Does your dog jump for joy when he hits the pool, beach, or anything wet? Maybe he crashes kiddie pools or belly flops into any body of water like our sausage dog Django. Or maybe your dog is downright afraid to dip his paw in the pool. Every canine is unique, and not all are dripping with excitement at the thought of getting wet.
Depending on your dog’s breed, personality, and experiences, he might be a natural swimmer or water-shy. We (Steph and Mike) were lucky because Django was comfortable in the water from puppyhood. When he was 9 months old, he wadded into a shallow lake, swam out 10 feet, fetched a stick, and then effortlessly swam back. Considering dachshunds have a reputation for being poor swimmers, we were shocked.
Whether your dog is a seafarer like Django or a landlubber, he needs to learn how to be safe in the water. You might want to catch a wave or backcountry canoe with your dog. Maybe you even have an inflatable kiddie pool or a swimming pool in your backyard. In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we discuss the best and worst dog breeds for swimming and look at how long your dog can safely stay in the pool. We also explain how to teach your dog to swim and provide water safety tips.
Can all dogs instinctively swim? It is a common myth that all dogs are born with the ability to swim. While most pups will try to doggy paddle if they wind up in the water, this aquatic trot might be the total extent of their swimming abilities. Depending on your dog’s breed, personality, and experience, he might be water-phobic or an excellent swimmer. With short, 10-minute swimming lessons and a dog life jacket, every breed can learn how to swim.
Certain dog breeds were born to swim because they were designed to work in water. Standard poodles, Labrador retrievers, and Boykin spaniels were bred to retrieve ducks and geese for hunters.
Newfoundland and Portuguese water dogs were developed to be water rescue dogs. They are trained to tow struggling and unconscious swimmers to the shore. If a small boat is stranded, they can also use a rope to pull the passengers and vessel over a mile.
American water spaniels, Irish water dogs, and Spanish water dogs have waterproof coats and webbed feet. Their rudder-like tails help them swim and dive. Whether these water-loving dog breeds are herding fish into nets or retrieving lost fishing equipment, their happy place is the water.
While brachycephalic dog breeds might enjoy splashing in shallow water, they are not strong swimmers. To keep their faces above the water, French bulldogs and Pugs have to tilt their head back so far that their back end sinks.
Barrel-chested dog breeds like boxers and Boston terriers may also struggle to stay afloat. Dogs with long chests and short legs Pembroke Welsh corgis may have trouble maneuvering in deep water.
Pekingese and Shih Tzus have long, double coats that can become warm and water-logged. Hairless dog breeds like the Chinese crested dog cannot withstand the shock of plunging into moderately cold water.
Ten minutes of swimming is equal to about 40 minutes of running. With that in mind, here is how long your dog should swim based on his health, age, and breed:
Is your pooch water-phobic? If yes, how do you introduce your dog to swimming? These steps will encourage your dog to like water without scaring him.
If your dog is already drawn to water, you can teach him to swim in 3 simple steps.
Additional tips for success:
Beat the dog days of summer with these water safety tips.
Have any questions or comments about dog swimming lessons? Want to share how you taught your dog to swim? Please leave a comment below. We cannot wait to hear from you!
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Review #2! It’s been over three years since we wrote our first review of The Farmer’s Dog and over four years since we started feeding this fresh dog food to our long-haired dachshund, Django.
Over the years, The Farmer’s Dog has introduced has launched a DIY Nutrient Mix for homemade fresh dog food and added salmon oil to its increasingly popular fresh dog food recipes.
In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we provide an updated overview and review of The Farmer's Dog based on our extensive experience with the fresh dog food brand.
Dog backpack carriers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These pet carriers are incredibly functional and useful in countless settings. Do you love hiking, strolling, or shopping around town with your dog? Do you live in a city, take public transportation, or commute with your pup? Do you have a senior dog with arthritis, a puppy that has not been vaccinated, or a dog recovering from surgery like our dachshund, Django?
Dog backpacks are safe and convenient pet travel carriers where your dog can rest and relax comfortably without slowing you down. They are worn like a standard backpack (on your back) and have a dedicated, secure, and comfy place for your pup to ride.
In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we explore the two types of dog backpack carriers: vertical and horizontal. We explain why natural position backpack carriers are always the best option for dogs with back or health problems. We also discuss what features you should look for in a horizontal dog backpack carrier.
Dachshunds are a small, stubborn, loyal, and adventurous dog breed. Mike and I (Steph) know from experience. We're the proud dog parents of Django, our 7-year old long-haired dachshund and adventure pup. Django has been all over the United States and Europe with us, and we even named our dog accessories and dog apparel business, DJANGO, after him!
Despite being one of the most popular small dog breeds, dachshunds are often difficult to outfit. It can be challenging to find a dog harness that comfortably and securely fits your wiener dog's broad chest, muscular build, and long frame.
In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we discuss what to look for when choosing a walking harness for your sausage dog. We also examine how often you should exercise your dachshund.
Charlotte Fleet
December 02, 2022
I’m glad you mentioned the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of your dog before they start swimming. I think the best way to ensure a dog’s safety during swimming lessons would be to hire a professional training service. They’ll have the knowledge and supplies to make sure your dog is completely safe during its lessons. https://rummysbeachclub.com/huntsville-tx