How to Teach Your Puppy to Swim

While swimming is fun, it is important to note that teaching your puppy to swim takes patience, caution, and supervision.

Ahoy there! Are you ready to dive into the world of doggy paddling and teach your puppy how to swim? Well, don’t worry, matey – we’ve got you covered! Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks for teaching your pup to swim with a splash! For more information, check out this video from our expert dog trainer, Bill Miller.

First things first, make sure you have a body of water that is safe for your pup to swim in. Avoid areas with strong currents or deep water that your pup may struggle to navigate. Once you’ve found a suitable spot, it’s time to get your pup geared up! Grab a snazzy little puppy life jacket and strap it on your furry friend. Not only will it keep them safe, but it’ll also make them look like a cute little sailor pup.

Now, let’s start off with some basic lessons. The first method, our expert dog trainer, Bill, recommends, is the Nike Method – as in, Just Do It. Safely enter the water with your pup and have them feel the weightlessness of the water. Monitor them and see if they figure out the puppy paddle and are able to swim around in the water. 

Another method is to have your puppy on a leash in the water so that you can easily hold and control them. And if all else fails, put a little inflatable kiddie pool in your backyard and let your pup splash around to their heart’s content.

But what if your pup is still hesitant to take the plunge? Well, sometimes you just need to lead by example. Take a dip in the water yourself and show your pup how much fun it can be. Splash around, play some fetch, and let your pup see how much fun you’re having. Before you know it, they’ll be paddling right alongside you!

And there you have it, folks! You just taught your pup how to swim like a boss. Remember to always supervise your pup around water and never force them to swim if they’re uncomfortable. And if all else fails, just put on your best sailor hat and pretend you’re running a little puppy pool party.

Happy swimming!

Ready to unleash your pup’s full potential? Our blog page is full of tail-wagging tips and tricks from, training advice to DIY Doggy Diggin’ Sandboxes! Come fetch some knowledge and have a howling good time!