How And When To Teach Your Dog To Start Swimming

Some dogs love water, others not so much. But all dogs should learn how to swim so they are safe near the water. Whether your dog loves getting wet or prefers to keep their paws dry, water safety is important.

German shepherds are a breed that typically enjoys water and can easily learn to swim, once they are comfortable. Since they are so strong and athletic, they can become capable swimmers but some will take to it more readily than others.

Unlike dogs that were born to swim, such as Labrador retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, or Portuguese water dogs, German shepherds are herding dogs and were not bred to be natural swimmers so not all of them are natural at it.

However, many German shepherds enjoy the water and love to swim or play water sports, such as dock diving. Swimming also provides a great form of low-impact exercise for German shepherds, since it’s so easy on their joints.

Swimming also provides a great form of exercise and is a way to help keep active dogs cool in hot weather. Knowing how to swim will also allow them to go on trips to the beach, and lakes, and be safer on watercraft and near backyard pools.

Whether your dog is drawn toward the water or repelled by it, it’s a myth that all dogs are natural swimmers. So, it’s always a good idea to introduce dogs to the water slowly and safely. Always provide them with a life vest the first time they go swimming and in bodies of water.

Teaching your dog to swim is all about building their confidence and preventing a bad experience that will forever cause them to fear water. You never want to throw your dog in the water or let them run into the water only to have the ground beneath their feet suddenly disappear, which can cause them to panic.

Controlling their environment and having them wear a life vest will help you teach them to swim and keep them safe. Taking them to a place that has a gradual slope to deeper water is often easier to teach them in rather than a pool with steps.

You’ll want to be sure they are wearing a well-fitted life vest so that the first time they can no longer feel the ground with their paws, they will float and start naturally paddling their feet. It will also help keep them safe if they literally get in over their head.

When can you teach your dog to swim

The age you teach your dog to swim will likely depend upon their ability and access to water. But a good rule of thumb is waiting until a puppy is about 5 to 6 months old. Younger puppies can be taught to swim in controlled environments but no dog should ever be left near water unattended.

How to teach your dog to swim

Introductions

The first step to teaching your dog to swim is getting them comfortable with water. For German shepherds, this is usually pretty easy and simply involves letting them play in the hose or buying them a kiddy pool.

For dogs that are water hesitant, tossing their ball in the water or encouraging them to get into the water with you is usually enough. Never rush your dog or try to force your dog to love water, let them learn to enjoy it at their own pace.

Wading leashed in bodies of water

Once your dog is comfortable with water, you can start taking them on leash walks near bodies of water, such as a pond, lake, or the beach, while wearing their life vest. Allow them to get their paws wet and wade in the water with you. Don’t let them get in so deep that they float, lose their footing, or can no longer reach the bottom. Knee-deep is a good rule of thumb.

Going deeper

When your leashed dog is comfortable and seems like they want more, you can start taking them deeper. Be sure they are wearing their life vest and you have one of your own, for both of your safety.

Allow them to slowly enter the deeper water and allow them to retreat if they seem hesitant. Knowing they can get out when they want to, will help them feel more in control. This is also the time to teach them how to exit the water by pointing to the shore.

Almost there

If all is going well and your leashed dog is excited and confident, gently encourage them to go into deeper water. This is the time when things will begin to change for them as you’ll have to read their body language. As they get deeper, their balance and buoyancy will change. Don’t force them deeper if they seem uncertain. Allow them to retreat and reenter as they feel comfortable.

Finally, swimming

Once they are comfortable in deeper water, while leashed and near you, lead them deep enough that they begin to float. Their life vest will hold them up and they should begin to naturally start paddling their feet. Offer praise and encouragement and if they don’t like it, help direct them back to where their feet touch and point to the shore.

Swimming pools

Teaching your dog to swim in a pool can be a bit more challenging because they don’t have a slope. With a life vest on, encourage them to get on the first step. If they are comfortable there, encourage them to take the second step. This is often enough that they float and start paddling. Stand by to direct them back to the stair and teach them how to get out. When dogs are swimming, they can’t see the steps so it’s helpful to put a flag or other landmark that is taller and teach them that is where they get out of the pool.

Safety tips

• A floatation device or life vest with a D ring and handle will help you pull your dog from the water and keep them safely tethered to you in the water.
• Bright-colored life vests are more visible to you and others.
• Always provide fresh drinking water and never let them gulp water because water toxicity is real and salt water is toxic.
• If it is hot outside, dogs can still get overheated and sunburned while in the water.
• If the air and water temperature combined is below 100 degrees, it is too cold for your dog to go swimming.
• If your dog gets into cold water and has symptoms of hypothermia or can’t move its tail, this could be an emergency. Your dog might have a condition called Swimmers Tail and needs to go to the vet.
• Keep swimming sessions short, such as 10 minutes with breaks in the shade in between to avoid water toxicity and overexertion.
• Be aware of the environment and watch out for broken glass, fish hooks, biting creatures, boats, and other dangers. Bring a first aid kit with you.

We hope that you find these tips helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends.

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