Where is safe to take my labrador dog swimming?

Question

i would really like to take my dog somewhere where he can safely swim as i hear they really enjoy it? but i want to make sure he is safe, any ideas?

Answer 1

I don't know if you live near an ocean, or a pond, or a river etc, but here's some sound advice:
Since your dog will probably want to jump or charge into the water, make sure the entry area is free of obstructions that can harm him (rocks, sticks, boats etc).
Make sure that there isn't a current that can carry him away.
If it's his first time swimming, make sure there is a shallow end where he can approach deeper water gradually. This way he won't be scared from jumping into water over his head. Take him where other dogs are swimming. He'll learn by watching them.
Remember, he has to swim twice as far to return to you. If you throw something far into the water for a retrieve, you want to make sure he has enough stamina to return.
Make sure there is an area where he can climb out easily.
If he's swimming in salt water, rinse him off real good when you're finished so his coat doesn't dry out.
Have fun!

Answer 2

Labs love water, try a private pond or even the lake. Don't take it to a river where the current is strong it may get caught in it and drown. You don't have to necessarly get in, play fetch w/it and throw something out in the water. I grew up w/a lab and loved her very much. I swam w/her a lot during the summer. The only thing I didn't like was she would try to swim across my back and scratch me up pretty bad. Other than that its a blast. If it is an older dog and never been in deep water before, you may have trouble getting in to the water. A friend decided to take her 3 yr old lab swimming and we had to drag her into the water! lol Good luck!

Answer 3

Lab's CAN SWIM ANYWHERE! BUT YOU HAVE A REAL HEAD ON YOUR SHOULDERS, AND I FEEL YOU LOVE YOUR DOG AS MUCH AS I LOVE MY LAB.
IF YOUR DOG IS YOUNG KEEP HER SWIMMING CONFINED UNTIL SHE IS A STRONG ADULT. THEY ARE LIKE CHILDREN AND OVER DO IT. if YOU HAVE A POOL MAKE SURE SHE HAS A WAY TO GET OUT ON HER OWN IF NO ONE IS AROUND. ONLY BRING HER TO A LAKE OR POND WHEN SHE DOES WHAT YOU TELL HER WHEN YOU TELL HER. NO MATTER WHERE YOU TAKE HER....BE SURE TO CLEAN, DRY AND DISINFECT HER EARS...OR YOU WILL HAVE A LOT OF EAR INFECTIONS FROM MITES & GERMS IN THE WATER. THERE'S A BOOK "LABRADOR RETRIVERS" IT WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW.

Answer 4

Labs are natural swimmers as they have webbed feet. I take my boy to the beach and he loves it. He also likes the local river but the current is very strong so I keep him on an extending lead. As for the beach, throw a stick and he will love swimming out to get it. This will also be good for his muscles and coat. Have fun.

Answer 5

A local lake that allows swimmers. Basically, if you're safe to swim in the water, your dog will be, as well.

Answer 6

If you are not near the coast so he can swim when the tide is coming in I would suggest a river. Make sure this is not polluted and full of rubbish 'cos who knows what is on the bottom.

Answer 7

ask your park commitee for your city and ask where you are able to take your dog swiming, and just go to a lake yourself to see if a lot of peopl and dogs go to it. It is a good way to find if it is a good place or not.

Answer 8

some good kennels have a hydrotherapy pool, its worth ringing them 2 c if you can book an appointment. don't let him swim in ponds cos they cud be stagnant and not in rivers cos u don't know whats in there

Answer 9

u can take him pretty much andy place that allows dogs. I would hesitate 2 take him out at sea though.

Answer 10

I take both my labs to the local state park and we do our bumper training there too.