When summer arrives, you may find more dogs swimming happily at the beach, playing in kiddie pools or even frolicking near a sprinkler. If you're thinking, "My dog is afraid of water; they would never do that," you're not alone. Some pet parents may not even know how to bathe a dog who is afraid of water, let alone encourage them to swim. Use this guide to help you understand how to get your dog feeling safe around water.
There are many reasons why dogs may be fearful of water. It could simply be that it's a new experience for them or that the water feels different under their paws or on their fur. Your pet may have also had a traumatic experience with water. Or, maybe they were forced to get wet when they weren't ready. If you're thinking your dog is afraid of water but don't know how to help, the first step is simply helping your dog unlearn any negative water connotations. Then, you can slowly acclimate your pet to the water until they feel safe enough to bathe or swim on their own terms.
Ideally, you should begin bathing your dog when they're a puppy — first with a washcloth and then eventually in an indoor or outdoor bath. However, if your dog already has a phobia of bathing, you'll need to train them to unlearn some of those fears before you can successfully bathe them. Use these steps to get started:
These steps may take some time, but it's really about unlearning the fear and gaining confidence before trying again.
Once your dog feels safe in bath water, you might start thinking about acclimating them to larger bodies of water, like a pond or the ocean. But, to do so, you'll need to teach your furry friend how to swim safely. It's also important to remember that some breeds are born for the water, while others aren't suited to be strong swimmers. For example, the Labrador retriever, Irish water wpaniel and the Portuguese water dog all have traits to that make them well suited to the water. On the other hand, the short-legged Chihuahua and brachycephalic breeds, such as boxers, may need more assistance. Or, you may find that your pup just doesn't enjoy swimming and prefers land life much more.
To get started, you'll want to order an assistive device to ensure your pet's safety. According to the American Kennel Club, "Regardless of breed, all dogs should wear a life jacket when first learning to swim." Look for a vest with built-in handles so that you can help pull your pet out of the water if necessary. Just like with children's flotation devices, fit is important for safety, so make sure the life jacket you choose for your pet fits accordingly to their weight and length.
Here's how to start training your dog to play in deeper waters:
Take each of these steps slowly and over time you'll have a confident swimmer. And remember, just like with bathing your dog, this is not a one-day training activity. You'll need to plenty or safe, comfortable practice time to get your pet swimming confidently.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
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Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
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Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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