When learning a new skill, do you prefer to start with the most advanced part of the skill, or do you prefer to start with the easiest part and build from there? Do you prefer to be completely overwhelmed and slog your way through it, or systematically build success? Either way, we humans have a choice and agency over how to learn new skills – much less so for our dogs. We can’t explain to dogs, “Look, this is going to be scary, but it won’t last long and you will survive.” 

Therefore, we must take great care when introducing new experiences to our dogs. Please keep this in mind as you recreate with your dogs. 

Going swimming? Don’t throw your dog into the water! Starting at the shallow end, encourage your dog to walk into the water using treats or toys. Don’t force your dog to stay there. Allow your dog to leave the water. 

Your dog may not take to swimming in a single day. That’s OK! Many sessions of dipping toes in the water and returning to dry land is a great place to start. When your dog is beyond the wading ankle deep phase, put a life vest on your dog. As your dog starts paddling in deeper water, orient your dog towards the shallow end where she can get out of the water. This builds confidence and teaches self-rescue. 

Need more help teaching your dog to swim? Ask your private professional dog trainer. Live in the Metro DC area? Check out the K9 Aquatic Center, a business where professional dog swim coaches teach your dog how to swim. Taking my dog swimming at K9 Aquatic Center has made her a much stronger swimmer. She now chooses to swim in lakes and rivers where before she would just wade ankle deep. 

Going kayaking or paddleboarding? You’ll need that life vest again and a waterproof long leash (about 10 feet long). Don’t tie the dog to the kayak or paddleboard, but keep it handy should your dog jump overboard and you need to reel him in. Make sure you have trained “leave it” and a distraction-proof sit or down stay on a mat before taking your dog on a kayak or paddleboard. Remember to simulate paddle and boat movement as part of your distraction training. 

Allow your dog to sniff the kayak or paddleboard before the ride. Toss treats around it to improve your dog’s association with the new object. Get into the kayak or paddleboard before your dog does. Place the mat where you want your dog to enjoy the ride. Offer snacks. Return to the dock when your dog is still having fun. End on a good note! American Paddler has more great information on kayaking with your dog. 

Surf’s Up! This one can be trickier. Make sure your dog REALLY LOVES this activity before making it a weekend hobby. You’ll still need that life vest and a distraction-proof sit/down/stand stay. I recommend starting with your dog in a wagon or on a skateboard. If your dog enjoys that ride and loves the ocean, then try surfing! Check out Surf Dogs for more information. (Body language quiz! Do you think the dogs in those pictures are enjoying themselves?)

As with any recreational activity, be it by land or water, be aware of your dog’s comfort level and ability. Make sure to take safety precautions. Have a contingency plan if your dog is a land lover. Water sports with your dog can be fun, and we hope your dog goes with the flow!