Most puppers enjoy taking a swim. The activity not only provides them with exercise and a way to deal with excess energy, it also helps them cool off. But you might be surprised to hear that not all dogs know how to swim.
While a lot of dogs instinctively pick up the skill, there are more than a few of them who need some help with it. Here is how you can give them that help.
Be Patient
The most important thing is to be patient. Don’t overwhelm your dog, or you will risk making them hate water. Instead, spend every day a bit more in the water. Also, make sure to start in shallow waters and work your way to deeper water.
Reward Them for Progress
Every time the dog spends a bit longer in the water or goes a bit deeper, reward them for their progress. This can be a treat, belly scratches, or an enthusiastic hug.
Take Safety Precautions
Make sure that you are doing the swimming lessons in calm waters. Also, fit your dog with a life jacket if necessary and never lose him out of sight.
Be Respectful to Their Preferences
The puppers simply don’t enjoy the water, or are not interested in swimming. If that is the case with your dog, respect their preferences and let them enjoy their time on the shore.
