Swimming is one of the favorite summertime activities of many families and since the dog is considered as a family member, the pet will be taken by the family wherever they go. Swimming is one of the favorite family activities when the weather turns hot. Because dogs are considered as members of the family, it is not surprising for people to take these pets when they go swimming.
Many dogs have drowned because dog owners generally believe that all dogs can swim. Dog owners are justified in believing that dog can swim after all the doggy paddle swimming stroke was named after the dog. Unfortunately, not all dogs know how to swim. Some breeds are afraid of water and other dogs' physical characteristics are not made for swimming.
Swimming would be an excellent form of exercise especially for dogs whose agility is limited by injuries, ailments or health concerns associated with old age. The belief that all dogs can swim is a baseless notion. True, some dogs would swim naturally like ducks but other breeds would be like a sack of bricks that would instantly sink to the bottom. For the safety of the dog, it is the responsibility of an owner to introduce the pet to the water.
The goal is to make the dog love the water thus it would never do to throw the dog into the water or to jump into the water with the pet in your arms. Even a small dog would be hard to manage if it is frantically trying to get on dry land. Just like in obedience training, the best time to introduce the dog to the water is when it is still a puppy as during this time the pet has not yet formed fear of the water. An older swimming dog can be utilized to entice the non-swimming dog to test the water.
Dogs are noted to have an inquisitive nature. A non swimming dog will be persuaded the other dog's enjoyment. Dogs are truly man's best friends because of the strong ties they form with their master. Because of this strong bond, an owner can call the pet and urge it to come into the water. As soon as the dog has tested the water with its paws, you can now tempt the dog to test deeper water. Use toys and treats as positive reinforcements to encourage the dog to swim. However, be aware of the fact the pet is not yet a strong swimmer thus there is a need to keep an eye on the pet to prevent it from venturing into the deep end.
Many dogs have drowned because dog owners generally believe that all dogs can swim. Dog owners are justified in believing that dog can swim after all the doggy paddle swimming stroke was named after the dog. Unfortunately, not all dogs know how to swim. Some breeds are afraid of water and other dogs' physical characteristics are not made for swimming.
Swimming would be an excellent form of exercise especially for dogs whose agility is limited by injuries, ailments or health concerns associated with old age. The belief that all dogs can swim is a baseless notion. True, some dogs would swim naturally like ducks but other breeds would be like a sack of bricks that would instantly sink to the bottom. For the safety of the dog, it is the responsibility of an owner to introduce the pet to the water.
The goal is to make the dog love the water thus it would never do to throw the dog into the water or to jump into the water with the pet in your arms. Even a small dog would be hard to manage if it is frantically trying to get on dry land. Just like in obedience training, the best time to introduce the dog to the water is when it is still a puppy as during this time the pet has not yet formed fear of the water. An older swimming dog can be utilized to entice the non-swimming dog to test the water.
Dogs are noted to have an inquisitive nature. A non swimming dog will be persuaded the other dog's enjoyment. Dogs are truly man's best friends because of the strong ties they form with their master. Because of this strong bond, an owner can call the pet and urge it to come into the water. As soon as the dog has tested the water with its paws, you can now tempt the dog to test deeper water. Use toys and treats as positive reinforcements to encourage the dog to swim. However, be aware of the fact the pet is not yet a strong swimmer thus there is a need to keep an eye on the pet to prevent it from venturing into the deep end.
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Still wonder how dogs swim? Find out more about this and dog first aid at Sarah's Dogs.
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