How Can Your Dog Overcome The Fear Of Water During Swimming Lessons?
Having a furbaby is one of the most beautiful and fun-filled experiences. You and your buddy can go on adventures and make such great memories. But if you recognise yourself as an aquaphile but your furbaby does not, do not feel demotivated. Fur babies can paddle through the pool with joy and confidence. But not all dogs are natural swimmers. Some are scared of the water, and that’s where patient training, gradual exposure and a safe environment at South Park Doggie come in.
Swimming isn’t just about having fun; it also promotes health and behavioural benefits, even for your dog. It keeps them fit, and 5-10 minutes of paddling can strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
There are many benefits to overcoming buoyancy issues in dogs during swimming training. If you’re a new paw-parent, this blog is everything you need before you enrol your puppy in our swimming classes. Keep reading to know more.
The importance of swimming in dogs
Before anything else, the following are the top reasons why you should get your fur baby comfortable in water:
1.Mental Stimulation
Learning something new, like swimming, builds confidence, and swimming is also an excellent way for your dog to release stress and anxiety.
2.Full-Body Exercise
Swimming works every major muscle group in your dog’s body, keeping it fit if your pup doesn’t get enough running or walking time.
3.Reduced movement
Swimming is an excellent way to keep senior dogs healthy. It is also a tremendous low-impact movement exercise for dogs recovering from injuries or joint pain.
4.Improved health
As healthy as it is for humans, exercise is also a great way to strengthen your dog’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
How do you gradually introduce swimming to your new pup?
If you have experienced your pup hesitating around the pool or getting into the water, do not try to worsen them. This can cause trauma in them, making it harder for you to introduce them to water.
Instead, try the following gradual introduction techniques for dogs new to swimming pools:
1.Dry Visits to the pool
First of all, let your dog visit the pool area without water. Let them sniff around and get used to the new environment. You can give them treats and toys to create a positive vibe.
2.Introducing Water Slowly
Then, slowly introduce water to your pup. Fill the shallow end or kiddie pool with a bit of water. Let them walk through it at their own pace, and as we mentioned above, reward them for motivation. But don’t force them, even if the water is negligible.
3.Teamed-up learning
Stand in the water, call them in gently, and let them know it’s safe. Building this trust often makes dogs feel more comfortable.
4.Short Sessions
Keep initial swim sessions to 5-10 minutes. Once they get used to the water, you can increase the time. But for added security, you can invest in a dog life vest.
5.Social Learning with other dogs
One positive reinforcement method for dog swimming pool training is social learning. You can join a supervised group swim session with trained professionals like South Park Doggie. When dogs see other dogs swimming happily, they may be more willing to try.
(Also read from our previous blogs: DIY Water Training vs. Professional Training: What’s Best for South Bay Dog Owners?)
How to Prevent Overexertion in Dogs During Swimming Training?
When you are self-training your pup, you must know how to prevent overexertion in dogs during swimming training. The following are some of the expert tips you must consider:
Do not ignore the signs of fatigue
Have scheduled breaks
Have limited sessions
Avoid cold water and choose warm and clean water
Dry them once they get off the water
Study your pup’s limit carefully
Finally, never drag or force your pup
Bottom Line
Now that you know the different, simple ways of overcoming buoyancy issues in dogs during swimming training, you can help and motivate your pup to enjoy swimming more than thinking of it as a task. South Park Doggieland is a great professional swimming lesson provider in LA that can provide extra help.