You want your dog to swim?
We're going to try to give some advice on how to teach a dog how to swim and some general safety issues. As always check with your vet on any medical questions.
Teaching a dog to swim:
I would suggest starting your dog out in a pool or shallow lake where you can enter the water with your dog. Many dogs will be more confident if you are standing with them if they are nervous about venturing out on their own. So by walking out, you can build their confidence before letting them go on their own. Bring a favorite toy with you and encourage them out further by tossing the toy short distances and swimming over to it.
Some tips:
Bring another dog who knows how to swim along to help encourage your pet to try.
There are life vests (life jackets) you can purchase to aide in teaching your dog. These usually have handles that you can hold onto easily and are helpful for getting a dog back into a boat.
Water Freaking
Here is a common problem. Your pup goes off and won't come back. You have two choices, swim out and get them, or wait until they get tired and come back. Never let them off leash and away from you until you know for a fact they will return or start in shallow water where you can go get them should you need to.
I use a two toy approach to retrieving and swimming. I always keep one close by so I can toss it near me. Try to make a lot of noise to get their attention and toss it into the shallow water. Tennis balls are not the best choice as they can get lodged in the throat blocking the airway. I really like kong retrieving toys or retrieving bumpers.
Afterwords, make sure you RINSE your dog with fresh water to get out any bacteria or chemicals. You can also rinse your dog before hand to help the water not absorb into the coat hair.
Amy Dunphy, CPDT Owner of The Dog Trainer Search Get dog training information, tips, supplies and tools!
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.Playing with... Read More
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Pet |