In this episode, we address the three things that you need to do to prepare your dog for the water.

Show Highlights

• The 3 things you need to do to prepare your dog for the water.
• Remember – Most dogs do naturally swim, but not ALL dogs.
• REST:
  • Make sure there is a place for your dog to rest.
  • Put a bench or low table into the pool for your dog to stand/rest on.
  • They get tired just like we do.

• EXIT STRATGEY:

• • Acclimate your dog on how to enter and exit the pool.
  • Guide her to the steps over and over until she understands what and where they are.
  • Use a leash to guide or tug a toy that your dog may be fetching.
  • Using a life jacket on your dog the first few times will help if she does panic trying to get out.
  • If there are multiple ways out, teach her only one way.
  • She will eventually learn the others by watching people come and go.
• DONT FORCE IT:
  • Please make sure your dog is willing to get in.
  • DO not just throw your dog in and expect that she will be okay.
  • Forcing a dog into the water may just make your dog scared of the water.
  • If she was to fall in she would just panic and this is a big reason dogs drown.

• Dogs carry three times more “stuff” with them when going in:

• • More Hair!
  • Bugs and things in their coats!
  • Their individual oils!
  • Fecal matter!
  • Dirt!

• Pool Maintenance:
  • Make sure you filtration system is working.
  • Most home pools do not turn the water over as often as an open creek or a public pool.
  • This will NOT be as sanitary.
  • Check your filters twice as often as you would regularly.
  • Make sure your water is flowing freely and as quickly as possible.
  • Check your Ph levels
  • Clean out that skimmer basket often.
• Dog Maintenance:

• • Your dog’s skin is similar to yours as far as getting rashes or abrasions.
  • Rinse your dog off before and after a swim because the chemicals can irritate, dry, and cause color changes.
  • Plus the oils on a dog are essential for its protection and the chemicals you use can dry these oils up.
  • Dogs have very sharp nails – keep them trimmed.
• Please make sure that everyone in the pool is comfortable with the dog being in the pool with them.

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