Get your dog in the swimming pool in 6 easy steps

Many but not all dogs can swim. The best time to encourage a dog into a swimming pool is when they are young and have little or no negative experiences with water.

The experience of swimming in a pool should be fun with positive associations.

Some dogs take to swimming immediately. With others, it takes time and patience. Unlike the ocean, a lake, or a pond, a swimming pool has walls, and your dog may sense they will be trapped.

Never force or throw your dog into the swimming pool. It is always better when the dog thinks getting into the pool is the dog’s idea.

One more thing to consider, if you let your dog use the pool, be sure to keep it clean. Regularly monitor the chlorine and pH levels and check filters and drains for dog hair. 

If you have a swimming pool, then teaching your dog pool safety is crucial for keeping your dog summer safe. 

Six steps to dog swimming pool success

Step 1: Stay calm

Calmly leash your dog. Talking in an optimistic and confident tone of voice, casually lead your dog to the pool. Do not drag the dog. If it balks, unleash the dog and try another time.

Step 2: Use praise and treats

Use your voice to encourage your dog toward the pool without tugging on the leash. Each time the dog steps forward, reward with praise and treats. You want your dog to understand that walking with you toward the pool means good things, such as getting praised and receiving goodies happens. Consider this the goal for the day. You want the dog to have a positive experience.

Step 3: Sit at the pool’s edge

At this point, the objective is to get your dog to the side of the pool. Stand at the edge of the pool, petting your dog, and continue to praise and give treats.

Put your feet in the pool, have your dog sit at your side. Continue to talk to your dog in a normal tone of voice. Praise your dog and give lots of treats. Your goal for the day is to get your dog to associate the pool with a positive experience.

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Step 4: Use repetition

Repeat steps 1 and 2. Get into the pool, walk down the first two steps. Now, call your dog to follow you while gently pulling the leash. Reward each step with praise and treats. You may have to help them by putting their front feet into the water on the first step. Reward the dog with lots of praise and treats. Consider this your goal for the day. 

Step 5: Show your dog how to get back out

If you can get your dog through steps 1-3, now, swim out into the pool, calling the dog by name, giving the command “let’s swim!”; while gently pulling on the leash. When the dog’s whole body is in, immediately show them how to turn around and find the stairs to get out, reward your dog with lots of praise and treats. Consider this your goal for the day.

Step 6: Eliminate the leash

Repeat steps 1-4 often enough that your dog will willingly get in with the leash slack. Try calling your dog without the leash. The dog should get in readily. Use lots of praise. Instead of food treats in the water, reward with a tennis ball or squeaky toy. Teaching your dog to get into the pool has been a fun experience.

The bottom line on dog swimming pool safety

Use highly motivating treats. The value of the reward must be worth the effort the dog makes. Make sure your dog knows the location of the ladder, steps, or shelf, so it can exit the pool without panicking.

Karen A. Soukiasian is the owner of Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

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