Swimming is a useful skill for puppies to learn, but you have to teach it right, especially if your puppy isn’t too confident about heading into water. Here are 6 tips for teaching a puppy to swim!
Start Slowly
Don’t just toss your puppy into the deep end right away! Start with a kiddie pool with only a shallow amount of water and work your way up to deeper and larger bodies of water.
Set An Example
Get into the pool first and show your dog just how much fun you’re having! This can encourage them to join in on the fun.
Know Your Dog
Certain breeds are more likely to enjoy swimming, while others are likely to dislike water or simply be bad at swimming to begin with. Bulldogs and pugs, for example, aren’t known for their swimming prowess!
Have A Dog Lead The Way
If you have another dog who already knows how to swim, let them lead the way! This can help your puppy feel more confident, prompting them to follow.
Use A Life Vest
Not only are life vests crucial for safety, but they can also help a puppy feel more confident.
Make It Fun
Give your puppy lots of toys to play with in the water, praise them for their bravery, and shower them with love and affection!
Feature Image Source: Pixabay
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