Does Your Dog Need Swimming Lessons? | Summer Fun With Pets
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Does Your Dog Need Swimming Lessons? | Summer Fun With Pets
Lets Explore Teaching Your Dog to Swim: Lessons, Safety, and Fun in the Water
Written by: Clarence, the intern
When I was asked to write about dogs swimming, I gently reminded the team that I’m a cat and not exactly a fan of getting my fur wet. But when you’re the intern, you do what you gotta do. So, I decided to jump right in (pun absolutely intended), and don’t worry, no cats were harmed or soaked in the making of this article. I did my research, pawed through expert advice, and compiled everything you need to help your pup paddle with confidence. Let’s dive in!
I wanted to start with a few questions that kept coming up to help set the record straight.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Swim in Chlorinated Pools? The answer is Yes, dogs can swim in chlorinated pools, but just like humans, it’s best that they don’t drink the water. After pool play, give your pup a quick rinse to remove any lingering chlorine from their coat and skin. If your dog has sensitive skin, check with your vet for extra care tips.
Does my dog need sunscreen? The answer is Yes, but it is very important to use pet-safe sunscreen. Never, ever use people sunscreen and more importantly sunscreen with Zinc. It is not safe for dogs! Use pet-safe sunscreen especially for pups with light fur color, little or no fur, or sensitive skin.
Does my dog need a life jacket? The answer is that it depends. If you are swimming in a controlled environment like a pool and you are nearby, your pup is probably good without a floatation device, but for breeds that need extra support, if you are swimming in open water or if the handle is helpful, it is a great tool for helping pups feel comfortable swimming.
“Swim your own race. Be in competition with no one but yourself.”
It is important to note that some dog breeds simply aren’t built for swimming, and while that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the water, it does mean extra safety precautions are needed. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Dachshunds, Pekingese, Boxers, Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Pomeranians, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and mixed breeds with any of these in their lineage often struggle to stay afloat due to their size, body shape, or breathing challenges. For these pups, a properly fitted life jacket and shallow, supervised playtime are essential to ensure they stay safe while still having fun in and around the water.
Introducing dogs to the water is always a good idea when they are puppies. A good age to introduce a puppy to swimming is around 10 to 12 weeks old, once they’ve had some basic vaccinations and are comfortable exploring new environments. Puppies are curious and more open to new experiences, making it a great time to gently introduce them to water in a safe, positive, and stress-free way.
It is important to start slow, choose shallow water, a calm settings, and lots of praise. And remember, every puppy is different. Some will paddle with excitement, while others may need more encouragement and time. Always supervise, use a dog-sized life jacket, and never force a pup into the water. Let it be a fun adventure!
Tip: A dog life jacket is a great tool — especially for hesitant swimmers or breeds not built for swimming. But don’t just rely on it—continue training your pup to paddle and navigate water independently.
How to Teach Your Dog to Swim
Now let’s dive in and explore teaching dogs how to swim. Whether your pup is a water rookie or simply needs some guidance, here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
1. Choose the Right Spot
Start in a calm, shallow body of water, think swimming pool, quiet lake, or beach with gentle waves. Avoid rushing water or crowded areas that could overwhelm your dog.
2. Start Slow
Be ready to jump in the water too and start by letting your dog explore the water’s edge first. Offer encouragement, not pressure. Use praise and treats when they dip their paws or venture further in.
3. Support Their Body
Gently hold your dog under the belly, keeping their head above water while allowing their body to float. This gives them confidence and helps them feel buoyant.
4. Encourage the Motion
If your dog doesn’t start paddling instinctively, move their legs in a swimming motion while using verbal cues like “swim” or “paddle.” Gradually reduce your support once they get the hang of it.
5. Increase Distance and Depth Slowly
Once your dog is swimming on their own, slowly increase how far they swim and introduce deeper water. Stay close and always watch for signs of fatigue.
6. Practice Often
Like any skill, swimming improves with repetition. Keep sessions short, positive, and regular.
7. Make It Fun
Incorporate water toys, floating fetch, and praise to make each swim session enjoyable. Start with short tosses and gradually increase the challenge as your dog’s skills grow.
Keep scrolling to explore dog pool and water toys, life jacket options and even a few pet swimsuits. Enjoy your time in the water and best of luck training you put to love the water too.
Clarence is a passionate pet training writer with a fresh, tech-savvy approach and a love for all animals. He explores modern methods, expert advice, and the latest pet communication tools to make training fun and effective. With a chill 70s vibe and an eye on innovation, Clarence brings playful energy to every piece.
When it comes to backyard, river, lake or beach swimming for fun here are some great videos, toys and water play you are going to love.
Pet Life Jackets and Flotation Devices
Ruffwear Dog Life Jacket
Choose one of the best quality life jackets for your dog. Durable, padded and outfitted with a handle to help you with swim training, safety and ease of getting into boat.
Adjustable Dog Life Jacket
Make it fit just right with plenty of adjustable buckles to help you dog feel comfortable in and out of the water as they learn their new swimming skills.
Winged Dog Life Jacket
Reflective yellow dog life jacket ideal for early am and evening training to keep track of pets in water and safe during training.
MORE PET LIFE JACKETS
Explore to find the perfect life jacket for your pets whether on a boat, in the water or for swim lessons to help pets feel secure.
Pet Sun Shirts and Cooling Vests
Sun Protection Dog Shirt
Protect sensitive dog skin from the UV sun rays with a sun shirt that covers dog chest and back. Dog’s legs are free to move as needed in water or on land.
Broad Chest Dog Sun Shirt
Cover dog backs, chest, and shoulders with sun shirts design to protect dogs skin from the sun’s rays to avoid too much sun explosure.
Tropical Dog Sun Shirt
Go fashion forward with this tropical pet sun shirt to keep pets save from the harsh rays of the sun for dogs with light skin and lite to no fur.
MORE PET SUN SHIRTS
Explore to find the best way to protect pets skin from the sun in the water, at the beach or on summer walks.
Pet Suntan Lotion and Summer Sun Care
K-9 Care Dog Sunscreen
Considered one of the top suntan lotion for dogs, k-9 Care brand is a sunscreen spray that does not have Zinc and is tested to be very effective for dogs.
Rhino Wax Beach Paw Wax
Protect pet paws on hot summer days before swim lessons, walks on the beach, or hot terrain to keep pet paws the best they can be.
Dog Chafing Stick
For pets who suffer from chafing in the heat and hot summer days, try this Dog Chafing Stick to protect from rubbing and irritation.
MORE PET SUN CARE
Explore pet sunscreen, paw wax and sun care supplies to help pets deal with the heat of summer and the rays of the sun.
Dog Swim Training Gear
Hound20® Dog Pool Bumper
This floating dog toy is ideal for leading dogs during swimming lessons, fetch games in the pool or working with hunting dogs for water retrieval.
Floating Dog Bone
For dogs who love their bones, this bone style water bumpers is a great encourager for training dogs to swim and enjoy the water.
BingPet® Floating Balls
When you have a dog who just loves balls, try a waterproof version to encourage swimming and water play from fetch to movement across the water.
Dog Skipping Stones
A fun game for lake and river side, these skipping stones are fun for dogs to chase and fetch. Perfect for a wide range of dog breed sizes and mouths.
Floating Dog Bone
Toss this waterproof, floating dog stick in the pool, lake, or ocean for hours of fun. A great way to introduce pups to the shallow water by playing catch.
Spunky Pup® Floating Dog Stick
A floating stick is a fun way to encourage pups to play in the water. This flexible, floating stick is easy for pets to grab and swim with.
Realistic Floating Dog Stick
Toss a realistic stick that floats on water is a great way to play with pups as they learn to swim and enjoy a little exercise.
Dog Pool Rings & Launcher
Keep your pup entertained as you lounge in the pool with this awesome ring launcher that will give you pup plenty of play and enjoyment.
Clean Earth Barracuda
Made in the USA from recycled plastic, Spunky Pup® offers a range of waterproof and floating pool and water dog toys.
Glow Floating Dog Disc
We love great Made in the USA dog toys and this one is at the top of our list. Great for day and night play.
Floating Dog Balls
Toss these glow in the dark balls in the pool or from the pool and enjoy a little nighttime fun with your pup.
Floating Dog Pool Ring
This soft-sided dog toy glows in the dark, floats and is easy on your pups teeth and gums. A great pool toy.
Floating Dog Disc
Designed for water play, these high quality dog toys are great for the pool, beach and lake to encourage swimming and water fun.
Floating Dog Rings
Great for fun and fitness, these floating rings are great to toss across the pool, lake, or stream. Easy for your pup to grab and bring back to you.
Floaties® Dog Pool Toy
Fun floating pet toys for the pool are not only fun for pups but great for play time with pets and people in the water, on the shore or even in sprinklers.
MORE PET POOL TOYS
Explore more pet toys for the pool, beach and lake from toys that glow in the dark, float and even recycled materials that are waterproof.
Pet Pool Floats and Loungers
Dog Pool Float
Train puppies to love the water and introduce them to relaxation heaven with a large floating lounger that is sizes right for larger breeds.
Semi-Submersible Dog Raft
This high quality dog raft floats just under the surface of the water allowing dogs to stay cool in the water while keeping them at the surface.
Covered Dog Raft
When the hot sun is a bit much for float loving pooches, try this roll up covered raft that has plenty of curling up room for a relaxing day at the pool.
MORE PET FLOATS
For pets who enjoy the water, they can float and stay cool during the dog days of summer with unique floats for pool, lake or sea.
Pet Pools and Water Equipment
Portable Dog Pool
Set up this great dog pool in your backyard or fold it up and take it to the beach, campsite, or vacation spot to help pups beat the heat.
Backyard Family Pool
Add a water feature to the backyard that is ideal for pets and kiddos to cool off on hot summer days. This extra-large option has plenty of room for all.
Floating Plantform
For lake lovers, consider a floating platform where pets and people can lounge and enjoy the water and take a break to rest when needed.
MORE PET POOLS
From small backyard pools to larger above ground pools find the right swimming options for your pup. Start with a smaller pool for pets who are timid and work your way up.
Hunting & Gaming Dog Swimming Info & Gear
Introduce puppies to the water as soon as the weather permits and they will enjoy water time with you from the very start. While some dogs may love the water, not all are ready and willing to swim.
Hunting & Gaming Dog Training Gear
Dog Toys Bumper Dog Toys
Ideal for working with dogs who are training to retrieve in the water. These floating bumpers are easy to spot in the water and tote.
Duck Decoy Dog Bumper
Help pups learn to swim and retrieve with the perfect duck decoy that has realist designs and properties to help them gain their skills.
Launcher Dog Training Bumper
One of the most popular launchers for training dogs to swim and retrieve in water to prepare them for duck hunting and water play.
Camo Dog Sun Vest
Even when spending time in the water for sport, don’t forget to protect your pet’s skin from the hot sun rays and heat of the day.
Remember, not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some may require more time and patience to learn. It’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety, provide a positive and supportive environment, and consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian if needed. Continually monitor fatigue and take ample breaks. Pay attention to your dog’s energy levels, look for signs of fatigue, and even through you are in water, they need fresh water breaks for hydration.
Do Cats Like To Swim?
The short answer is that most cats while they do not care for it, can actually swim, me included. Cats with longer fur however may get weighted down and it is actually dangerous for them to be in or near water. Curious cats have been known to test the boundaries and get very close to the waters edge or even slip in, so always keep an eye on us when the pool is open to make sure that we have an exit plan. On an interesting note, Maine Coon and Turkish Van cat breeds actually enjoy the water and have been known to swim for pleasure.
Side note, cats do love to drink moving and fresh water, so you may find them sneaking a drink from the pool every now and then. A sip or two won’t hurt them, but if you find your cat is drawn to the outdoor or pool water, consider a fresh water fountain that you maintain outside that is for the cat only! Here are a few fun cat things:
Cat Summer Sun Shirt
Cats with light or no fur do well with a sun shirt during the hot summer days if they spend any time outside to protect them from the summer sum.
Cat Sized Life Jacket
Find a cat-sized life jacket for cats who spend time on the boat, get very close to the pool, or for cats who want to learn to swim.
Cat Summer Hat
Add a fun summer hat to your kitten or kitty’s heat to keep the sun out of their eyes, oh who are we kidding it is just adorable.
Pet Water Fountain
Cats love running water, if your cat gets too close to the pool or drinks too much pool water consider a water fountain.
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