced to the cool water gently and without force. The magic word here is a lot of patience.
Choose for training a calm water. A body of water without currents and without large waves is ideal here. Wide sandbanks that lead over a long area into deep water are also ideal. Your dog can get used to the water little by little and does not immediately lose contact with the ground. If it becomes too much for him, he can leave the water on his own. Organize the training in small sections so that your dog can get used to the new element of water in peace.
If necessary, a life jacket can be an advantage for your dog. Especially anxious dogs who are not particularly good swimmers experience life jacket a little more safetyThe life jacket can help prevent your dog's rear end and back from sagging. The back loop of the life jacket is particularly useful for guiding your dog safely through the water.
As with any training, motivation is key when it comes to swimming training. Giving your dog an incentive to leave the safety of the land is always worth it. If your dog is very fixated on you, it can be helpful if you get into the cool water with him. Many dogs love to fetch. Perhaps a great water toy is the solution for you and your dog to take away his fear of the cool water.
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