10 WAYS TO GET YOUR DOG TO ENJOY WATER

Making sure your dog is safe and comfortable near water is important. Most dogs are great swimmers, and some dog breeds simply love the water. However, other dogs are more careful around the water, or even afraid of it. In some cases, it could be because their only experience with water up to that point has been a bath. The good news is that with some training and patience, you can turn any dog into a water-loving swimmer. Here are easy steps to make your dog a water baby.

1. Safety first! There’s nothing more important than safety, so make sure that your dog is comfortable around water and can swim. In the case of a swimming pool, make 100 per cent sure that your dog can get out of the pool on his or her own. When out on the water at a dam or lake, ensure that your dog is always wearing a life jacket.

2. Make bath time fun – When your dog has a hard time accepting the water, you can use bath time as water training. Make bath time fun and give lots of treats and praise.

3. Start with a kiddie pool – Introduce your dog to water fun with a kiddie pool. You can start off by filling pools ankle high, tossing in a few toys, and starting a game of fetch. With time, increase the water level. Soon your dog will love to splash in the kiddie pool on his own.

4. Jump in with your dog – Dogs can easily get over their fears if we help them by showing them that water is nothing to be afraid of.

5. Have a play date – Seeing other dogs run and jump into the water can help your dog see that it’s fun and not frightening.

6. Slowly but surely – To get your dog into water, first show her how to enter and exit. While on leash, toss a special toy into the water or use a high-value treat and lure her in, placing the treat by her nose and praising and rewarding for any attempt to step into the water.

7. Doggie life jackets – Consider using a life jacket to help reluctant swimmers. It will add buoyancy and create security as they test their water skills. Acclimatise your dog to the jacket in short sessions over the course of a week, putting it on and treating him for wearing it.

8. Stay calm – Whilst teaching your dog to swim, the calmer you are, the calmer your dog will be.

9. Have fun – If your dog sees you having a great time near the water, they’ll be more willing to join in.

10. Don’t force your dog – Never, ever throw a dog into a pool or body of water or allow someone else to do it. This is abuse and cruelty, and your dog could even go into shock.