How to Teach a Labrador Puppy to Swim

Labradors usually love the water, but may need some help learning to swim.

The Labrador Retriever is famous for loving the water. But Labrador puppies are not always born knowing how to swim, and some may even be afraid of the water. This does not mean your puppy will never swim, just that he'll need a little bit of help. It is best to teach your Labrador to swim when he is young and fears of the water are easier to overcome. With a bit of patience and someone else to help you out, your puppy will be swimming in no time.

Instructions

1. Start training your Labrador puppy to swim at the age of two to five months. By this time, the puppy has a developed immune system but is still small and easy to handle.

2. Help your dog build his confidence around the water. If your puppy is very afraid of water, first take him for a few walks around a lake or pond until he is comfortable getting his feet wet. When this happens, make sure to give lots of verbal praise.

3. Choose a place to train your dog to swim. Check the water for anything that might injure your puppy when he jumps in, and choose a day when the water is calm and the weather is warm enough that he (and you) won't be cold. Also make sure the water isn't dirty or polluted.

4. Carry your Labrador into the water until it is about up to your knees and hold the puppy with one hand under his belly and chest and the other supporting his back side by holding the base of his tail. Keep the puppy's back side level with his front side; typically dogs will have a hard time swimming because their back sides sink deeper into the water than their front.

5. Lower your Labrador puppy into the water without letting go. He will start paddling instinctively. It is not possible to give your dog treats or toys at this point, but encourage him with lots of verbal praise.

6. Remove the hand holding the puppy's belly for just a few seconds, but continue to hold his back end so that it is level with the front. Do this several times until he is comfortable. This may happen in one day or over a period of several days.

7. Stand with your puppy in the water and have someone at the shore call him over. When the puppy seems to be paddling strongly, let go and let him swim towards the person on the shore. Stay close by in case he has trouble.

8. Repeat the previous step several times, coming closer to the shore if the puppy is having trouble and gradually working your way out as he gets more comfortable. This also may be done over a period of several days.

9. Work at getting your Labrador comfortable in the water by playing fetch with a hollow ball or other toy that floats. Throw the toy 10 feet or so into the water so that the puppy will swim in and get it. Again, give him plenty of praise when he goes into the water without you.

Tips & Warnings

• An adult Labrador can be trained in a similar way, although you will have to take him further into the water to get his feet off the ground. You may also need a second person to hold him in the water.

• Never throw your dog into the water in an effort to get him to swim; this will only intensify a fear of the water.

References

• Black Labrador: Teaching Your Dog To Swim