How to encourage a dog to swim??

Question

Buck is my german shepherd and we've been trying to get him to go swimming in my best friends pool. He needed the exercise and it was also a good way for him to be watched when we were swimming. Buck would only get in the pool when he fell in after reaching for his floating tennis ball or when dropped in by us. After he's in we lift him up and support him as he swims to one of the steps and gets out. We made sure he was in no danger of getting hurt or drowning, and he's in great medical condition so no problems with his joints, and when he gets in he swims pretty good. I wanted to know just a way we can make this more fun and encourage him more. We are going to try treats for when he gets in the water and swims to us but we wanted to know if any one else had gotten their dog to do this?

Answer 1

It all about your dogs confidence. with your encouragement and praise he will learn to swim with ease and with pride.

If you praise him when he is in the water swimming he will understand it a good thing. Tossing the ball is another way to get him into the pool. As his confidence builds then he will go into the pool with out this.

Now as far as the chlorine harms the dog. Well It simply not true. I have been swimming my Golden's in my pool for over 20 years and I have never had one coat or skin issue related to the chlorine in the pool. You just need to hose your dog down after the swimming is done.

Answer 2

I've gotten my Australian terrier dog to swim recently and can tell you that the best way to teach a dog to swim is to put a large sturdy float in the pool and encourage the dog do get up onto it, then gently push it around the pool once the dog is on it. The movement of the water beneath the raft will spark your dog's curiosity, to the point where he'll peek over the side of the raft. When he does, hold the other end of it so that it doesn't flip over, then help your dog get back onto it again.
After your dog becomes relaxed with riding on the raft in the pool, pick your dog up, walk into the pool with your dog, and gently lower him in the water until he starts kicking, then just let go of him completely. Every time your dog goes over to the steps, just gently lead him away from them and toward you, keeping the float on which you are letting your dog ride on be nearby, allowing your dog the option of getting up onto it, if he wants to.

Answer 3

I hope that there is no chlorine in the pool it is not good for the dogs skin. anyways my guess is when he plays he plays with toys so when he is by himself that is probably all the water loving he is going to do if you know anyone else with a dog that likes the water try that playing is always more fun when you have friends! other then that I havent ever seen a dog swim for the pure amusement of it only if theres a toy to get, wading is the only thing I have seen a dog do without toys or a friend. And by the way not all dogs know how to swim because not all dogs are built to swim,some may swim to save their own tush but not for fun, Ive seen first hand a dog darn near drownd if it wasnt for someone running in and grabbing it.

Answer 4

stand in shalow water like the shalowest part hold the dog for a minute while he moves hi legs back and forth. then let go but stay rel close like a foot away .next keep noging him a little in the but ,to make him go in a circle REMEBER: stay in shalow water. kepp making him go in circles when hes done that for 5 minutes take him out and give him a doggy bone if he was good if he wasnt dont .then do it again but wait 20 minutes until go back into the water. If he did good go a little depper but make sure you can stand there if he did ok then go a little deeper id he did not good then stay where he did it the first time. the last thing is to make him swim by himself but keep training. It will make him a great swimmer.

Answer 5

Choose a quiet, calm spot to introduce your Poodle to swimming where he won’t be scared by loud noises or splashing. Start him out in shallow water and gradually increase the depth by calling him out farther with treats or dog toys that float. If you have another dog that likes swimming, your inexperienced dog may follow him. Never throw your dog into the water if it has never swum before.

http://www.standardpoodlesusa.com/water.html

Answer 6

well, see if u can go 2 a lake or river where the water is shallow.get his favorite "toy" in the lake or river with u guys. encourage him 2 come and get it. but make sure u r in there w/ the toy. it might take awhile for him 2 get used 2 the water tho. my dog is a lab and even he had 2 gradually get in the water. good luck!

Answer 7

First DO NOT put your dog in a pool- the chlorine dries their skin out extremely bad and can lead to their fur falling out and them scratching to where they rip skin. If anything let him swim in a lake- chlorine is horrible for dogs.

Also: don't force him. Start him out in the edge of the lake where it's shallow and he can stand- get in with him so he is comfortable. If you force him he will remember it as a bad experience.

Answer 8

try taking him to a lake, but make sure its calm and very shallow...some dogs dont like the water, so dont get upset if it doesnt work out... but if you go to the lake, take his leash and walk in the shallow water so as not to spook him... then you can try going deeper, but just look out for his paws when he swims

Answer 9

what i know is that all dogs know how to swim.

what happen with you is that you have them spoiled they know you guys are there,

look i went to the park with my dog she was 10 months old and she stared to run behind some ducks, the ducks fly to the water so my dog jump to get them , so my dog went into the water, i got scare but she just stared swimming back.
Just trow your dog into the water they will come back,

Answer 10

they either have it in them or they dont. my little dog would swim for an hr if i let her, my bigger one wont go near the water to save her life.