Water Dogs

I love this picture of Bruce, taken by his new mom the day after he was adopted into their family.  I always wonder what he's thinking.  Wishing he was back at the rescue (it was just the next day, after all, he didn't yet know how fabulous his life was to become)? Pondering the world's troubles?  Or maybe that the lake is the biggest water bowl he's ever seen!

Whether it's a lake, a river, or, especially, a pool, if your dog is around water, you owe it to him to give him the tools to keep him safe in his environment.

Since pools present the biggest danger, with their smooth sides which can trap an uneducated dog until, exhausted, he's lost to his family, we'll start there. 

• First things first.  NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED WHEN HE HAS ACCESS TO YOUR POOL!
• A must-have is a ramp or steps which will allow your dog to easily exit the pool. Any type is fine, as long as it's sturdy and easy to use.  Once your dog is accustomed to the water and knows how to get out, he may enter the pool by leaping with wild abandon and a large splash into the deep end. That's fine.  Right now, he needs training wheels, he needs to use the ramp each and every time he gets in the water.
  
• The next thing I wouldn't be without is a pool alarm system.  There are many options to choose from, including one with a receiver located in the house, and a transmitter you attach to your dog's collar.
• The final element to pool safety is a way to mark where the ramp is, so your dog can see it.  A large plant, statue, or, if you don't care how it looks, a traffic cone will work.  Get in the water for a dog's eye view to make sure it will be visible.
• Once all your ducks are in a row, so to speak, it's time to start your training program.  Take your dog to the ramp.  Give the command "Ramp" or "Steps" and give your dog a treat. Repeat this until your dog will go to the ramp when you give the command.
  
• Now, with your dog on leash, get into the water.  Call your dog to you.  Not all dogs need coaxing, but some will.  Don't push it, this is supposed to be fun for everyone, remember?  Scare your dog now and he may, forevermore, refuse to dip his toes into anything deeper than his water dish.
• Once your dog is in the water, keep him close to you (try to stay away from his front end, unless you favor sporting a few battle wounds - a swimming dog can't really be worried about scratching you, he needs to stay afloat).  Tell him "ramp", and gently encourage him to swim to his safety "net".  He needs to know from go how to get out.  This is absolutely the most important lesson you will teach him. 
• If he's comfortable, and has been able to use the ramp to get out of the water, try again.  If he isn't ready, table it for a few hours or the day, and then try again.
• Whatever body of water your dog is using, when helping a dog learn how to swim (and dogs are just like us, they do need to learn), stay behind him.  A dog who is an experienced swimmer knows he needs to keep his head down, a newbie doesn't.  And the farther the head goes up, the farther the other end goes down, and pretty soon you've got a dog who's thrashing around, sure he's going to drown. At first he may need you to support his rear end.
• Keep sessions short, and don't leave your dog's side (or hind end) until he will go to the ramp when asked.  He needs to know where that ramp is from every area of the pool.
• If your dog is swimming in a lake or river, where he can swim far enough to tire himself, make sure you're close by.  Call him back before he gets too far out.  If he is in danger of going under, don't try to grab him around the head or neck if things are looking dire.  Again, get behind him and support his rear as much as possible while trying to direct him to shore.
• When he's finished swimming, hose him off or give him a quick bath to remove chlorine.
• Remember that just like us, dogs can get sunburned, especially dogs with white or light colored coats.  Even a well-coated dog can burn in areas like the top of his nose or his ears.  Keep an eye on your dog and get him out of the sun if he starts to pink up.
• Ultimately, even if you think of your dog as a little human, his safety is up to you.  Don't let him down.  Complacency can be a death knell when it comes to dogs and water.