ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

6 Easy Ways to Teach Your Dog to Swim

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Reading Time: 4 minutes

easy ways teach your dog to swim
There are a lot of dog breeds that are natural swimmers; in fact, some of these dogs have webbed feet (such as Portuguese Waterdog, Otterhound, Labrador Retriever) to help them navigate the waters. However, some dogs aren’t as lucky. Like humans, you need to teach your dog to swim and to make them feel comfortable in the water.

As a dog parent, it is your responsibility to teach your dog to swim or at least facilitate its learning, if you don’t know how to swim yourself.

So how do you teach your dog to swim? Here are a few easy ways to do it.

  1. Let your dog play in the water first.
    dog running in the riverWhat is the best way to get your dog accustomed to water? Simple, associate water with an enjoyable experience through play. Before you start teaching your dog to swim, it is important that the dog does not see the water as a threat. Take your dog to a small pond, or start with a shallow kiddie pool and play catch. Throw the ball into the water and let your dog retrieve it. Do this a few times until you think your dog is ready to see the big ocean.
  2. Take your dog to a nearby beach.
    a woman with a dog near the lakeTake your dog for a quick drive to the sea. The pool or even the lake looks different from the sea, so it is common for dogs to resist stepping on the waters, so don’t force them. Just play Frisbee with your dog on the seashore, get them off the lead and let them run free, feeling the sea breeze on its. Going to the beach will now become a fun experience, which is a step closer to your goal.

 

  1. Bring other water-loving dogs to play.
    dogs swimming in the lakeThe next time you go to the lake or even to the beach, invite some of your neighbours’ water-loving dogs. Seeing other dogs jumping into the water and enjoying themselves will help your dog realise that the activity is fun and not frightening.
  2. Buy a life jacket for safety.
    dog wearing a lifejacket with a life buoy in its mouthBefore you formally start the swimming lesson, make sure you are equipped with the single, most important things – dog life jacket. Using a life jacket will not only ensure the safety of your dog but also give your dog confidence. Get your dog accustomed to wearing it at home – while eating dinner, playing or sleeping.
  3. Train your dog using treats.
    dog biting a toy near the riverWhen you think your dog is ready for its first lesson, take him to the beach, do not remove the collar and leash, put the life jacket on your dog, and head on to the waters. Urge your dog to follow you into the water using treats, even getting its feet wet is deserving of a treat and praise. Once the dog gets its feet wet, go back to the shore and again urge the dog to follow you with another treat. Praise your dog every time it follows you. Repeat this while you go further and further into the water.
  4. Show how easy it is to get out.
    dog trained to swim by a manYou can try going into the water while carrying your dog. Once you and your dog are in the water, turn and let your dog face the shore, so it can clearly see the exit. Slowly let go of your dog, while holding the leash. Go back to the shore and urge your dog to follow you out with treats. Once the dog knows how easy it is to go back to shore, it will boost its confidence and will feel less fear.

Conclusion

If you’re lucky, your dog may need not need swimming lessons. Some dogs will run head on to the beach and start swimming, even minus the webbed feet. But if your dog shows even a bit of hesitation, then make time to teach the dog how to swim.

It may take you a couple of tries and trips to the beach but it is all worth your time if it means you don’t have to worry about your dog drowning. Also, the time spent will help you bond more with your dog.

Does your dog know how to swim? How did you manage to teach your dog to swim? Share your story in the comments below so other dog owners can also learn from you.

FREE E-BOOK

home-remedies-for-dog-health-issues
Get your FREE e-book on

Home Remedies for Most Common Dog Healthcare Issues

when you subscribe to your weekly dose of pet-infused newsletters

Packed with solutions and ideas for treating
common health issues for your dog at home.

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Hannah Mitchell

Related Stories

Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility Training
Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility Training
Should My Dog Have Residential Dog Training?
Should My Dog Have Residential Dog Training?
The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Kids
The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Kids
Latest Stories
  • 8 Simple but Effective Tips for Socialising Adult Dogs
  • Can Cats Eat Bananas? Is It a Safe Treat?
  • 6 Natural Mite Treatments for Dogs
  • How Long Do Turtles Live? The Secret to a Long Lifespan
  • 8 Natural Flea Treatments for Dogs
  • 5 Dangerous Illnesses Caused by Dogs Walking in Hot Weather
  • 5 Natural Tick Treatments for Dogs
  • Featured Story

    8 Simple but Effective Tips for Socialising Adult Dogs
    8 Simple but Effective Tips for Socialising Adult Dogs

    Socialising adult dogs may seem like a daunting task as some full-grown pooches are set in their ways. However, all hope is not lost. There are many … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    8
    West Highland Terrier Dogs Breed
    West highland terrier litter

    Swindon

    1,300

    3
    English Springer Spaniel Dogs Breed
    Springer Spaniel’s KC registered ❤️❤️❤️

    700

    7
    Mixed Breed For Sale
    *ready now* 2 beautiful male kittens for sale

    Manchester

    150

    6
    French Lop Online Listings
    Blue/silver french loos

    Accrington

    70

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    • American Bullies for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2022 UKPets. All rights reserved.