How do you get your dog used to water?
In the summer, you see more and more dogs enjoying themselves in the water. Whether it is on the beach, in kiddie pools, or even under a sprinkler. “My dog is afraid of water; they never go in it,” you are not the only one who finds this a pity.
Some pet owners have no idea how to bathe a dog that is terrified of water. Learn how to get your dog used to water with these tips.
Why do some dogs hate water?
A dog's fear of water can stem from a variety of factors. It may be a completely new sensation for them. It may also be because of the way the water feels on their paws or fur. Water may also have been an unpleasant experience for your pet.
It is possible that he was forced to get wet. To help your dog overcome his fear of water, the first step is to teach him a new association with it. Your dog will eventually be able to swim on his own terms. Only if you introduce them to the water gradually.
Make water time fun
Bath time can teach your dog to accept the water if he has a hard time with it. It is crucial to make bath time a positive experience for your dog, because water and dogs do not mix well.
Use a low pressure setting with warm (but not boiling) water to make the water more bearable for your dog. Make sure your dog understands that water means more love and treats by rewarding good behavior with treats and lots of praise. This is the perfect way to get your dog used to water.
Start with a small pool
However, this does not mean that your dog is ready to enjoy the beach or a large swimming pool. Introduce him to a kiddie pool and take it easy at first. Cheap swimming pools are ideal for getting your dog used to water.
You can start by filling ankle-high pools with toys and start playing fetch. Gradually increase the water level. The pool will soon become a favorite activity for your dog.
Take your dog for a dip in the ocean
Set a good example by being a good pet parent. If we do everything we can to help our dogs overcome their phobias, they will soon do so. This time by physically showing them the safety of water.
You can help your dog overcome his fear of water by jumping in with him. You and I will make it, I promise.” Dogs will follow us, but only if we show them the way. There is no greater priority than protecting yourself and your loved ones. You may be wondering what your dog will do if he starts playing with water more.
You will be able to keep an eye on him as usual. A GPS Tracker can be waterproof, so you can see where your dog is at all times. So don't delay any longer: it's time for some splashing fun!
Bring a water loving friend
If you have a dog or dogs that love water, bring them along. Running and jumping in the water with other dogs can help your dog overcome his fear. Dogs are more likely to participate in water activities if they can see their body language. There is nothing to be afraid of, and your dog will learn this quickly. He sees wagging tails and happy dogs.
Training a dog to learn to get used to water is much like teaching a human. With patience and effort, you can quickly turn your dog into a water-loving creature. You probably know the seven water-loving breeds.
How do you prepare your dog for swimming?
It is good to introduce your dog to larger bodies of water, such as a pond or the ocean, once they are comfortable in the tub. To do this, however, you must first teach your dog how to swim properly.
Additionally, it is important to know that some breeds have a natural affinity for water, while others cannot swim well at all. For example, the Labrador Retriever, the Irish Water Spaniel, and the Portuguese Water Dog all have characteristics that make them well-suited for water activities.
On the other hand, short-legged Chihuahuas and brachycephalic breeds like boxers need more help. Or maybe you discover that your pup isn’t a fan of water and prefers to stay on dry land. Start by purchasing a support system to protect your pet.
Bathing for dogs: love or hate?
Some dogs enjoy the water but are reluctant to take a bath. That's my dog, Labrador. Although she loves the water, she was averse to baths until we worked hard to change her mind. It's a little hard because bath time is more intrusive than beach time.
Although dogs hate baths, you should bathe them regularly to keep them happy and healthy. It is a good idea to train your dog to focus on you when it is time to bathe. This can both keep her and lead her to the bath.
Remember that bath time is an opportunity to introduce your dog to new things. Just as you had to teach yourself to swim by associating water with treats, you will have to teach your dog not to be afraid of the shower head, the bathroom floor, shampoo, scrubbing, etc.!
Providing hands-on assistance
You can entice your dog to go further into the water with a treat. It’s best to adopt a supportive position with your hands as soon as their feet leave the ground or as soon as you place them in the water. The most important thing to remember when teaching your dog to swim is to make sure that their bottom is in line with their head – you can do this by placing one hand behind their bottom and the other under their chin. To make sure your dog feels safe, make sure you keep them steady so that they don’t move away from you. Stay cool and shower them with praise.