How to Ensure a Puppy Likes Water

Introduce your puppy to water at his own pace.

If you want your dog to love water as an adult, you will want to expose him or her to water at a young age. Getting your puppy into the water when he is young is ideal, because at such a young age, you can make a game of it. Remember, all dogs are different and you should never force your dog into the water. Rather, keep the mood playful and allow your dog to explore the water at his or her own pace.

Things You'll Need

• Wading pool
• Floating toys
• Treats

Instructions

1. Fill a small wadding pool with water. The water should be lukewarm or slightly warm, never cold.

2. Place floating toys in the pool.

3. Encourage your puppy to jump in the pool by dangling the toys and encouraging him with phrases such as "Come get it!" Keep the mood playful at all times. Praise your puppy if he gets in the water.

4. Take your puppy to a body of water such as a lake or pond. Be sure the water is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Wade into the water and encourage your puppy to follow you. Keep the mood positive and praise him when he enters the water.

6. Throw a toy out a few feet into the water and encourage him to swim to it.

7. Continue throwing the toy out into the water a little bit farther each time until your puppy is comfortable in the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a positive and playful attitude at all times as you introduce your puppy to the water.

• Never force a puppy into the water. If he doesn't like it initially, wait a few weeks and try again.

References

• The Dog Squad: Puppy Socialization and Desensitization
• Oak Hill Kennel: Introducing Puppies to Birds, Water, and Throwers; John and Amy Dahl
• "Educating the Infant Puppy"; Grace L. Blaire; 1998