One of the things most people have on their summer to-do list is to take a dip in the swimming pool. The experience becomes more pleasant when you have a good companion alongside you and who fits the bill better than your pet dog? But before you hit the water it is essential to teach your dog how to swim if he/she hasn’t done it before.
Not all dogs are natural swimmers and there are some breeds like the bulldog that cannot swim at all without the help of floats. When you take your dog with you for a swim, take him/her to a lake or pool in a quiet area. A lot of noise can be distracting and it will become difficult to keep your dog in control. Also see to it that you get appropriate apparels for dogs before going swimming. He/she has to be leashed all the time to prevent unforeseen circumstances. Do not remove the leash unless he/she is able to swim without any assistance and is able to return to you when you call out.
It is imperative that you do not leave your dog alone in the water. Always be by their side and don’t ever throw your pet into the water directly as he/she might get scared and never want to go swimming again.
If your dog is new to swimming, start by taking him/her to a shallow area where it is easy for you to be able to walk beside your pet. Make your dog wear proper dog apparel like a floatation vest and attach a leash. Slowly make your dog walk into the water to acquaint him/her with the feeling of wet feet. There may be instances when your pet may be reluctant to go into the water. Get a toy or a treat to coax him/her into going further into the water. Take your pet into deeper water gradually until it starts to paddle to stay afloat. You can provide support to your pet by putting your arm under his/her belly. Support you pet till she/he gets comfortable in the water and is able to use all limbs to swim. If you notice your dog is panicking take her/him back into shallow water. Give them time to calm down and start over.
Always give your pet a thorough rinse with fresh water after taking it out of the pool. It helps get rid of residual chemicals sticking to the coat. You can make your pet wear dog clothes in case they feel cold. Make sure you praise your pet after the session, this will help in developing a positive attitude towards swimming. With these few suggestions, pretty soon your pet will look forward to a dip into the pool just as much as you!
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