Introduction to the Water

Whether your pup is headed to the duck blind or you just want to teach him to swim for fun and exercise the techniques are the same.

Dogs are land mammals and are not born knowing how to swim. Occasionally a young dog will wade right in and go, but most need a gentle introduction and some encouragement to swim.

When the weather and water are warm, I start my pups on the water as soon as I bring them home from the breeder. The introductory lessons are the same for pups and grown dogs.

The main point to remember when introducing a pup to the water is don