How to Introduce Your Dog to the Pool

So many dogs love to swim! Swimming is the perfect way to let your dog cool down on a hot summer day or a fun way to get some exercise. If you want to introduce your furry friend to the water, read on for 5 ways to introduce your dog to the pool.

1. Start Small

Fido’s first time swimming shouldn’t be in a lake or ocean! If your pup has never been in the water, they’ll likely be overwhelmed by a large body of water. Instead, when you first want to introduce your dog to the pool, use a small swimming pool. 

You can buy a blow up wading pool in many stores or online. They also make pools specifically for dogs! These are great for your pups first swim as they aren’t too deep or large. 

2. Practice Safety

Most dogs will naturally know how to swim upon being placed in the water. However, it’s always a good idea to practice swimming safety precautions.

• Make sure your dog knows where the exit to the pool is so that they can get out if they start to feel tired
• Consider purchasing a dog life jacket, especially if you’re going to be swimming in deep bodies of water
• Always watch your dog! Just like you would never let your child swim unattended, you should practice that same rule with your dog. Always make sure your dog is supervised when swimming. 
• Recognize when they’re tired. Swimming is exercise and eventually your pup will get tired! Pay close attention to when they may be feeling too tired to keep going, so that you can help them out of the water should they need it. 

3. Consider a Hose or Sprinkler

If you attempt to introduce your dog to a pool and they seem stressed or nervous, consider playing in a hose or sprinkler instead! A sprinkler is still a great way for your dog to cool down when it’s hot but isn’t as intimidating as a pool can be. 

4. Start Young

You can start to introduce your dog to swimming as soon as you bring them home! Start small with a bathtub or small pool when they’re puppies. The younger they are when they first start to swim, the more likely they are to be comfortable with it as they’re older!

5. Don’t Force It

Most dogs love to swim, but that is not the case for all dogs. If your dog doesn’t enjoy the pool, don’t force them to. Forcing a scared or unhappy dog to swim will cause them to panic, which can lead to drowning or injury. 

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