Swimming is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your dog’s health. It exerts minimal stress on the joints, builds endurance, and improves cardiovascular fitness. This article will provide a quick “how to” in getting your dog started in becoming a champion swimmer.

First things first….how do you introduce your dog to the water?

Well there are a number of ways to do this. A few things I have noticed about dogs over time are that they seem to do better when there is a slow gradient into the water. So if you can start your introduction at a beach or in shallow water, then building to deeper water will come quickly.

 Also, dogs seem to do better when the water is murky and they can’t tell how deep it is. I really can’t explain this but having heard countless people tell me they tried getting their dog in the pool without success but somehow find their dog is just fine in a lake or at the beach. I can only assume that with the dog’s vision, the clear water must be an odd optical illusion. So if your finding your pooch isn’t going full force into the swimming pool – try taking your dog to a lake or ocean.

Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs often feel more comfortable with you there. So if you’re planning to teach your dog to swim, be sure to put on your swim trunks and be ready to get very wet!

When I first introduce a dog to water, I try and get them wet first. I’ve had really good success taking dogs to beach and going right where the tide is going to come in and graze the dog’s feet. This seems to be an approach that causes very little stress in the dog. After two or three times of repeating this process, the dog is typically willing to go deeper. Most owners can replicate this in a swimming pool by guiding the dog onto a step. Use food, toys, praise, and slight leash pressure to guide the dog gently. Some dogs who are unsure of how to follow leash pressure may do better if you just pick them up and carry them partially into the water. The nice thing is that few dogs panic when wet….they often become very docile and will stand there looking at you like “why am I here”?

What if my dog panics when I'm trying to get it in the pool?

If your dog happens to panic in this process, stay calm and confident. Try to sooth the dog will calm stroking and a calm tone of voice. Encourage the dog with food or a toy. Some dogs will spend their first pool experience simply sitting on a step. More often I find dogs will get wet, look around, and then start playing with their toys or engaging with the owner. If your dog is panicking and not seeming to calm down whatsoever, give up the process and see the guidance of a trainer. Forcing a dog the wrong way may induce a phobia of the pool..so if you are set on teaching your dog to swim, its best to get an experienced hand to help you.

What if my dog falls in the pool, will they know how to get out?

There is one cardinal rule of swimming with your dog...it must know how to exit the pool properly! So its a good idea that every initial pool session should include a trip to the stairs so the dog knows how to properly get out of the pool. As you probably are aware, pools can be a dangerous place for a dog that could drown if they aren’t sure how to get out of the pool. Simply guide the dog to where the stairs are and repeat a few times. The dog should quickly learn to get out at the designated area.