Alice White
Swimming is a rewarding activity. For both humans and their pets. It can also be quite enjoyable. But, unfortunately, not for everyone and not always. Do not think that all dogs are excellent swimmers from birth and love to be in the water. Like people, they can really do it skillfully, dexterously, and with pleasure. Not only swim but even dive. Or they may be afraid of water or flounder quite ineptly.
What does it depend on? First, on the character. Secondly, fear can inhibit the dog. Perhaps your pet is timid by nature or was thrown into the water as a puppy and almost died. Third, dogs are also lazy. There are such spoiled pets-sybarites: they are wet in the water, and they don’t want to touch them with their paws once again. Fourthly, the state of health affects. The dog does not feel well, it would like to lie in the shade (or in the sun), and the owner drags him to swim. Of course, the beast rests on all four paws.
Which Dog Breeds Can’t Swim?
And besides, there are breeds that initially swim poorly. These are all brachycephalics: from bulldogs to pugs and Pekingese. Due to the special structure of the muzzle, they have to settle down in the water almost vertically. It is also uncomfortable to swim for dogs with a long body and short legs – for example, bassets, dachshunds, corgis. They can splash near the shore, but there are problems with long-distance swims.
Decorative crumbs. Chihuahuas, toy terriers, etc. They simply get overcooled faster and get tired faster, since, for one stroke with the paws of, say, a shepherd dog, they will have to work with their paws for a long time. And even the smallest waves and … large seagulls are dangerous for them.
How to Teach a Dog to Swim?
So, every dog can stay on the water – this is a skill from birth. But this does not mean that all animals are good swimmers. Therefore, if you want your pet to enjoy water procedures with you, you need to accustom him to them and train the necessary skills and obedience.
It is best to teach water from puppyhood. In warm weather – in the pool or any container of suitable size. In the winter – in the bath. The puppy should be immersed in water very carefully. If the dog cheerfully and cheerfully touches his paws, besides, he tries to grab the toy, then everything is in order. You only need to increase the duration of the classes and complicate the tasks – for example, to leave the ball or stick, accustoming the pet to bring them back to you. In the case of Chihuahuas and other babies, it is still better not to take risks and be with the pet next to, at arm’s length.
If the puppy is clearly frightened and resists, then it is necessary to accustom to swimming gradually. First, put in a bathtub or basin, collecting very little water. Iron, talk, slip toys and snacks, pour water on the back. Increase the depth over and over again. You can support the dog with your hand under the belly. What to look for? Of course, the temperature of the water. In winter, it should be slightly warmer than your hand. In summer, in the heat, it can be cool, but not icy.
In addition, in winter, the dog should be well dried after bathing. In the summer, if your pet is short-haired, this can be completely neglected. Shaggy dogs still have to be dried and combed out, otherwise, mats will form.
It is advisable that the water does not get into the ears. Dogs with protruding ears usually shake themselves well after bathing – for those with long drooping ears, water that has flowed into the auricle can partially remain there, eventually causing inflammation. This moment is very individual, so after swimming, you should check the condition of your pet’s ears.
