How to Teach a Dog to Get in the Pool

Before jumping in, know that getting your dog in the pool takes patience. It may take days or weeks to accomplish. Don’t force your dog to get in a pool and never resort to simply tossing him in. Stay positive, and let your dog set the pace.
How to Teach a Dog to Get in the Pool

Starting with a Kiddie Pool

Start small by setting up a kiddie pool, sans water. Get in the pool and encourage your dog to come in with you. If she’s distracted or hesitant, attach a leash to her collar and gently walk her into the pool. Say “Let’s swim” or a similar command, and issue it consistently whenever you want your dog to get in the pool. Praise and treat your dog for getting in to create a positive association. When you want your dog to exit the pool, say “All done” or another command of your choosing. Just be sure to use the same command every time so your dog associates the words with the action.
Fill the pool with an inch or two of water and repeat. When your dog is in the pool, toss a few floating treats or a toy into the water and let your dog go after them.
Add another inch or two to the water and again offer treats. Help your dog become accustomed to turning right, left and in a complete circle by leading him with treats and the leash. You want him to be comfortable with changing directions while swimming so that when he’s in a big pool, he can maneuver to the steps or ramp when he’s ready to exit.
Continue to have play sessions in the kiddie pool, adding an inch or two more water each time until you reach the point where the pool is full.

Moving Up to the Big Pool

When your dog is comfortable and happy playing in the kiddie pool, it’s time to graduate to the big pool.
Start by encouraging your dog to take a few steps toward the pool. Reward each step with an irresistible treat and lots of praise. Sit at the pool’s edge and dangle your feet in the water. Encourage your dog to come beside you.
With your dog on-leash, get in the pool and stand on the first step or near the top of the ramp. Encourage your dog to take a step or two into the water. Give the same entry command that you used in your kiddie pool training. You may tug gently on the leash or place your dog’s front paws in the water on the first step, but allow the dog to maintain control over how far he goes. Treat and praise him when he makes contact with the water and with each subsequent step.
Venture a foot or two from the entry point and show your dog how to get out. Once your dog immerses herself in the water, turn around and show her how to use the steps or ramp to get out. Help her turn with the leash or by holding her life jacket, and lead her to the steps or ramp.
In the coming days, continue to practice getting in and out of the pool, and encourage your dog to venture a little farther from the steps or ramp each time. Practice finding the exit from different points in the pool. Limit training sessions to five minutes, and allow your dog to rest, go potty and get a drink of water between sessions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Use a Tired Swimmer Carry

Image
How to Use a Tired Swimmer Carry - “How to Rescue Someone Drowning” I described “Reach, Throw, Row and Go,” the steps that you should take, in their order, to save a drowning victim. Use the same procedures for a tired swimmer, but let’s assume that you’re now in the water. Let me make the distinction clear: a drowning person is usually in full panick mode. You want to keep your distance. A tired swimmer just needs help. This problem might arise if you’re simply out frolicking in the surf with a friend who wearies. Instructions As you approach a tired swimmer ask what is wrong. Offer to swim with the victim. This is the easiest and simplest method. Sometimes, just being next to tired swimmer and offering reassuring words can encourage him to calm down and make it to shore. If the swimmer describes being taken out to sea by a rip current, you can’t swim back the same way. Rip currents are shaped by shore bottom conditions. Swim parallel to shore until the current dissipates, then swim b
Read more

How to Begin a Jogging Program

Image
How to Begin a Jogging Program - Whether you run outside in the park or inside on a treadmill, before work or after work, alone or with a buddy, running can change your life, both physically and mentally. Even if you’ve never been that active before, it’s never too late to begin a jogging program. Running is one of the most popular cardio exercises in the world, and for good reason: as you rack up the miles, you can count the results. Instructions Find a good pair of running shoes. There is nothing more unmotivating than a pair of running shoes that do more harm than good. Sneakers should be purchased from a store that specializes in running. That way, employees can send you on your way with a pair of running shoes that mold perfectly to your feet and provide the correct cushion and support. Find a place to run. One of the best things about jogging is that it doesn’t require a gym membership. In essence, the world is your treadmill. However, the weather can hinder running outside, and
Read more

Swimming: How Does a Fish Swim?

Image
Anatomy of a FishWhile watching your pet fish swimming around in their watery home, you may find yourself wondering how they seem to swim so easily. Their skeletons and muscles work together to allow them to swim, along with their fins and something called a swim bladder. Using the Skeleton and Muscles The primary function of the skeleton is to aide movement of other parts. The skull is the only truly fixed part of a fish. It does not move in and of itself but acts as a point of stability for other bones. These other bones act as levers that cause movement of the fish’s body. While the bones provide the movement, the muscles supply the power. A typical fish has hundreds of muscles running in all directions around its body. This is why a fish can turn and twist and change directions quickly. Using the Fins As water passes over its body, a fish uses its fins to thrust in the direction it wishes to go. The caudal fins supply most of the thrust. The pelvic, dorsal and pectorals assist in s
Read more