May 18, 2011
We recently got a puppy. We have an in-ground pool and want to teach him to swim. What should we do?
Full Question:
Our 9-week-old German Shepherd just arrived from Texas, and we recently purchased your "Puppy" & "Basic Obedience" videos. There is an issue you might help us with that was not addressed in either. Swimming. We have an in-ground pool and considering the heat in South Florida we are anxious to introduce him to it. Any suggestions or advice?I might also add that we have tried to strictly adhere to all of the information offered in your tapes and on your web site, and so far knock on wood everything has been working exactly as you said. Thank you for helping us work through these beginning stages. I know how important they are in a puppy's growth.
Rick & Pam
Ed's Answer:
I also have an in-ground pool. It is very important to teach all of the dogs that are near the house to swim in the pool and to know where the steps are. If you do not do this there is a good chance that they will fall in and drown because they cannot climb out the sides.
All pups can swim. Just carry them into the pool and gently lower then into the water right in front of the steps. So they only have to swim about 3 feet to the steps. The first thing they have to learn is that they can climb out of the pool if they swim to the edge.
The second thing they have to learn is that the steps are only in one spot on the pool - so you gradually have to take them further and further from the steps. At some point he is going to have to hit the side (after he knows how to swim) and learn that he cannot get out by clawing at the side, then you step in after a few seconds of trying and point him towards the steps - guide him there if need be.
When you can put him in the deep end and he knows to swim to the shallow end and climb out you then have a pool-proof dog. If you don't do this you can go out and find a dead pup floating in the pool.
All pups can swim. Just carry them into the pool and gently lower then into the water right in front of the steps. So they only have to swim about 3 feet to the steps. The first thing they have to learn is that they can climb out of the pool if they swim to the edge.
The second thing they have to learn is that the steps are only in one spot on the pool - so you gradually have to take them further and further from the steps. At some point he is going to have to hit the side (after he knows how to swim) and learn that he cannot get out by clawing at the side, then you step in after a few seconds of trying and point him towards the steps - guide him there if need be.
When you can put him in the deep end and he knows to swim to the shallow end and climb out you then have a pool-proof dog. If you don't do this you can go out and find a dead pup floating in the pool.
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