Tips to Teach Your Dog to Swim

If you are going to travel with your dog this summer, the first thing you may want to consider is how to teach your dog to swim. This task shouldn’t be so hard. Many dogs will begin instinctively to swim within the first minute when they soak in the water. However, some dog breeds such as Basset Hounds, Pugs, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, and small dog breeds are not naturally born swimmers. Even though your dog doesn’t belong to any of these groups, he might fear water. Because of that, your main task is to minimize the fear. Veterinarians from Eastshore Vet, the best veterinary agency in Madison, share these tips to teach your dog to swim.Help your dog get used to water from an early age

If you have been bathing your dog from his puppy stage on a regular basis, it will make him accustomed to the water. In this way, your dog will enjoy the swimming lessons once they start.Select the right place and the right time for swimming

When you are thinking about the best place to teach your dog swim, opt for shallow water with mild slopes. It will keep the risk of drowning at a minimum. Choose, also, a warm sunny day. Higher temperatures will motivate your dog to jump into the water on its own.Don’t force your dog into the waterBe patient. The biggest mistake dog owners make is forcing a dog into the water and hoping he will find out how to swim on his own. Unfortunately, it rarely happens. Fear of water is usually associated with a dog’s unpleasant experience from the past.Entice your dog to get into the water with his favorite toy

You will encourage your dog to play in the water when you go into it first. You may throw his favorite toy and lure him to jump. If your dog still refuses to go into the water, play close to the shoal until he gets in. Don’t worry, he will slowly relax. Stay close to him during his swimming attempts. It will help him feel safe.Be careful with waterYou shouldn’t allow a dog exhausted by running or intensive exercise to bounce into the water. The abrupt change of the environment may cause shock to your dog. To keep him safe from leptospirosis, prevent him from drinking a salty ocean water.

The best tip to remember when you teach your dog swim is to be patient and not to push him. As with kids, compassion and understanding are the best tools for success.