Believe it or not some dogs just aren’t born with the ability to do the doggy paddle like you would think they were. While some dogs do take to the water very quickly, others need to be taught before they can take a cool dip. According to Wendy Diamond (founder of Animal Fair Magazine) “It’s a good bet if the dog’s breed includes the word “water,” as in Portuguese or English water spaniel, it takes to swimming like a nursery-schooler takes to finger-painting. For owners of those breeds, the problem isn’t getting the dog into the water, but keeping it on dry land. But other breeds aren’t as water-friendly. Some dogs have to be taught to swim and others, like bulldogs, take to the water like submarines take to the Cross Bronx Expressway. For the former, there is hope. For the latter, there are those bright orange canine flotation devices.”

So what exactly does Wendy recommend you do if you want to give your puppy swimming lessons? First of all she says that it’s best to go some place quiet and away from a crowd. By picking a spot where the animal can concentrate, it has a better chance of learning and not getting scared. Next like with most things that involve any type of training, always make sure you encourage the dog. Treats, Toys, and head pats are good examples of positive reinforcement. Don’t just throw them in, be prepared to hold them up a bit. Both of these tips should help your pet overcome the fear of going under water. And before you get too caught up in the lesson make sure the animal knows the way out of the water. This way if they do get nervous they can easily get back to solid ground. Similar to teaching a child how to swim, teaching a puppy can be a difficult task. However with enough patience, love, and support you can rest assured that given enough time, man’s best friend will be able to enjoy the water with the rest of the family.