The essentials
- Dogs must be taught to swim — Although the “doggy-paddle” is named after them, our four-legged pals need proper training to tread water safely.
- Teaching your dog to swim can take time — Be patient. Go at your dog’s pace, and offer them lots of encouragement along the way.
- Safety gear is a must-have — A dog life jacket, sunscreen, and leash will help keep your dog safe at each swimming lesson.
Teaching your dog to swim will help ensure they stay safe whenever they’re in the water, whether ponds, lakes, pools, or the ocean. It’s also a great workout and one of the best ways to keep your dog fit.
Not sure how to give your dog swimming lessons? In this article, we’ll walk you through tips and techniques to help your furry friend become a confident and safe swimmer.
Can all dogs swim?
The theory that all dogs are born with the ability to swim is a myth. The truth is that, for some breeds, swimming doesn’t come naturally.
Some breeds have physical traits and characteristics that enable them to thrive in the water more than others — longer limbs, webbed feet, and a double coat — such as Labrador retrievers, Nova Scotia duck tollers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Portuguese water dogs.
And then there are breeds whose build makes it hard for them to naturally feel at ease in the water. For instance, breeds with shorter hind legs, big, boxy chests, short muzzles/snouts, flat faces, and stumpier tails often struggle in the water — like pugs, bulldogs, basset hounds, or boxers.
Ultimately, never assume your dog knows how to swim or that they can save themselves from a swimming mishap without any training. But the good news is you can teach practically any dog to swim with the proper safety equipment and training.
🚨Even after your dog is a confident swimmer, they should still always be supervised in and around water!
Preparing for the swim
Before dipping their toes in the water, make sure your dog is in good health and can withstand the demands of swimming. Those with young pups should talk to their vet about the optimal time to start swim lessons. The same goes for those with elderly dogs who may struggle with the exertion.
Next, ensure your dog is well-trained in basic obedience before introducing them to water. Your dog must respond to you if you give them a command, such as “leave it” or “come.”
Floating water toys make swimming more fun and your dog’s favorite treat encourages them. But it’s also important to keep some other items on hand while teaching your dog to swim. The below products are vet-approved and recommended.
| Item | Why it’s needed | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Dog life jacket | Helps your dog stay afloat. Choose one with a leash hook or handle to pull your dog to safety. | Ruffwear Float Coat |
| Dog water shoes | Protects your dog's feet from injury while they swim | Muttluks All-Weather Dog Boots |
| Fresh drinking water (and water bowl) | Prevents your dog from drinking dirty water that could have parasites, bacteria, or algae. Also, saltwater or chlorinated water ingestion can make your dog very ill. | Best dog water bottles |
| Pet first aid kit | Allows you to treat minor injuries quickly | KURGO RSG First Aid Kit for Dogs |
| Dog sunscreen | Protects from sunburn for short coats, light skin, noses, and bellies; protects against skin cancer [trusted_sources] | Epi-Pet K9 Care Sunscreen |
| Ear cleaner | Helps cleanse and dry the ear canal to prevent infection | Virbac EpiOtic |
| Towels | Getting clean and dry | Soggy Doggy |
Don’t forget to follow up with after-swim care
After a swim, rinse your dog and their life vest thoroughly with clean water to eliminate algae, pool chemicals, salt, or other grime from the water. Check your dog for cuts or scrapes, especially on their paws. Towel dry and give them lots of praise for a good swim!
👉 Be sure to dry fur thoroughly and also make sure ears are dry. Dogs who swim frequently may be at risk for ear infections known as swimmer’s ear . Using an ear cleaner can help. If you suspect an ear infection, go to the vet!
5 steps to teaching your dog to swim
Most dogs instinctively doggy paddle, but teaching them to swim well and build their confidence is key. Remember to keep sessions short and give them breaks in between. Lots of praise and encouragement will help training go quicker in the long run. Following these steps will help you teach your dog to be a pro swimmer.
Step: 1 Choose the right location
You can teach your dog to swim nearly anywhere, but it helps if the location you pick gradually slants into the water and few or no waves. A lake or pond where they can have a shallow decline into deeper water is an excellent choice. If you only have access to a pool, make sure they have wide enough steps for your pup to walk down and come back to for a break.
Step 2: Keep your dog safe with a life vest
When introducing your dog to swimming, they need to wear a life vest. This helps them stay afloat and feel more confident in the water. Life vests are also crucial for safety in accidents like falling off a dock or out of a boat. Look for a vest that fits well, has a handle, and is brightly colored for better visibility.
If you have a large dog, wearing a life vest yourself is essential to stay safe, too, as your dog could accidentally drag you underwater during a panic. Put on their life jacket beforehand to let them get used to wearing it before swim lessons and be sure to keep their leash on so you can keep some control over where they go while they learn.
Step 3: Go slow and begin in shallow water
If you live near a creek or lake, let your pup explore the shoreline (while on a leash) on their terms. They can get their paws wet without feeling pressured to go deeper into the water. Encourage your dog into shallow water using toys or treats. If they’re hesitant, gently guide them in. Be patient and watch for signs of fear or discomfort.
If you only have a pool, consider getting a kiddy pool for your dog to play in as a first introduction. Fill it up a few inches and let them splash all they want. If they are wary, try using a favorite toy or treat to encourage them to step in, but never force it.
🚨 NEVER pull your dog into the water, always let it be on their terms, even if it takes them longer to adjust. Always be patient.
Step 4: Show them exit routes
If you’re letting your dog swim in a pool, they must know where the steps are to get out easily. Unlike with lakes, your pup won’t be able to exit the water at any spot on the “shoreline”. It’s very unlikely that your dog will be able to pull themselves up out of the water at the side of the pool.
While swimming, keep hold of their life jacket’s handle and guide them to the steps in the pool. Let them rest there or step out if they want to. If the pool has multiple steps or benches, let them see and get used to all of them. This helps prevent the panic of feeling trapped and not knowing how to get to safety.
Step 5: Gradually move to deeper water
Once your dog is comfortable in shallow water, try deeper areas while holding their life vest handle. Help them get used to swimming with all four legs. Don’t forget to reward positive behavior with a toy or verbal praise.
Once they’re comfortable in deeper water, see if they’ll follow you where they can’t touch the bottom anymore. You can guide them by keeping a hold of the handle on their life vest and letting them get the feel of doggy paddling. Eventually, you can let go (with a leash on still, in case they go out too far) and let them swim all on their own.
Top 5 most important water safety reminders for dogs
- Never leave your dog unsupervised in or around water. Even the best doggy swimmers can become exhausted or otherwise unable to get out of the water. It takes less than two minutes underwater for a dog to suffer brain and organ damage. Even near-drowning can result in death.
- Frequent breaks are a must. Swimming uses up a lot of energy. Give your pup plenty of opportunities to rest. An exhausted dog is at a much higher risk of drowning . That’s why a life jacket is essential, too.
- Water temperature matters. You’ll also need to make sure the body of water plus the air temperature equals at least 100 °F before letting your pup in it. If the water is too cold, your dog can develop a limber tail (also known as a cold tail or swimmer’s tail) or experience hypothermia in extreme cases.
- Keep fresh water available at all times. Drinking too much saltwater or chlorinated water can poison your dog. Contaminated lake and river water can harbor parasites or diseases, like leptospirosis.
- Minimize distractions while learning. When teaching your dog to swim, it’s best to pick a quiet spot. Crowded lakes or high-traffic areas could prevent your dog from hearing you or following your instructions. Even once your dog is well-trained, keeping track of them in a busy area becomes difficult. Always use your best judgment based on your abilities and your dog’s personality.
Frequently asked questions
Can you teach a dog to swim?
Yes, you can teach a dog to swim. It takes patience, lots of encouragement, and practice.
How do you teach a dog to swim at the beach?
Teaching a dog to swim at the beach is possible, although it might not be your best option. The beach allows a graduated entry, but the waves might make them nervous. Also, drinking/swallowing salt water isn’t good for your pup.
Can all dogs swim naturally?
Some dogs have the instinct to swim while others don’t. Retriever breeds and mixes tend to have an easier time adjusting to swimming and excel at water sports.
What age do you teach a puppy to swim?
It’s important to ensure your puppy is fully vaccinated and healthy before allowing them to swim. Water can contain harmful parasites and diseases that could harm your pup. Some sites say to wait until your puppy reaches six months old. Our veterinary expert, Dr. Cahn, told us “I don’t think you have to wait until 6 months. Most pups are fully vaccinated by 16 weeks. It makes sense to wait till then, especially if they will be swimming in a lake or area with other dogs present. If it’s in your private backyard pool you could very carefully introduce them to the water earlier. They will need life jacket, lots of support, and can get cold easily.”
What if my dog is afraid to swim?
Swimming can be scary for any dog. If you have a friend with a dog who is already an avid swimmer, consider bringing them along to show your pup that swimming is fun. They may be more inclined to follow your friend’s dog into the water to explore and play together. You can also use treats and toys to encourage your dog.
My dog doesn’t like water. What’s wrong?
Some dogs just don’t like water and that’s ok. You can continue to work very slowly with them towards feeling comfortable, but realize they may never want to get in. Try another activity to enjoy together!
