Swimming is a fun activity for both pet owners and dogs, and it’s a great form of exercise, too. But what if my dog won’t swim? What could be the reasons behind their anxiety or hesitation?
While dogs are natural swimmers and don’t require training most of the time, it’s not the same case for all breeds. In fact, some breeds cannot swim due to their physical attributes.
Aside from that, your dog may have had negative experiences with water. That’s why addressing your dogs’ water phobia with patience and dedication is essential in helping them overcome their fear.
You’ll want to make swim training a positive learning experience for them as much as possible. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a pro to train your dogs to swim.
Learn how to help your dogs conquer the waters with this helpful guide.
Why Does My Dog Refuse to Swim?
Understanding the possible reasons why your dog doesn’t like being in the water is crucial in helping them overcome their fear.
1. Negative Experience
Your dog may have had a traumatic experience in the water. Maybe they’ve been involved in a drowning incident, had a fearful encounter with a body of water, or been forced into the water against their will.
2. Injury or Physical Condition
Your furry friend may be experiencing physical discomfort due to an underlying disease or injury, making them avert water.
For example, elderly dogs and those with arthritis or heart diseases don’t tolerate low temperatures well. That may be why they don’t enjoy swimming.
Further, if your dog is experiencing other symptoms like lack of appetite and weakness, it’s best to take them to your local vet immediately.
3. They’re Not Acquainted With Bodies of Water
Swimming may be a new experience for your dog. Since they’ve never been exposed to this environment, they may not have enough confidence or comfort to be in it.
4. Dog Personality
Just like human beings, dogs have their preferences and unique personalities. So, your dog not liking to swim may just be a matter of preference, or maybe they’re just lazy by nature.
Should I Throw My Dog in the Water?
Contrary to popular belief that the fastest way to teach dogs how to swim is by tossing them in the water, this inhumane practice does more harm than good.
Throwing your pet in a body of water will most likely cause trauma, and they may end up never wanting to go into the water ever again.
Aside from inflicting trauma, throwing unwilling pets in the water is potentially lethal. They can experience breathing difficulty due to exhaustion, suffer from hypothermia, or worse, drown.
Is It Possible My Dog Can’t Swim?
Most dog breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Newfoundlands, are known as excellent swimmers. However, not all dogs share the same love for swimming.
There are dog breeds that struggle to stay afloat and won’t last in deep water, and this is due to their physical attributes or genetic makeup.
As a result, some dog breeds may experience breathing issues and other problems when submerged in water.
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What Breeds Don’t Swim?
Dogs’ fur length and density, body composition, and facial features often link to their inability to swim. For example, dogs with short snouts often suffer breathing problems when fully submerged in water.
Second, breeds with dense coats, stout bodies, and short legs struggle with staying afloat and moving in the water.
Further, hairless dog breeds can’t withstand cold water temperatures. In turn, they’re not too fond of swimming.
Lastly, if your pet is categorized as Brachycephalic, Chondrodystrophic, or a long-haired breed, they’ll have a hard time swimming.
1. Brachycephalic Breeds
Brachycephalic dog breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers are known for their playful temperament and flat, short faces. This adorable appearance comes with a cost, though.
These dogs have narrow airways that limit breathing, especially when submerged underwater, making them easily exhausted and prone to drowning.
2. Chondrodystrophic or Dwarf Breeds
Dachshunds, corgis, chihuahuas, and other dwarf breeds often have short, tiny legs and long bodies that make water motility difficult.
Basset Hounds, especially, have large heads on top of having long, stout bodies and short legs. As a result, they struggle both with keeping their heads above the water’s surface and paddling.
3. Long-haired Dog Breeds
Some dogs with dense or long coats, such as Maltese, Afghan Hounds, and Bearded Collies, aren’t excellent swimmers due to the fact that their coat weighs them down or obstructs sight when drenched with water.
4. Doberman
Despite their muscular build, Dobermans and other guardian dogs with deep chests aren’t excellent swimmers. These dogs struggle with keeping a vertical swimming position since their heavy chests drag them downwards, making it difficult for them to propel forward.
5. Hairless Chinese Crested
Hairless Chinese Crested and other hairless breeds are unfriendly with water because they have high body temperature and don’t cope well with cold, wet environments.
6. Sighthounds
It turns out swimming is unfavorable for long-legged dog breeds, too. A greyhound’s long, skinny legs don’t make excellent paddles, and their dense, muscular bodies make floating difficult.
How Do I Encourage My Dog to Swim?
According to Companion Animal Psychology, dogs trained using positive reinforcements are more obedient than those trained using punishment systems.
Using positive reinforcements in the form of giving treats and praises is effective in keeping dogs engaged in swim training.
For example, give your dog a treat or a belly rub every time they plunge into the water or paddle during swim training.
Further, using a reward mechanism associates swimming with a positive experience, so your pets will eventually detach themselves from the negative experiences they’ve had with swimming.
How to Teach a Dog to Love Water
Gradually acquainting your furry friends in small bodies of water, like a kiddie pool, is a good start. That way, they won’t feel overwhelmed or scared. It’s also essential that you’re in the water to make them feel secure and safe.
You can also put their favorite pool toys or balls in the kiddie pool to make them feel familiar with the new environment, making them more comfortable. It increases their willingness to explore and have fun, too.
It’s vital to look out for signs of discomfort and distress as well. Take your dog out of the water once they start panting or whimpering, trembling, and desperately climbing out of the tub or pool.
Remember that the goal is to make training a positive learning experience and not a punishment, and respecting our dog’s boundaries is crucial in establishing trust and engagement.
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How to Teach a Dog to Swim at the Beach
Before training your dog to swim in the ocean, ensure you’ve integrated him in small bodies of water beforehand. You should also train in a shallow part near the shore, away from the crowd and noise.
At the same time, ensure that the water temperature is favorable to prevent hypothermia. The ideal temperature shouldn’t go below 100°F.
Follow these steps and tips to swim train your dog on the beach:
- Put a life jacket on your dog to ensure safety. The ones with a handle work best for better grip and control.
- Use toys or balls to entice your dog to jump into the water, and use positive reinforcements once they do so. You can also carry them to the water.
- Never force your dog to be in the water, especially if they show distress.
- If your dog is starting to enjoy the activity, gradually move to deeper water.
- Never leave your dog in the water alone, even with a life vest on. Support your dog until the activity is over.
- Constantly encourage your dog by giving praises and treats.
How to Keep Dogs Safe Around Bodies of Water
Aside from using floatation and safety devices, you must be cautious about lurking sea creatures that can harm your dog (e.g., poisonous fishes and snakes).
Also, swim training shouldn’t take long, as prolonged water exposure can cause hypothermia. That said, a ten-minute session is enough.
Consequently, never allow your dogs to swallow water from the lake or sea to prevent infections and water toxicity.
Conclusion
Training your dog to swim is a gradual process that takes patience. The best way to start is by exposing your dog to shallow water and eventually integrating them into larger bodies of water.
Not all dogs can swim, so understanding your dog’s breed and background is essential in developing a training plan that works for them. Never force your dog in the water to prevent trauma.
