How to Teach a Dog to Jump in the Pool

If you have a dog who loves to swim, it's fun to teach them to jump off the side of the pool right into the water. Some dogs will do this easily and right away, while others will have to be coaxed. You can try several methods for getting your dog to try this daring splash. Some involve help with the leash, or help with a swimming buddy in the water. Whatever you try, make sure to include your method as part of a fun day swimming at the pool and then your dog will come to see it as fun too. Here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Tennis ball

1. Stand at the side of the pool with your dog. Take his favorite ball or Frisbee and show it to him, saying excitedly "Want the ball? Want the ball?" Then say, "Get it!" Throw the ball into the pool. He should jump in to get it.

2. Have a helper in the middle of the pool, calling the dog. Stand on the side with the ball and the dog. Throw the ball and say "Get it!" toward the helper at the same time as he's calling the dog and splashing the water encouragingly.

3. Leash your dog and run crazily around the pool deck with the dog. Run into the pool by the steps with the dog following you on the leash. Get back out, run around some more. Then run directly in off the side, hopefully with your dog following you right in.

4. Put a leash on your dog, getting in at the side. Start swimming away, saying "Come! Come on!" as the leash gets tighter. Tug gently, until your dog jumps in.

5. Whichever method works, continue practicing repeatedly until the dog is confident to jump in unassisted.