This is a lovely video of Golden Retriever Toby teaching Puppy Lexi how to swim. Lexi is 12 weeks old at this filming, and Toby is 2 years old. They live in South Africa. Lexi is a bit hesitant about going into the pool, and barks when Toby leaves her side and got into the pool. Toby got out and show Lexi just how easy it is. Lexi followed and held on to Toby’s tail. Actually after the second time, Lexi jumps into the water. She is a natural water dog. Not all dogs like to swim. Not even all Golden Retrievers like to swim. If your puppy has never been in water other than the bathtub, make her introduction to swimming a positive experience.
How to teach your puppy to swim
Pet MD shares some tips on how to teach your puppy to swim. Assuming you are in a pool, start in the shallow end and walk into the water with your pup. If you feel your dog would feel better with a flotation device, put that on, and then attach the leash to it. This leash stays on everytime until your dog can swim all by herself without any assistance from you. And even then, always be around when your dog is in the water. Praise her and use a positive tone of voice once she enters the water. Once she seems comfortable, gradually move into slightly deeper water where she has to paddle to stay afloat. You can support her under her belly if she needs the support. This helps her to use her rear legs as well as the front legs. You don’t want her using only her front legs because she will tire quickly. Keep supporting her belly until she feels comfortable using all four legs to swim. If she panicks at any point, move back to the shallow end so she can calm down, then try again later. You can read the entire article here.
Article source: Pet MD
