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Article Series: Dog Exercises & Dog Sports
I've Got An Active Dog!
5
Water Safety Tips For Dogs
If you own a Labrador Retriever, Irish Water
Spaniel, or a Portuguese Water Dog, doing some type of water
activities is one of the best ways for you and your dog to
spend time together. Whether he is playing along the rolling
waves of the ocean or fetching a stick in a shallow creek,
spending time in the water with your canine buddy is a great
way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Make
Safety # 1
When you and your dog are both paddling in the water, it is
very important to think about safety as your number 1 rule.
While many dogs can easily plunge into the water like a duck,
some canines are a little apprehensive at first and need time
to get used to the experience.
Below are 5 tips to ensure that both you and your dog can
have a fun and safe time in the water.
1. Before your dog hits the water, make sure that he is healthy
and in good condition. Consult with your veterinarian if you
have any doubt abouts his health or fitness level.
2. When taking your dog to the water for the first time, do
it slowly and go by his pace. This is especially true if he
is still a puppy. Never assume that, just because he’s a Labrador
Retriever, that he will naturally know how to swim and will
automatically tread the water safely.
3. Pick a warm, shallow body of water, one that will be easy
for your first-timer to maneuver through. Take him to the edge
of the water and let him explore at his own comfort levels.
Do not splash him or drag him to the water before you are absolutely
sure that he’s ready. Give him a few minutes to get used to
this new experience. Forcing your dog to go into the water
before he is ready will just scare him off and lessen the chance
of him trying again.
4. As he gets more curious, try taking him to the water by
going in first and call him at the same time. Lure him with
a treat or throw a toy into the water (making sure it is at
a short distance and within his depth). Eventually, he will
feel more confident about going further out, especially when
he knows that you are having fun.
5. Before taking your dog to a large body of water, such as
the ocean or a deep river, it would be wise to gear him up
with a canine life jacket. This is particularly important if
he is still new to swimming and/or if he gets too excited while
playing in the water. Make sure that the life jacket fits him
properly and let him get used to having it on while swimming
before going deeper into the water.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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