Dog swim PAW-ty!

Wow!! Today was so much fun!! Everyone knows that I LOVE to swim and mommy and I LOVE to encourage other pups to swim because it is so good for you!! Every year Leash Your Fitness hosts a FREE swim paw-ty at Markim Pet Resort after our Sunday bootcamp class so everyone can come and swim with me!  Mommy gets in the pool and helps the dogs that are a bit afraid. She helps them feel comfortable in the water by holding on to them. She even helped BIG dogs like German Shepards and Newfoundlands!  It was fun watching them gain confidence and start to enjoy swimming! I remember a time when I was afraid of the pool but now I can’t get enough of it!  I even jump in off the edge! It was funny to watch the other pups, they WANTED to jump in off of the edge but they weren’t sure about it!  Even being coaxed with a ball didn’t work, maybe next time! In the meantime, most of them had a blast swimming.

Is your dog is still unsure about swimming?

A few tips that may help:

• NEVER force your dog to swim if they do not want to.  This will just cause them to be fearful.
• NEVER throw your dog into a body of water if they are not used to it.
• ALWAYS supervise your dog swimming.
• Wait a few hours after eating before taking your dog swimming and make sure that they go potty BEFORE the swim session, especially if in a pool!
• Start out with a doggy life vest on, it helps with buoyancy and gives them a little help.
• Make sure your dog has easy access out of the water. If in a pool, steps down into a pool is a must. They need to be able to touch with their feet to feel comfortable.
• Start out slow.  Just let him/ her swim for a few minutes.  Make it a positive experience.
• Try using something like a ball or toy to lure him/her into the water.
• The dogs needs direction/focus when they swim.  Don’t throw the toy close to them but far away so they don’t dunk their head or slow down
• Swimming with a buddy sometimes helps too!
• Enroll in swim lessons! Our friend Trish Penick of Cutting Edge K9 is a pro and will help your pup feel comfortable in the water.

Enjoy our photos from our swim PAW-TY!!