Many people assume that all dogs can swim. If nothing else, one might think that they should be able to doggie paddle their way to safety if they suddenly end up in deep water.
This is not so! While many dogs naturally take to the water, there are some breeds that don’t like swimming. In fact, there are some breeds such as boxers, basset hounds and bull dogs that have a tough time swimming. Thus, it is important to protect your dog around water.
If you are thinking about getting a dog and you are an active swimmer and/or boater, do a little homework and think about choosing a breed that is known to love the water. It’s hard to go wrong with a Labrador retriever when it comes to choosing a dog that loves to swim. The breed was bred to hunt waterfowl and their webbed feet and somewhat water repellent coats help keep them happy when they’re immersed up to their necks in water.
Golden retrievers are another good choice when it comes to selecting a water dog. Goldens were bred to retriever waterfowl. It’s usually a lot harder to convince them to stay out of the lake than it is to get them to come in!
Another breed that is usually quite at home in the water is the Portuguese water dog. The dogs were bred to carry messages from one ship to another or from ship to land. They have been known to drive fish into the nets of waiting fishermen and they are quite capable of finding lost tackle and sunken nets.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers, which are often referred to as “Chessies,” have a wavy double coat that is good at repelling water. They also have webbed feet, which make them natural swimmers.
Although they look like they are too big to do much swimming, Newfoundlands will surprise you. They are very good at accomplishing water rescue feats. They were originally bred to pull in heavy fishnets.
Irish setters frequently take to the water for a relaxing splash. Although bred for hunting, these dogs are usually very capable swimmers.
Don’t let the frilly haircuts generally sported by standard poodles fool you. They are very good at retrieving whether it is in the water or on land. Did you ever wonder who came up with the idea for the poodle’s hairstyle? The tufts of hair were left on around joints of working dogs to offer protection from the cold water.
Unfortunately, choosing breeds that are known to be good swimmers is not a guarantee that your puppy will like the water. There are exceptions to every rule and you can get a water dog that hates water. Sometimes, a little love and encouragement can change things.
When introducing a puppy or an adult dog to water for the first time, it might be a good idea to leave the children at home or at least have them do their playing down the beach. Splashing can instill fear in a dog. It is important to allow a canine to get used to the water at their own pace.
The first order of business when teaching a dog to swim is to allow them to get their feet wet. Some dogs will resist this in the beginning. A little cunningness on your part can go a long way. Try using the dog’s favorite treats to coax him or her into the water. Be sure to offer rewards as the dog gets its feet wet.
If your dog likes to play fetch with sticks, throw one a short distance away and encourage him or her to get it. You may have to get wet yourself to get the idea across. You can also toss the dog’s favorite rubber toy, but make sure you’re prepared to rescue it in the event the dog decides that swimming is not the best of ideas.
Some dogs will go anywhere their owners do. If you have one that insists on being by your side, use it to your advantage. Go into the water and call the dog. You may have to do a little convincing, but most dogs in time will get the idea.
Once you convince the dog to join you in water that requires swimming, support the dog’s hind quarters with an arm under its belly until you are sure that he or she realizes they must paddle to stay afloat.
If there is one rule that absolutely must be obeyed when teaching a dog to swim it is to use patience! If you get upset, the dog will get upset and you could very well end up with a dog that hates the water.
Don’t overlook a doggie life vest as a good teaching tool. The vests provide flotation and help keep the dog from tiring as quickly. Start by getting the dog used to the vest before you get to the body of water. Once the dog is used to the feel of the vest, introduce him or gradually to the water.
Canine life vests should be worn on dogs that boat. Even though the dog may be a good swimmer, a fall overboard could cause injuries that make swimming impossible. The vests also make the dog more visible in the water should a rescue be necessary.
Some of the breeds that have short legs tire easily in the water. If you have a basset hound, dachshund, bull dog (many of these dogs are not capable of swimming) or Welsh corgi, consider buying them a life vest. The price is well worth the peace of mind.
If all of your efforts to teach your dog to swim fail, you might try bringing another dog into the picture. Sometimes another dog is the key to getting one that fears the water to swim
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