At Fitdog, we believe that daily activities and socialization helps your dog become the best they can be. We offer three unique programs to help you the most of your dog’s time, when your not there.
fitdog home
  • Asset 4 fitdog club
    • Services
    • Pricing
    • Assessment
    • Login
  • Asset 5 fitdog sports
    • Classes
    • Leaders
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • Asset 3 fitdog training
    • Programs
    • Trainers
    • Get started
About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login to Club
Login to Sports
  • Club
  • Sports
  • Training
  • About
  • Blog
(310) 828 - 3647

5 Benefits of Teaching Your Dog How to Swim

Collapse
More from

Off The Leash:

Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
How to stop your dog from digging
May 17, 2022
Five tips to follow when bringing a new pet home
November 04, 2021
Beginner’s Guide to Lure Coursing
November 03, 2021
Deadly Disease: Why Lepto Should be a Core Vaccine
July 21, 2021
Guide to Common Dog Diseases & Parasites
July 26, 2021
The 7 Best Podcasts for Dog Lovers
May 27, 2021
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle
April 17, 2021
5 tips to re-socializing your dog after the pandemic
February 26, 2021
5 Animal Non-Profits to Donate to This Holiday Season
December 18, 2020
7 Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
November 26, 2020
10 Best Dog Photography Tips
October 27, 2020
Importance of Developmental Based Dog Training
October 21, 2020
Complete guide to treating dog allergies
September 15, 2020
Overweight Dogs: COVID-19 Made My Dog Fat!
August 19, 2020
Best Pet Tech Products 2020
August 15, 2020
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
How to modify your home for an elderly pet
July 09, 2020
Frozen Dog Treats for Summer: 4 Pupsicle Recipes to Treat your Dog
July 03, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
June 26, 2022
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
June 17, 2020
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California
June 09, 2020
7 Best Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
May 26, 2020
Train and Play Philosophy
May 18, 2020
Puppy Socialization: Why your dog needs it
January 25, 2021
Meghan Rowland
Meghan Rowland
April 09, 2021

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter and the water is getting warmer. But, before you and your dog head down to the water or hang out poolside, it’s important that your dog is water safe and knows how to swim. Whether your dog refuses to get wet or jumps right into the water, proper water training can benefit all breeds.

Here are just a few benefits of teaching your dog how to swim:

prevent drowning

Prevents Drowning

Did you know that roughly over 400,000 dogs drown each year because of lack of swim training and safety protocols? Many people believe that most dogs know how to naturally swim, but that’s not true at all. Although some dogs were bred to swim, it doesn’t mean they know how to get in and out of water safely.

Most dogs know how to dog paddle using their front legs, but don’t know what to do with their back legs. When dogs don’t move their back legs, they are more vertical in the water and create a lot of splash. This “panic swimming” stresses them and causes them to get tired very quickly.

During swim lessons, dogs learn how to properly use their bodies to swim and how to safely enter and exit a pool. A few lessons later and they’ll be a master at swimming.

swimming lessons

Great Exercise

Swimming has so many health benefits for not only humans, but dogs as well.  Not only is it good cardiovascular exercise, but it also helps reduce stress and burn off excess energy. Swimming is also very joint-friendly and can help relieve pain by strengthening cartilage, joints and muscles.

For senior or overweight dogs, swimming is the perfect exercise because it is easy on the joints and burns calories without the impact on the body or risk of injury. If your dog is struggling with their health, make sure you consult your veterinarian before getting into the pool.

dog swim lesson

Builds Confidence

Chances are your dog is scared of the water. Unless they are a water breed, like a retriever, who has been splashing around in the water since they could walk, swimming is probably an unfamiliar and daunting task for your dog. However, with proper training and patience, your dog can become comfortable around water.

When teaching your dog how to swim in our pool safety class, we never force them in the water. The learning process should be fun and rewarding and you don’t want them to associate water with a negative experience. Once the dog is more comfortable around the water, they will become more confident with their swimming ability. This is a great morale booster and your dog will feel like they conquered the world!

swimming dogs

Controls Impulses

If you own a dog that loves the water, chances are you know how hard it is to keep them out of it. Whether your dog jumps into the pool the second you open up the gate, or sprints into the ocean the second you step on the beach, it can be very difficult to manage a water-obsessed pup.

Luckily, swim lessons are a great way to teach your dog impulse control. By implementing the “wait” cue and rewarding proper entrance into the water, your dog can quickly learn how to tame their energy and safely enter the pool or body of water. Remember, be patient and always reward good behavior!

Releases Excess Energy

Not only is swimming a great form of exercise for your dog, but it is also one of the most efficient and safest ways to burn your dog’s energy. Like we said before, it’s easier on the joints and your dog can play fetch or swim a lot longer than they could on land. Also, in the warm summer months, your dog can stay cool without the risk of overheating.

In our pool safety class, we have a few Labrador retrievers who we have to pry out of the water once class is over. They love it so much and could swim in circles and play fetch for hours.

 

If you are considering teaching your dog how to swim, we recommend doing your research first. Here are some few tips to consider before taking the plunge. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can sign up for our pool safety class for adults and puppies. Our Partner Trainers will use positive reinforcement and latent learning to get your dog comfortable with the water and slowly introduce your dog into the pool.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can sign up at app.fitdog.com or email us at contact@fitdog.com.

 

Sources: “How to Teach Your Dog to Love Swimming” by Jillian Blume of The Dog’s Life.

Categories:
  • Lifestyle
What’s next?
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle

The “doodle” craze has been all the rage lately because they are non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs. But, just because they don’t have an undercoat, doesn’t mean they are low maintenance. In fact, doodles are one of the most difficult...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
FAQ
Contact
Fitdog Club
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Join the Club
Fitdog Sports
  • Classes
  • Leaders
  • Sign Up
Fitdog Training
  • Programs
  • Trainers
  • Get Started
Blog
  • Off The Leash
  • Resources
  • About
  • Become a Trainer
  • Employment Opportunities
contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by