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Most people assume that dogs are good swimmers. This is not true. Some dog breeds like Labrador Retriever automatically loves to swim. However, some dog breeds are fearful of water. Some dogs learn to swim in a short period of time while others take longer time.
It is best to train your pet dog to swim when she is a young puppy. This is because smaller size dog makes it easier for your dog to be taught.
On the day of your pet dog’s swimming lesson, make sure the weather is sunny and warm. You can take along a helper with you. The best place to train your dog how to swim is a shallow pool. You can also perform the training at a beach or river. Avoid beach that has high waves, and areas where there are many people shouting and splashing.
First, enter into the pool of water and ask your pet dog if she wants a treat. Show the dog a small piece of dog treat and when your dog enter the water and approaches you for the treat, give her the treat. If your dog refuses to enter the water, guide her with a leash or lure her with a treat and then calm her down. It may take several days to several weeks in order for your dog to become settle down and comfortable in the water. When your dog gets her feet wet, reward her with treats or praise or a pat on the head.
To encourage your pet dog to become used to the water, throw a toy into the pool and have your dog fetch it back to you.
When your dog sees the water, it may have thought it has discovered a big bowl of water and start lapping up and drinking the water. Do not give negative commands like “No” to your dog because this will cause the dog to associate the water with a negative experience.
When training your pet dog, act calm. Don’t be nervous so that your dog won’t detect any anxiety from you. Although some dogs are frightened and reluctant to enter into the water, it does not mean that they dislike swimming.
When your puppy or dog is used to the water, carry her several meters out into the water. Face towards your helper who is on the shore and place one hard under her belly and hold her rear end up by the tail so that she is level out in the water. After that, immerse her legs in the water. You will notice her legs starts to paddle vigorously. When this happens, remove your hand from under her belly and gently hold her rear end up by the tail.
As you let go the tail and watch your dog swimming, your helper must clap and offers verbal encouragement. Repeat this exercise several times until your dog master the swimming skill. For the training, you can also take along another dog that is a good swimmier and confident in water. You will find your pet dog imitate the canine swimming instructor.
Although throwing sticks and toy into the water and have your dog to fetch it to you may be fun, it is dangerous. This is because dogs are susceptible to weariness and muscle cramp.
If you teach your dog to swim, both of you can play in the water together and have hours of socializing opportunities
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