Teaching your dog to stay safe around water

Most dogs are natural swimmers, but not all breeds are equally skilled, and even confident swimmers can face dangers in cold or unfamiliar water. Labrador retrievers, for example, usually love water and tend to swim instinctively, but every dog is different. Responsible ownership means understanding your dog’s abilities and teaching them important skills to stay safe near water.

1. Assess Your Dog’s Swimming Ability Safely

The first step in water safety is knowing your dog’s swimming capability. If you think your dog isn’t comfortable or skilled in water, consider introducing them gradually in a supervised, secure place like a canine hydrotherapy pool. This can help you gauge how they react and ease them into swimming positively, helping avoid panic or aversion.

2. Teach Essential Commands Around Water

Whether by a lake, stream, or the sea, keeping your dog close and responsive is vital. Train commands like "come", "stay", and "no" to control your dog near water. Always enforce rules such as waiting for your command before entering water, which can prevent your dog from jumping into unsafe areas or water that’s too cold or difficult to exit.

3. Set Clear Rules for Swimming Activities

Choose safe, accessible spots for swimming where your dog can easily get in and out. Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to wait for your cue before entering. Remember, swimming privileges should be conditional—not guaranteed every time—to maintain control and safety.

4. Use Response Calls and Bark Cues

In addition to a strong recall, teach your dog to bark upon command. This can inform you that they heard you and indicate their location, which is particularly helpful if they become stuck or disoriented in or near water.

5. Consider Buoyancy Aids for Extra Safety

Investing in a well-fitting dog life jacket is a smart precaution, especially for weaker swimmers or in deep water. Life jackets provide buoyancy and have handles for easy lifting. Even if a life jacket isn’t needed, a snug harness can help you pull your dog out should they require assistance.

6. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Into Difficulty

If your dog struggles in water, don’t enter after them as you could endanger yourself too. Instead, call for help and attempt to encourage them to swim back. If safe, grab their harness with a lead or rope to keep them afloat until help arrives. Always check the stability of the bank before attempting rescue.

7. Supervision: The Best Water Safety Measure

Nothing replaces close supervision. Always watch your dog carefully around water—whether swimming or simply nearby—to prevent accidents. Responsible pet owners understand that safety starts with management and observation.

Teaching your dog water safety skills fosters confidence and enjoyment while keeping risks low. By combining command training, the right equipment, and vigilance, you help your dog have fun and stay safe around all types of water environments.