How to Train a Dog to Swim: 10 Easy Steps for a Confident Swimmer

How to teach your dog to swim course.

If you want to train your dog to swim safely and confidently, you need the right approach.

In this guide, we’ll break down 10 easy steps to teach your dog to swim, covering essential techniques, safety measures, and expert tips. Plus, we’ll explore breed-specific considerations, common training challenges, and solutions to make swimming a fun experience for your furry friend.

Why Train Your Dog to Swim?

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about why swimming is beneficial for dogs:

Low-Impact Exercise – Ideal for dogs with joint issues or arthritis.
Great for Weight Management – Helps maintain a healthy weight.
Mental Stimulation – Builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
Cooling Effect – A great way to beat the heat in warmer months.

While some breeds, like Labrador Retrievers (95% natural swimmers), take to water instinctively, others—like Pugs (80% struggle with buoyancy)—need extra support. This guide will help every dog, regardless of breed, feel comfortable and safe in the water.

10 Easy Steps to Train a Dog to Swim

1. Choose the Right Location

Start in shallow, calm water like a pool or lake. Avoid strong currents and deep areas.

2. Use a Flotation Device

For breeds that struggle with buoyancy (e.g., Dachshunds, Bulldogs), a dog life jacket increases confidence and prevents fatigue.

3. Get Your Dog Comfortable with Water

Let them explore the water at their own pace. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage small steps.

4. Stay by Their Side

Support your dog by holding their belly gently while they paddle. This reduces panic and builds muscle memory.

5. Keep Sessions Short and Fun

Start with 5–10 minutes per session. Longer sessions can lead to fatigue and fear of water.

6. Encourage Natural Paddling Movements

Some dogs may try to climb or splash instead of paddling. Use a gentle guiding hand to help them maintain the right position.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement

Dogs trained with treats (92% success rate) respond better than those trained with verbal praise alone (63%). Reward every small success!

8. Introduce Deeper Water Gradually

Once your dog is confident in shallow water, move slowly into deeper areas. Stay close to offer reassurance.

9. Teach an Exit Strategy

Dogs need to know how to get out of the water safely. Always direct them to a shallow ramp or pool stairs.

10. Dry and Care for Your Dog After Swimming

18% of dogs develop ear infections from water retention. Always dry their ears and coat after swimming to prevent infections.

Dog Breed Swimming Table

Breed	Swimming Ability	Training Difficulty	Recommended Support
Labrador Retriever	Natural swimmer (95%)	Easy	Minimal training needed
Golden Retriever	Natural swimmer (90%)	Easy	Encourage confidence
Poodle	Good swimmer (88%)	Moderate	Supervision recommended
Dachshund	Struggles with buoyancy (65%)	Difficult	Life jacket needed
Bulldog	Low endurance (15% natural swimmers)	Challenging	Short sessions & flotation aid
Pug	80% struggle in water	Difficult	Close monitoring & life vest

Ready to make your dog swim

Want a safe, enclosed space for swim training? Visit the Newflands Dog Park for supervised water activities.

Need step-by-step guidance? Buy our Newflands dog swimming course for expert tips.

Final Thoughts

Training a dog to swim takes patience, consistency, and the right approach. Whether you have a natural swimmer or a hesitant pup, these 10 easy steps will help them feel confident in water.

For more tips on keeping your dog active and healthy, check out: