How to Introduce Your Dog to Water
- Victor McShan
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Depending on your dog’s breed, unique temperament, and past experiences, they might be a water-loving, natural swimmer—or they might have a fear of water and have trouble staying afloat.
Golden retrievers are typically natural water lovers thanks to their sporting background. Goldendoodles often inherit that same love for water—but with their unique coats and personalities, a gentle introduction still matters.
No matter the case, introducing your pup to water to ensure they're comfortable and adept is crucial to their safety. Whether you want to hit the beach with your dog or just make sure they're ready for anything, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you introduce your dog to water.
Gear up for safety
First things first: choosing the right gear to keep your pup safe is crucial. A dog life jacket is especially important for first-time swimmers, small dogs, and puppies. When choosing the right jacket for your dog, look for features like a handle on top and adjustable straps for optimal safety.
In addition to a jacket, it’s a good idea to bring fresh water and a bowl—don’t let your dog drink from lakes, rivers, or pools. Other must-haves include towels, treats, and toys. You may also want to pack protective paw balm for hot surfaces or rocky terrain.
Choose the Right Setting
Once your gear is in order, finding a good location to introduce your dog to water is vital. It’s best to start with a calm, shallow body of water such as a kiddie pool, lake edge, calm beach, or even a bathtub. You’ll want to avoid deep water and fast-moving currents.
Start Slow, Build Trust, and Have Fun
When introducing your dog to water, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to start slow. Never force your pup into the water; let him explore at his own pace.
In order to build trust and ease your pup into the water, use treats, toys, and praise for positive reinforcement and maximum fun. You may also stand in the water to show him it’s safe.
Once your dog is comfortable in paw-deep water, you can gradually introduce him to deeper areas. Encourage him to explore more of the water by beckoning him with a favorite toy. You may even use floating toys or play fetch at the water’s edge. Be sure to keep your body and voice relaxed and cheerful. Before you know it, your dog will be well on his way to swimming with ease.
Golden tip: Doodles and retrievers love games, so playing in the water with them can be extra rewarding!
Safety Tips
If you go slow and steady, your dog should be safe as she learns to swim—and to love the water. But there are a few crucial safety tips to keep in mind, even for confident swimmers:
Always supervise your dog around water—even strong swimmers can get tired or overwhelmed.
Avoid swimming in cold water, especially for puppies.
Rinse your dog after exposure to chlorine, salt, or lake water to protect their coat and skin.
Check for signs of fatigue or stress (whining, shaking, heavy panting).
Be sure to avoid these mistakes, too:
Don’t toss or drag your dog into the water—this creates fear.
Avoid chaotic or noisy environments for first experiences.
Don’t assume all dogs can swim or like to.
Don’t rush the process—some pups need multiple exposures before they’re comfortable.
For doodles: their coats can retain a lot of water. Avoid long sessions at first and always dry them thoroughly.
With a little preparation and a lot of encouragement, water time can be a safe, splashy success!
Bottom line
So, there you have it: introducing your dog to water doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful! In fact, when you take the right steps at a gradual pace, it can be a fun, positive experience for both you and your pup.
Overall, remember to be patient, celebrate small wins (even if it’s just a toe-dip!), and have fun!
Thinking of adopting a new dog to take on your next waterside adventure? Goldens are great companions. Take a look at Golden Puppies’ Available Golden Retrievers—you might just fall in love.
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