Swimming just for fun...advice?

SiriusBlack

New member
I posted this on a FB newf page but thought I'd post here as well.
Most of what I can find online is about water training and testing but I have a question about good old fashioned swimming;)

We have a 4 month old puppy and I've been wondering when it is appropriate to take him for his first swim and what to expect. I would assume he needs all his commands down, particularly recall, but beyond that I really don't know if I needed to wait for anything else to happen developmentally (or physically?). I think there are a few lake options around here (Nashville, TN) but I wasn't sure if that was too ambitious for a pup, or where else to even start. I've seen a lot online about water rescue training, etc., but I'm not thinking that big right now, just wanting to take him for recreational purposes:)
 

wrknnwf

Active member
It's funny, but even though he may have the natural instinct, he may be reluctant to go in the water. Many News are initially reluctant to go in past their standing depth.

So, start him now while he's small and you can support him in the water. Don't know how cold it is down there, but if you can go in, do. You can always use a long line if he's not reliable off leash. If you wait, you may have more trouble getting him in the water. It will help if you have another dog along that likes to swim.

Also, if you have a kids ski belt available, you can put it around his waist. Many dogs start out dog paddling in a vertical position and don't know how to stay horizontal in the water. He'll learn with your help.

Be sure to make this a fun experience. Don't get worried if he's afraid at first. Just stay upbeat and try another day. If he is afraid, be careful that he doesn't try to climb on you. Another good reason to start him young.
 

SiriusBlack

New member
Thanks so much! All super helpful! It's definitely too cold for me to go in now, but I might try the long line.
 

R Taft

Active member
We start swimming at ten weeks.... but we never pull the puppy or push the puppy in. We choose calm water with good sandy beaches and we take our other dogs along. We are lucky we have a pond at home and mostly our pups follow the seniors in. And the seniors keep an eye out for them, with me right along.

I do also teach some puppies to be more comfortable in the water at our water training.... I take a puppy out in just swimming water.... I sit in the water cradling the puppy till they relax, it is only a short distance from shore and once the puppy chill and relaxes I ask the owner to call and allow them to swim to the owner, where they are rewarded with praise , cuddles and food... I am right along and help if we have a puppy that dog paddles and is a bit of a butt down swimmer. I just put my hand under their tummy area and hold them up.... it is so important to not frighten them, to make them feel safe and enjoy the water.... I always tell people that i have two rules for water training.... you are not allowed to pull or push your dog into the water.... encourage. I have no issue with carrying, and keeping them on your lap till they feel safe and relax, but never pull, push or throw for that matter.

I have a selection of every size life-jackets that we use for all the puppies too (they are the cheap varity), it again helps to make them feel safe.... it is why I will only have Spring puppies, so we can swim ASAP.... enjoy, they certainly do
 
Top