Swimming

[Kuchi]

This may be a weird question but do all dogs already know how to swim? I have a keeshond they were bred to guard barges, so I'm thinking Kuchi would know how.
Are there certain breeds where you would have to teach swimming? And those with double coated dogs, how's the smell after swimming, there is a weekly field trip to a daycare with a pool from my daycare and I have thought about letting Kuchi go and see how tired he is afterwards.

[Rivsky]

Not all dogs naturally know how to swim - mine being one of them!!

I just took him down to the beach with my sister's dog Brandi (Brandi loves swimming) and he picked it up from there - though he still prefers to have his paws touching the bottom he will swim if it's really hot and the water is really calm. You can also get them life jackets which help hold them out while they're learning as well - he was a lot happier swimming in the pool with this on than without.

River's coat isn't anywhere near Kuchi's but he doesn't get too stinky - I wipe him down with some dog wipes that have a faint scent to them so don't really notice it at all.

[Cassiepeia]

No, dogs don't know how to swim naturally. They will paddle instinctively though, just like we flail around when we're in the water to stop ourselves from drowning. I think some dogs pick it up faster than us clumbsy humans because they're body structure is better for swimming and they're the masters of "doggy paddle".
Start off in shallow water, keeping a loose hold of Kuchi to get him use to it and make sure he knows how to keep himself afloat and just see how he takes to it. Although some breeds can't swim at all (or at least are famous for having no ability), I think most breeds can pick it up no problem (assuming they don't hate it of course).

Cass.

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by Cassiepeia

No, dogs don't know how to swim naturally. They will paddle instinctively though, just like we flail around when we're in the water to stop ourselves from drowning. I think some dogs pick it up faster than us clumbsy humans because they're body structure is better for swimming and they're the masters of "doggy paddle".
Start off in shallow water, keeping a loose hold of Kuchi to get him use to it and make sure he knows how to keep himself afloat and just see how he takes to it. Although some breeds can't swim at all (or at least are famous for having no ability), I think most breeds can pick it up no problem (assuming they don't hate it of course).

Cass.

I totally agree. And definately don't push him into doing it, let him explore and investigate shallow water to start with. A bad experience can really ruin things and make him scared of trying it again after. If you have an area where you can go in as well, they're usually so anxious to join you, that it's easier getting them in.

The first time I took PJ and Tysa, they just splashed around in the shallows for a while, and I found a tennis ball laying around. I started throwing it a little further each time, and they wanted to go after it. A little unsure at first, about the deeper water. Tysa was like she was born in water, immediately paddling like a pro. But PJ, OMG, he looked SOOO goofy. Paws going up and down like crazy, splashing everywhere...LOL. But after a few tries, he was doing great.

Both of them now LOVE swimming, and don't hesitate for one second going in.

[Cassiepeia]

But PJ, OMG, he looked SOOO goofy. Paws going up and down like crazy, splashing everywhere...LOL

I'm so sorry PJ but...!!!!!!!!!!! That gave me the funniest image!! You poor goofball.

Cass.

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by Cassiepeia

I'm so sorry PJ but...!!!!!!!!!!! That gave me the funniest image!! You poor goofball.

Cass.

Well just for you Cass! PJ's first "official" swim.

[AVA]

my first black lab didn't know how to swim and I didn't know, I threw
a stick out in the lake and he took off after it and when the bottom dropped out from under him he sank, I had to jump in and rescue him.
Didn't know he couldn't swim, so we taught him and after that he was ok. My second lab never liked the water and avoided getting her
toes wet at all cost!

[GreyhoundGirl]

My friends border collie is the worst swimmer I've ever seen. lol! He gets in the water and swims fine, but any time he makes a splash, he tries to catapault himself straight up out of the water to catch it. Of course, misses, and falls down going underwater.... She had to get him a life jacket.

Jenny likes swimming as long as the water isn't too cold (wimp!). She doesn't really like swimming in human-made swim areas (like doggie pools and swimming pools) but in July and August she'll wade into the lake and paddle around. She actually swims a lot faster then we thought she would! I guess that makes sense, because she's very streamlined. lol!

lol great vid British Bandit!

[Doglover1988]

My dog (a Boston terrier) loves to swim. They aren't known for swimming at all but Maggie loves it. She fetches her ball in the pool all day. I taught her how to swim and it took her several weeks to actually learn to stay afloat. Before her back legs would go way down and she would struggle with her front legs. Now she has swimming mastered and swims every single day. She climbs back out at the ladder when she wants out. lol

[Cassiepeia]

Originally Posted by britishbandit

Well just for you Cass! PJ's first "official" swim.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE IT!

Cass.

[Kuchi]

I'll definetly start with him on a leash then. Thanks. And the video was funny BritishBandit!

[Camz]

Here is my experience:

Orchid LOVES water, but due to her heavy coat has a hard time being buoyant. Her coat soaks up the water making her much heavier then she would otherwise be.

Not all keesies like water, or even have the ability to swim. From what I understand, their coats are supposed to be water proof to repel harsh weather. I don't think that they are water dogs, though...

I would say that Kuchi would have the same problem in regards to not being very buoyant.

[aquarian215]

Dudley is just learning the whole swimming thing, and he will play around in the shallows and stick his whole head underwater, just like a duck. Is this normal?

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by aquarian215

Dudley is just learning the whole swimming thing, and he will play around in the shallows and stick his whole head underwater, just like a duck. Is this normal?

Yes, it's pretty normal, for some dogs. I've seen quite a few dogs to that. LOL Just watch his ears. Sometimes a lot of water (mainly lake/ocean/pond water) in their ears can cause infection, so if he's a dunker, try and dry them out good once he's done splashing around.

[Cassiepeia]

Sorry, Karen...but you're cracking me up in this thread. "Dudley the dunker".

Cass.