Before you start teaching your pup to swim, you have to slowly get him used to the water. Never push or rush him. You should give the pup a reason to want to swim. That could be to retrieve, to follow you or to chase other dogs. Allow him to choose to swim. Once he begins to swim on his own, give him lots of practice.

To first introduce your dog to the water, start by having him follow you. Take small steps in water that he can stand in.  If your dog likes to retreive, throw some floating toys in the ater but make sure that he can still stand up in the water on his own. Gradually throw the toy further out. At some point, he will have to swim to get it. Another method is to take a friend with you and carry the pup out into the water. Stand facing each other close at first, then put the pup in the water an have the other person call him. Keep doing this and as he gains his confidence, step further and further back. Before you know it, your pup will be swimming on his own and loving it. Remember, practice, practice practice!

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