How do dogs learn to swim?

[sazzle84]

I was at my friends and realised I hadn't seen my dog for a while. I went outside and she had fallen into my friends pond. She was clinging onto the side and looked terrified but couldn't get out. I took her out and she was fine but it really scared me. I don't know how long she had been in the pond and I can't stop thinking about what may of happened if I hadn't of went out when I did. Someone said that dogs can naturally swim, its not something they learn. Is this true?

[China Doll]

Yes it's true, most animals can.

Even human babies can float in water from out the womb... although I don't obvioulsy don't recommend trying it out on any new borns you may know!

Obviously water temperature and exhaustion can and will still result in drownings.

It's less about swimming and more about staying afloat. (It doesn't reflect swimming actual swimming strokes that you or I may do).

[sazzle84]

Thanks China Doll. She didn't seem bothered by it at all, i think i was more in shock as couldn't stop shaking.

Its good to know that she would be able to paddle if need be but I think I'll be keeping her away from any ponds for a while.

[China Doll]

Well don't make too much of it Sazzle in front of her, as with a small child, the more you show your fear of something the more it will rub off on her. Just keep your eye out for her and don't panic if she does end up in a pond for a minute or two, she will be ok and all the better for a qucik hug and a treat afterwards.

[blackcat77]

My youngest dog is absolutely mad about water and hurled herself into a large boating lake recently and she swam perfectly well - I was more panicked that she had slipped her collar and was swimming toward the bit of shore by the busy road! Fortunately she came out and came straight to me. Only trouble is that now she has found out she can swim she keeps heading for a really disgusting muddy, stagnant pond we pass on one of our walks!

[Sammc]

Sazzle I think most dogs are able to swim without ever learning. Our pup used to only ever go in water where he could stand up but last weekend he ran into the sea and swam fine - now he loves it!
I would prob try to get your girl used to water - maybe take her to a shallow pond and encourage her to have a paddle. that way if she does ever fall in a pool/pond she wont be as afraid!

[mirela]

hi sazzle, i think is dog's nature to swim. first time i took my pup to te lake, she was scared of water a little bit, but after a while, she was mad with it and can swim well.
i agree with sammc, what what exactly we did to our dog.

[sazzle84]

Thanks for all your comments. I feel much happier now. Gonna take my girl to the beach this weekend and have a play in the sea. She's never been keen before but i'm sure once she's in the water she'll love it.

[kita1]

Might also be an idea to get your friend to build a way out of her pond so that any creatures (cats etc) that fall in can get out easily. A few rocks around the side, or a gentle slope out would be very easy to do and preferable to finding a dead animal floating around.