Does your dog enthusiastically charge towards every body of water, or do they treat water like a formidable adversary, determined to stay dry at all costs? Every canine companion is unique, and not all are born with an innate love for getting wet. The common question many dog owners ask is: can all dogs swim? Learning How To Get Your Dog To Swim safely and confidently is crucial, regardless of their natural inclination towards water.
Depending on their breed, your dog might be a natural in the water, or swimming might present a considerable challenge. However, whether your dog relishes a splash or prefers solid ground, ensuring they are comfortable and safe in and around water is a vital skill. You might envision leisurely boat trips, fun-filled beach days, or relaxing cottage vacations with your furry friend. Perhaps you have a backyard swimming pool or frequently visit friends who do. This guide will provide essential pointers for teaching your dog swimming skills and crucial water safety tips.
Not Every Breed Is a Natural Swimmer
When considering a dog breed’s traditional purpose, it becomes clear why some are naturally drawn to water. Certain breeds were specifically developed for jobs in and around aquatic environments, making them natural swimmers. Consider the Labrador Retriever or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever; these dogs were selectively bred to retrieve water birds for hunters.
Some breeds even incorporate “water” into their names, such as the Portuguese Water Dog, developed as a fisherman’s helper, or the Irish Water Spaniel, known for its distinctive curly, water-repellent coat. These breeds typically possess the physical attributes that make them excellent swimmers, and most will delight in water play.
According to Michele Godlevski, an NADD Dock Diving Judge, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, and owner of Teamworks Dog Training in Raleigh, NC, some breeds instinctively know how to swim the moment they encounter water.
Conversely, other dog breeds simply don’t have the same affinity for swimming. Godlevski notes, “There are also some breeds who have a weight distribution that would not make it possible for them to swim very well without a life vest.” Breeds with short legs or long bodies can also find swimming difficult. So, while it’s a myth that all dogs are natural swimmers, with a life vest and some patient instruction on how to get your dog to swim, nearly every breed can learn to navigate water safely.
The Importance of a Dog Life Jacket or Life Vest
Godlevski consistently emphasizes that a canine life jacket or dog life vest is always a wise investment. While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction between dog life vests and dog life jackets. Life jackets typically offer more extensive coverage, enhance buoyancy, and increase visibility, making them ideal for boating and similar activities. Dog life vests are generally lighter, cover less of the pet, and are often better suited for pool swimming and more relaxed water activities.
For Godlevski, the first critical step in her dog swimming lessons is selecting and fitting a proper dog flotation device. She advises, “Buy a doggie life vest that fits your dog comfortably. No matter what breed you have, you always want that first experience to be fun, and not scary.”
This crucial advice means never tossing your dog into the water and expecting them to instinctively figure things out. Godlevski firmly states, “Throwing a puppy or young dog in the water is not only a terrible idea, but it may, in fact, damage the dog’s courage about swimming for life.” This applies to young dogs as much as it does to teaching a puppy new behaviors, such as how to get a puppy to walk outside for the first time or introducing them to a leash.
Godlevski has extensive experience teaching dogs to swim and strongly believes that courage is paramount in the learning process. This is another compelling reason for using a life jacket. A first-time swimmer wearing a life vest will experience greater confidence and bravery compared to one without a flotation device.
Even dogs who appear confident, like those who charge into the water chasing a toy or another dog, can quickly find themselves in distress. Godlevski observes, “They often just chase that dog right into the water without realizing that the surface has changed.” The sudden disappearance of solid ground can cause panic, which you want to avoid at all costs.
Godlevski explains, “In my experience, dogs who run into the water for the first time, do so like a cartoon character running off a cliff. In other words, the drop-off is a complete surprise.” Dogs equipped with a life vest will simply float, allowing them time to orient themselves and realize they can paddle their feet. Without a flotation device, a dog might panic, gulp water, and potentially drown in the crucial seconds before their natural paddling reflex fully activates.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi wearing a life vest swimming.
Another significant benefit of a life vest for a novice dog swimmer is what Godlevski refers to as “front-wheel drive.” Dogs learning to swim often primarily paddle with their front feet while their rear legs dangle, typically searching for the bottom. “On the other hand, if you have a life vest on a dog, the dog’s back stays level with the water. When the dog’s back is level, it occurs to the dog that they actually do have ‘four-wheel drive’ and all four paws paddle. Before you know it, your dog is moving through the water smoothly and confidently.” This confidence boost is similar to how to get my puppy to walk on a leash comfortably by providing gentle guidance and positive reinforcement.
Choosing a Dog Flotation Device
Whether your dog is a natural swimming breed just starting out or a breed requiring additional buoyancy, selecting the most suitable style of life jacket or life vest is essential. Even experienced swimmers should wear a properly fitting life vest.
Your dog might become fatigued or disoriented, and the added buoyancy will significantly enhance their safety and confidence. Furthermore, a doggie flotation device is indispensable for boating. Should your dog fall overboard, especially in rough water or strong currents, that life vest could be a life-saver.
When choosing a dog life jacket, prioritize durability and waterproof materials. It should also be adjustable to ensure a snug and comfortable fit for your dog. For any evening water activities, consider a canine life vest with reflective trim. Similarly, a brightly colored dog life jacket significantly improves visibility. You might also look for an extra flotation piece under the chin, which can help keep your dog’s head above water if they need that additional support.
Ensure the device features a sturdy handle. This allows you to safely lift your dog out of the water, grab them if they are struggling, and guide them as they learn how to get your dog to swim. Godlevski advises that the handle must be robust enough to support your dog’s full weight when lifting. A D-ring for attaching a leash is also a practical feature, especially for public beaches or when working on how to get a puppy to go on a walk near water.
Teaching Your Dog to Swim
When you begin dog swimming lessons, the key is to entice your flotation device-wearing dog into the water. Create an encouraging situation, whether it’s playing with you or with a favorite toy, that motivates your dog to enter the water voluntarily. Godlevski suggests, “Bring a toy or a ball. If your dog will come to you from the shore or edge, you can carry the dog around in the water, holding the handle of the life vest, to allow your dog to paddle.”
Crucially, never pull your dog into the water. Also, ensure you wear your own life vest. If your dog panics, they might attempt to climb on you to escape, a scenario that can compromise your safety, particularly with a large dog.
Another effective method Godlevski recommends is finding a friend with a dog that is already a confident swimmer. “Arrange a time for your dog to watch the other dog swim. If the two dogs are friendly, let your dog follow the other dog around, wearing a life vest.” This technique allows your dog to observe and learn, and more importantly, see how enjoyable water activities can be. This social learning can be as effective as structured training, similar to how a young dog learns from an older, more experienced one, like when teaching a puppy how to get your puppy walking on a lead.
If feasible, begin in shallow water and remain close to your dog. Allow your dog to simply get accustomed to having wet feet. Do not progress into deeper water until your dog appears comfortable and happy in the shallows. Encourage gradual movement into deeper areas, providing ample praise and positive reinforcement. If you reward your dog for being in the water, they will associate it with a positive experience and be more inclined to enter again. Anytime your dog seems overwhelmed, retreat to shallower water or dry land, allowing them to calm down before attempting again.
Wirehaired Vizsla swimming retrieving a decoy.
It’s equally important to teach your dog how to exit the water. Godlevski advises pointing your dog towards the shore or pool ramp while you’re swimming together. If you are unable to enter the water with your dog, she stresses the importance of staying near the exit to help your dog locate the way out. Repeat these steps consistently until your dog fully understands how to get your dog to swim to and exit the water independently.
Many locations are suitable for teaching your dog to swim, from lakes to pools. However, Godlevski notes that a gradual slope into the water is extremely helpful. She also points out that the bright blue color of pool water can appear unnatural to dogs, making them reluctant to enter (another reason to get in with them!). Nevertheless, she emphasizes, “Usually a pond or lake seems a bit more natural for the dog, but water is water. If they don’t like being wet, it doesn’t matter what color the water is!”
Water Safety Tips for Dogs
Several crucial precautions must be taken whenever your dog is in or near water. The first is temperature. Godlevski advises ensuring the combined water and air temperature totals at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit before allowing your dog to swim.
When the water temperature is too cold, your dog risks suffering from cold tail, also known as limber tail or swimmer’s tail. This painful condition causes the tail to droop, preventing it from wagging or lifting. Even more seriously, your dog could experience hypothermia. Godlevski warns that puppies are particularly sensitive, cautioning, “If your dog jumps into water that is too cold and begins to shiver or not use his tail, please see a veterinarian immediately.”
Water toxicity is another serious issue Godlevski advises watching for. This occurs when a dog inadvertently swallows too much water while swimming. A common sign is vomiting after swimming. To prevent water toxicity, Godlevski suggests keeping swimming sessions short, ideally a maximum of 10 minutes.
She also advises, “Do not throw a large toy in the water for your dog. A flat, small toy, like a soft flying disc, is best. After your dog comes out of the pool, you can feed your dog some dehydrated or freeze-dried food, to help absorb the excess water in the stomach.” This is another aspect of responsible pet ownership, similar to ensuring a puppy learns how to get puppy to walk with leash without pulling or other hazards.
Of course, if your dog is swimming in a natural body of water, Godlevski cautions to be aware of other critters such as water snakes or snapping turtles. In saltwater or inland coastal waters in the south, alligators can even be present. The ocean itself can present even more inherent dangers like strong currents or marine life.
Black Labrador Retriever swimming in a pool.
Finally, Godlevski highlights fish hooks with bait as another significant risk in natural bodies of water. “Dogs will gobble up fish bait—hook, line, and sinker—before you know what happened. If this happens, get to the emergency vet as soon as possible.” Always supervise your dog when they are in or near water, and remain vigilant for potential hazards.
Whenever your dog is outside in the sun, always provide access to shade and fresh, clean drinking water. Without it, your dog might be tempted to sip from the pool, ocean, or lake, which are not the healthiest choices. And don’t forget sun protection. Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested or even light-coated dogs can get severe sunburns. Godlevski emphasizes the importance of applying sunscreen formulated for dogs to the pink nose of any dog, as dog sunblock helps protect your pup.
So, what if your dog never develops a love for swimming despite all your lessons and encouragement? They may still enjoy water-side activities or a scaled-down version of taking a swim, especially on a hot summer’s day. Godlevski suggests a cooling jacket or a plastic kiddie or dog pool. “While some dogs love a baby pool, many dogs are afraid of the slippery surface. You can make that surface less scary by putting kennel decking or a rubber drainage mat, the kind with circular holes in it, on the bottom to provide traction for your dog.”
