Teach Your Dog to Swim

Not all dogs can swim.  It may seem obvious that short-legged, heavy-bodied dogs may not be natural swimmers; however, I’ve known more than a few labs who weren’t either.  If they’re a natural at it, you’ll know by their willingness to let go of the death grip they have on the stairs or you as you take them in the pool.

To teach a dog to swim, take them in much like you would a child. Support them under their belly by letting them lay across your arms.  Start out by stopping at the first step and praising them.  Take it slow as you move further into the pool.

Turn them so they are facing the steps and let them go.  Be at their side and very close to the steps so they can feel safe and learn that this is the way to get out of the pool. Also, if you are in front of them you are more likely to get clawed if they head for you rather than the landing. If they use their front legs but are unstable in their hips or in kicking their hind legs, lift up under them to bring stability and see if they start to get the hang of using their back legs.

Take them out several times and if it’s going well, take them further away from the steps each time.  If they absolutely hate it, praise them as they get out and try later if it’s something you want to continue.  It may take several swim lessons before they are willing to get in and out on their own.

This short video clip is of Harley, a 1.5-year-old Yorkie who had never been in a pool and hates bath time.  He was a natural and was soon jumping from the side of the pool onto our rafts.  I think he preferred that mode of movement through the water, but he did excellent at his first swim lesson.