Bringing Your Dog To The Pool - Is It Such A Great Idea?

June 22, 2018 is National Take Your Dog to Work Day! But what happens if you’re a lifeguard, a swim instructor, or a stay-at-home parent with your own pool? You might think your dog inherently knows how to doggy-paddle and can have some fun in the water with you and your family, but that’s not always the case!

Do all dogs know how to swim?

According to vetstreet.com, not all dogs know how to swim! Most dogs might naturally start to doggy-paddle when they get in the water, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to swim laps with you. Some breeds, like bulldogs, are not at all made for swimming and can easily sink to the bottom of a pool due to their large build. For some dogs, it may be quite hard to stay afloat or they might not even enjoy being in the water.

Can I teach my dog to swim?

Yes! Start by getting your pup a life vest to wear until he is a comfortable swimmer. Keep your dog on a leash at all times in case he panics and needs to quickly be pulled out of the water. Start slowly to get him used to getting his paws wet, especially if he seems a bit scared. If he seems really timid, try reassuring him with some of his favorite toys, treats and LOTS of verbal praise! As he gradually gets into the deeper parts of the pool, place your arm underneath him for support and to encourage him to kick with both his front and hind legs. Once you see his is comfortable and swimming with all four limbs, slowly move your arm out from under him and allow him to swim on his own. If at any point he starts to panic, bring him back into the shallow area until he is calm enough to try again. For more tips on teaching your dog how to swim, visit petmd.com.

Which breeds of dogs are best at swimming?

It’s true, some dogs naturally love the water! If you’re looking to adopt a dog who will want to hang out with you in the pool, check out this list of the top 10 swimming breeds!

So, is it such a great idea to bring my dog in the pool?