Safe Swimming - Part I

Springtime. One day is warm and sunny, the next cool and rainy. This is a great time to think about summer safety, before summer is here. If you spend time around the water with your dog be sure your dog is going to be safe. There are a variety of ways to help insure their safety in most water and weather conditions.

Many people still believe that "all dogs can swim". Uh, not true. This misinformation has been around forever. It seems to be based on the idea that if someone throws a dog into a body of water the dog will paddle and keep themselves from drowning for a while. I cringe whenever I hear that idea. Working with dogs in water regularly has shown me just how untrue it is.

Back in the days when dogs were considered working animals more than family members people didn't think much about how the dog felt, especially psychologically, about being forced into a situation that they weren't comfortable with. That is still the case in many people's opinions.

Let's put this in personal terms. Think back to when you were a child and you looked up to your Mom or Dad. You were about 4 years old. You were at a lake for a picnic on a warm day and all was fun and comfortable. Then suddenly Mom or Dad pick you up and toss you into the water. WHAT?! Do you know how to swim?? Uh, NO! But you kick and flail your arms and are able to keep your self from drowning for a few minutes. How would you feel? Probably scared to death, confused, and if you are lucky not scarred for life.

It may not be different for your dog. Yes, some dogs are naturally drawn to water and have more of a natural ability to swim properly. It isn't always breed specific as we are inclined to believe. I've worked with Labradors that didn't like to swim, and Dachshunds that loved to swim. It isn't always predictable. Even if a dog loves the water, he or she may not know how to swim well enough to swim safely, especially if they are in water with any kind of current or left alone.

Please read the upcoming posts to help insure your dogs safety while enjoying summer fun around the water.