Take Your Dog to Swim
2008-08-07

Take Your Dog to Swim Make sure your dog can swim With summer in full swing, I'm sure a lot of doggies are enjoying the beach and pool like us! But be attention! Not all of the dogs can swim. It’s a good bet if the dog’s breed includes the word “water,” it takes to swimming like a nursery-schooner takes to finger-painting. For owners of those breeds, the problem isn’t getting the dog into the water, but keeping it on dry land. But other breeds aren’t as water-friendly. Some dogs have to be taught to swim, and others, take to the water like submarines take to the Cross Bronx Expressway. For the former, there is hope. For the latter, there are those bright orange canine flotation devices. Make sure your dog is a born swimmer, at lease a tenderfoot but with hope. It’s an important thing you should consider before you take you pet to swim. If he/she can’t swim at all, don’t run a risk.                                                   Preparations before you go to swim Train your dog. If he or she is a born swimmer, train him/her some rule and common sense, such as good manners to other dogs, getting away from adventure, confidence in swimming. If he/she is just one with hope, you may be patient to teach step by step. Wish the following tips may help you. 1. Start with water exposure Get your pup used to water with a spray bottle, a hose or a shallow plastic pool. This ensures that it gets accustomed to the feeling of water. 2. Start at a pool or lake with a gradual slope Your first lessons should take place in a body of water in which your pet can gradually walk in the water with you 3. Move into deeper water with your support As you move into deeper water, support your dog's backside or belly to help it learn that it can float as it paddles with its paws. 4. Help your pup find the exit Once your dog is in the water, make sure it follows your commands to find the exit -- be it from a swimming pool or into a boat. 5. Don't overdo it Dogs that have not swum a lot before don't necessarily have the muscle conditioning for a strenuous swim. Get all the things ready for Your Pet to Swim When planning to take your dog to swim, these things are necessary: A rug. You should wrap your dog when your dog gets out from water, otherwise he/she may get cold. A toy ball or other similar objects. It will be useful when your dog doesn’t get ashore or get dangerous waters. A life vest. If you're taking your dog out on a boat, fit your pup with a life vest, experts say. You never know when the boat may hit a bump and the dog may end up overboard. Drinking water. Keep in mind that swimming is exercise, and on hot days in particular, you need to keep your pet hydrated with fresh water. Given the right precautions, there is a wide variety of safe places for your pet to do the doggie paddle -- or something more befitting of a canine athlete. Despite you find such a place, you should make sure you take some medicine and can send for a vet when there comes suddenness. Important points during your dog's swim All is ready. Is there just left enjoying the swimming? No! Another tips you also mustn’t ignore: • Avoid excessive noise Take them to an area that’s not so crazy and hectic. Like children, dogs can become frightened and confused if there’s a lot of noise and activity around them. The object is to keep them calm and focused on the swimming lesson. • Use encouragement As when teaching a child, keep your voice upbeat and positive. Using treats and toys to encourage your dog to enter the water also works quite well. • Never throw them in Just as you shouldn’t throw a child in the water and expect it to swim to safety, you shouldn’t do that with a dog. If they don’t want to do it, don’t force them to do it. • Keep an eye on them Even in the water, dogs can wander off. Dogs that swim naturally and well can jump in the ocean and keep swimming until they’re lost. You want to make sure, like children, that you watch where they’re going.