When summer arrives, you may find more dogs swimming happily at the beach, playing in kiddie pools or even frolicking near a sprinkler. If you're thinking, "My dog is afraid of water; they would never do that," you're not alone. Some pet parents may not even know how to bathe a dog who is afraid of water, let alone encourage them to swim. Use this guide to help you understand how to get your dog feeling safe around water.
There are many reasons why dogs may be fearful of water. It could simply be that it's a new experience for them or that the water feels different under their paws or on their fur. Your pet may have also had a traumatic experience with water. Or, maybe they were forced to get wet when they weren't ready. If you're thinking your dog is afraid of water but don't know how to help, the first step is simply helping your dog unlearn any negative water connotations. Then, you can slowly acclimate your pet to the water until they feel safe enough to bathe or swim on their own terms.
Ideally, you should begin bathing your dog when they're a puppy — first with a washcloth and then eventually in an indoor or outdoor bath. However, if your dog already has a phobia of bathing, you'll need to train them to unlearn some of those fears before you can successfully bathe them. Use these steps to get started:
These steps may take some time, but it's really about unlearning the fear and gaining confidence before trying again.
Once your dog feels safe in bath water, you might start thinking about acclimating them to larger bodies of water, like a pond or the ocean. But, to do so, you'll need to teach your furry friend how to swim safely. It's also important to remember that some breeds are born for the water, while others aren't suited to be strong swimmers. For example, the Labrador retriever, Irish water wpaniel and the Portuguese water dog all have traits to that make them well suited to the water. On the other hand, the short-legged Chihuahua and brachycephalic breeds, such as boxers, may need more assistance. Or, you may find that your pup just doesn't enjoy swimming and prefers land life much more.
To get started, you'll want to order an assistive device to ensure your pet's safety. According to the American Kennel Club, "Regardless of breed, all dogs should wear a life jacket when first learning to swim." Look for a vest with built-in handles so that you can help pull your pet out of the water if necessary. Just like with children's flotation devices, fit is important for safety, so make sure the life jacket you choose for your pet fits accordingly to their weight and length.
Here's how to start training your dog to play in deeper waters:
Take each of these steps slowly and over time you'll have a confident swimmer. And remember, just like with bathing your dog, this is not a one-day training activity. You'll need to plenty or safe, comfortable practice time to get your pet swimming confidently.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Learn if your dog might be allergic to poison ivy; what to do if he's eaten a poison ivy plant and how to prevent him from spreading the rash to you.
Discover why dog nipping is such a common behavior, even among the best behaved pups, as well as how to get your puppy to stop nipping.
If your dog was hit by a car, learn immediate steps you need to take, how to get him to safety, and signs to watch for even if he has no visible injuries.
Learn what to do if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, including determining where they were sprayed and tips for getting the skunk smell off of your dog.
Are you wondering why dogs lick their butt? Learn why your dog might be licking their butt and how you can help them find relief from their discomfort.
If you've tried house training your puppy and are still seeing accidents, try these five house training tips to help his chances for success.
Discover some of the common reasons why your dog might be throwing up after eating, and what you can do to help them overcome this issue.
Learn common reasons why dogs like to jump on you, interesting facts about breeds that jump the most & highest, and how to stop their jumping behavior.
If you're thinking of taking your dog to the beach, you'll want to plan ahead. Learn some essential supplies to bring, as well as tips to keep him safe.
Learn the physical signs that your dog is stressed, such as changes in appetite or increased urination, common causes of stress and tips for stress relief.
Learn about dogs' ability to smell cancer in humans before even traditional screenings, including amazing real life stories demonstrating this ability.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten holiday sweets or candy, find out which common treats might be dangerous for him and what you should do next.
Get ready to discover fun activities you can have with your new puppy outdoors while learning how to keep him safe and happy.
Learn the underlying causes of urinary issues and incontinence in dogs, why he might be peeing in the house, as well what you can do to help.
Thinking about hosting a dog birthday party? Read on to discover how to celebrate your dog's birthday with festivities that'll be the talk of the dog park.
Learn how safe popcorn is for your dog, particular types & flavors of popcorn to avoid, and how much is an ideal amount for your pup.
Learn why scientific research is important in formulating quality dog food, especially for things like taste, size, texture and nutritional ingredients.
Learn about the most common cosmetic canine surgeries like dog ear cropping, dewclaw removal & tail docking, and why vets usually recommend avoiding them.
You probably know about female dogs going into heat, but do male dogs? Learn whether male dogs have a heat cycle & handling them around females in heat.
Every puppy should get a health check-up at six months by a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy. Learn what to expect at your puppy's health check.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool