How to teach a dog to swim
Swimming is one of the favorite summertime activities of many families and since the dog is considered as a family member, the pet will be taken by the family wherever they go. Swimming is the most popular summertime activity that people indulge in to deal with the hot weather. As people would always want to have the dog around, the pet will be seen accompanying the family to the beach to swimming pools and to other swimming locations.
Unfortunately, many accidents that have endangered the life of the pet resulted from the assumption that all dogs can swim. Dog owners are justified in believing that dog can swim after all the doggy paddle swimming stroke was named after the dog. However, not all dogs can swim. Although some canines would swim naturally, some would hate the water and others are hampered by their physical structures.
Dogs, especially those with health concerns would greatly benefit from this form of exercise. The belief that all dogs can swim is a baseless notion. True, some dogs would swim naturally like ducks but other breeds would be like a sack of bricks that would instantly sink to the bottom. It is an owner's job to introduce the pet to the water and to ensure that the experience will be a pleasurable one for the pet.
The dog has to love the water thus it would never be a good idea to throw the dog to the water believing that the dog will scamper to dry land. However, this is kind of dangerous as even a lightweight dog would be hard to manage. Similar to obedience training, teaching the dog to swim is best done when the pet is still a puppy. An older swimming dog can be utilized to entice the non-swimming dog to test the water.
Dogs are naturally inquisitive. When the dog sees another enjoying the water, the fear of the unknown will be forgotten and in no time the non swimming dog will be seen enjoying the water as well. Dogs are truly man's best friends because of the strong ties they form with their master. If a strong bond exists between the owner and the pet, the owner will be able to persuade the dog to come into the water. Half the battle is won if the dog allows its paws to get wet. Use toys and treats as positive reinforcements to encourage the dog to swim. The dog may have taken to the water like a pro but be wise to the fact that your pet is not yet a strong swimmer thus supervision will still be necessary.
Unfortunately, many accidents that have endangered the life of the pet resulted from the assumption that all dogs can swim. Dog owners are justified in believing that dog can swim after all the doggy paddle swimming stroke was named after the dog. However, not all dogs can swim. Although some canines would swim naturally, some would hate the water and others are hampered by their physical structures.
Dogs, especially those with health concerns would greatly benefit from this form of exercise. The belief that all dogs can swim is a baseless notion. True, some dogs would swim naturally like ducks but other breeds would be like a sack of bricks that would instantly sink to the bottom. It is an owner's job to introduce the pet to the water and to ensure that the experience will be a pleasurable one for the pet.
The dog has to love the water thus it would never be a good idea to throw the dog to the water believing that the dog will scamper to dry land. However, this is kind of dangerous as even a lightweight dog would be hard to manage. Similar to obedience training, teaching the dog to swim is best done when the pet is still a puppy. An older swimming dog can be utilized to entice the non-swimming dog to test the water.
Dogs are naturally inquisitive. When the dog sees another enjoying the water, the fear of the unknown will be forgotten and in no time the non swimming dog will be seen enjoying the water as well. Dogs are truly man's best friends because of the strong ties they form with their master. If a strong bond exists between the owner and the pet, the owner will be able to persuade the dog to come into the water. Half the battle is won if the dog allows its paws to get wet. Use toys and treats as positive reinforcements to encourage the dog to swim. The dog may have taken to the water like a pro but be wise to the fact that your pet is not yet a strong swimmer thus supervision will still be necessary.
About the Author:
Still wonder how dogs swim? Find out more about this and dog first aid at Sarah's Dogs.
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