Swimming: Specific Needs of Different Breeds
July 2, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Safety, Tips
Is your dog a natural swimmer–or not? Not all dog breeds are created equal in the water.
This week we’re featuring tips on pool safety for dogs from Stephanie M. Colman of Caninestein Dog Training. Yesterday, Stephanie shared the importance of teaching your dog to swim. Today’s tip:
Specific Needs of Different Breeds
Keep in mind that heavily muscled breeds are less buoyant compared to their average build friends. Bully breeds in particular come to mind. For these breeds, consider desensitizing them to a dog life jacket to provide an extra layer of safety during their poolside adventures.
Also, not all breeds will like the water. Sighthounds are notoriously known for their disdain of anything wet. You may want your dog to become the next Michael Phelps (well, minus the pot-smoking, and all…) but he may feel otherwise.
Never force your dog into the water when he’s showing an extreme reaction. Your dog needs to know he can trust you.
Stephanie Colman shares her life with Zoie, a Whippet and Quiz, a Golden Retriever and can be reached at StephanieColman@sbcglobal.net.
Photo courtesy Stephanie Colman and Caninestein Dog Training
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Great! That's how my pup swims – there are so many people who don't know that not all dogs are swimming naturals…thanks for posting this!