Tips on swimming with your pup

Wow!! It has been SUPER hot in San Diego this past week!!  The only place to be is IN THE POOL!!  Everyone knows that I LOVE to swim!!  As a matter of fact, I LOVE anything water as long as there is no soap involved!!  I like to play in the sprinklers, get sprayed with the hose, dock dive, surf and SWIM anywhere and anytime!!  Today, mommy allowed me and all of my friends to get cooled off after class in the pool at Markim Pet where our Sunday, Leash Your Fitness Boot Camp class is held!  Everyone had a blast!! A few of my friends aren’t too crazy about the idea of swimming but they still had fun running around and playing and a few even got their feet wet.  Does your dog like to swim?  There are a few things that you may consider when trying to get your pup in the water:

1. Never THROW YOUR DOG IN THE POOL!! You will scare him/her and they may NEVER want anything to do with water again!
2. Allow them to go in at their own pace and use steps or an incline surface like a lake or bay to start. When your pup can “feel the bottom” they will be much more receptive.  You may even want to start with a kiddie pool.
3. Teach them where the stairs are! When they don’t know how to get out, they may panic!! That is why a lake or bay sometimes works the best.  But if you teach them how to get out on the stairs in the pool, they will be so happy!
4. Try using a life jacket. The extra buoyancy will help them feel safer. The handle on the top can also help you to guide your pup in the water and pull him/ her out if necessary.
5. If all else fails, use treats, balls, sticks or toys to lure them in the water.  Keep your first session short and make it FUN!!

Enjoy our swim photos!!