Can Labrador swim?
Many people have Labradors, but many do not understand that Labradors can actually swim because they do not live near water. Today we will talk about those things that make Labradors swim.
Is a Labrador born to swim?
Labradors are great swimmers. Labradors are born to swim. Generally, adult dogs learn to swim slightly slower than puppies, so if the dog is an adult but has not yet swum, it is more appropriate to choose a river or beach for the first swim.
The method of teaching adult dogs to swim is no different from that of puppies, and also requires gradual progress. The owner can first jog with the dog at the beach, then start in the shallow water, and then go to the deep water when the dog is used to it. When the dog leaves the shallow water area and his feet do not touch the bottom, he will swim naturally.
When to start teaching your Labrador puppy to swim
There are many conflicting opinions on this subject, with some people and experts saying that Labradors can start swimming as early as 8 weeks, while others believe it is much later, around 3 months.
The truth is that all of these answers are somewhat correct, and the age at which a Labrador puppy can begin swimming depends on a variety of factors. We have outlined some of these factors below.
Physical strength
Your Labrador puppy will need a certain amount of stamina to start swimming properly. Their muscles need time to grow and they usually do not swim properly until they are about 3 months old. However, lab dogs can start swimming in very calm, shallow water at about 8 weeks.
Vaccination Status
You are not recommended to take your Labrador puppy swimming in public pools and areas until he is fully vaccinated. Vaccinations usually begin at about 6 to 8 weeks and then continue until about 4 months of age, when the final round is given. If you don’t wait until your lab puppy is fully vaccinated, they are at risk of contracting deadly diseases and viruses.
Environment and Impact
If your puppy lives near a safe body of water that they can easily access (with supervision, of course), they are more likely to start swimming earlier. In addition, if their mom, brother and sister are avid swimmers, they will probably follow their lead and get into the water at some point.
Their past experiences
If your Labrador puppy becomes afraid of the water at some point, it will take them longer to swim. This usually happens when they accidentally fall or are forced into water that is too deep and dangerous for them.
You should wait until about 6 months of age before taking your Labrador puppy into larger bodies of water, such as the ocean or a large lake. If you want to start early, you should find a shallow and calm place to acclimatize your puppy to the water.
With all this in mind, we recommend introducing your Labrador puppy to the water at around 3-4 months of age. This way they will become stronger and their vaccinations will be / or are close to being completed.
How to practice Labrador swimming
It is best to wait until the dog is a year old before teaching it to swim, it is too young to do so. The other thing is not to choose a place where the water is too deep or where the current is fast, because although Labradors are born to swim, they are not proficient. Try throwing a bottle into the water and he will swim over and bring it back. If it doesn’t work, you can throw his favorite food or floating toy into the water and practice back and forth a few more times.
Steps to train a Labrador to swim
- 1. Before putting your Labrador in the water, remember to tie the leash for your Labrador so that you can ensure safety, as it will be easier for Labrador parents to control the Labrador’s depth and direction at any time in the water.
- 2. Teaching a Labrador to swim is not a chore, but rather a great summertime pastime. Think about teaching your Labrador to swim, then you can play various games with your Labrador in the water, such as water volleyball, water frisbee, etc.
- 3. Generally speaking, chubby dogs and long-haired dogs will have better floating ability than other dogs, and will easily learn to swim, which is related to buoyancy.
Why does Labrador like to swim?
Labrador is a water retriever, and by nature it likes water more. Although the Labrador’s coat is short, it has two layers. The inner layer of fleece has the ability to keep the dog warm in the cold water, while the outer layer of hair has a certain waterproof function. The Labrador’s coat has these characteristics that allow it to move freely in the water without worrying about the coat being wet all the time, so the Labrador likes to swim.
Labrador afraid of swimming how to do
Although Labradors are born to swim, some dogs do not like to swim, and the first time you go swimming dogs are required to go through desensitization training. Use remember not to throw directly into the water, it is best to take the owner together slowly into the water, take a toy to play while swimming, swim a few meters back to the shore; rest a few minutes to swim again, slowly lengthen the swimming distance.
How long can Labrador swim?
The swimming time of a dog is related to its physical condition, physical strength and many other factors. Generally speaking, Labrador can last about 1-2 hours in the water, while some trained dogs can achieve longer swimming time. Dogs swimming in the summer can play a certain cooling, exercise purposes, but the owner is recommended to control the frequency and time of swimming dogs, it is recommended that once a week, each time about half an hour can be.
Labrador swimming precautions?
Dogs can swim that is the genetic memory is born with. If the dog continues to strengthen this skill later in life, then the dog will become a strong swimmer and a good fisherman. But if you want to take your dog swimming, do not feed it too much, on the one hand, it will be a burden on its digestive system, on the other hand, it will affect its performance in the water.
1. Suitable swimming places
If it is the first time to take your Labrador swimming, you should choose a good place as a training venue. If there is a private pool, of course, it is the best. If not, you can go to a stream in the countryside. It is important to note that the place you choose for swimming practice must be clean, with no debris at the bottom, otherwise it is not safe for both people and dogs. When you start swimming with your Labrador, you should choose a place with shallow water to facilitate the professor.
2. Safety is the most important prerequisite
Before putting your Labrador in the water, remember to keep the Labrador on a leash to ensure safety, as the Labrador’s parents can always control the depth and direction of the Labrador in the water. When t he Labrador encounters problems in the water, such as sinking and convulsions, the Labrador’s parents can rescue the Labrador in time through the leash. When Labrador is chained up, swimming lessons can begin.
3. Toy instruction
When swimming for the first time, the dog’s parents should accompany the Labrador to the shallow water area and put the Labrador into the water slowly instead of rudely and impolitely. Spend about 20 minutes to let the Labrador get used to the water and feel the current flowing with his body. When the Labrador has been able to remain calm in the water, the Labrador’s parents can hold the toy and entice the Labrador to swim forward so that he can unconsciously adapt slowly. Most Labradors will happily swim with their toys when they see their beloved toys
4. Need praise and rest
Suppose the Labrador’s personality is quiet and the toy does not have the desired induction effect. In that case, the Labrador’s parents should have the patience to praise and encourage the Labrador to move forward in the water in a gentle tone. When appropriate, Labradors should also be allowed to rest and have a snack, which, in addition to replenishing their strength, can also ease the Labrador’s emotions and reduce stress.
5. Correct the forefoot swing
After the Labrador rests again for a while, he can continue to teach the Labrador to repeat the swimming action. If the Labrador’s head is too high, his tail is submerged in water, and his front feet are swinging so much that he seems to be struggling, then he is probably swimming incorrectly. This will only be hard work, but it won’t help. At this point, the Labrador’s parents need to give the Labrador some help by lifting the Labrador’s front feet and teaching the Labrador to swing his body regularly.
The 6 most useful dogs
I believe we all know that dogs are naturally good swimmers, and many of them will learn to swim doggy style without a teacher. But do you know which dogs in the dog world are natural swimmers?
1. German Pointer
German Boynta, also known as the German Shorthaired Pointing Retriever, this dog, friendly and not low IQ, love sports easy to train, can hunt from complex terrain or cold water to retrieve prey, is a good water dog.
Currently is also introduced by the domestic Guangdong Province police dog base, the future will be recognized as a police dog!
2. Poodle
The poodle, also known as the poodle, was early engaged in water hound work hound breed, hunting waterfowl and retrieving dead prey in rivers and lakes. It was later bred and improved into a pet dog, and has now become known as the “Teddy”!
In addition to being born with good water, the Poodle does not shed hair, and the small size of the Poodle is a pet dog breed that everyone likes to keep!
3. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Spaniel was born on the coast of Portugal as a water spaniel and is an excellent swimmer and diver by nature. The Water Spaniel is characterized by webbed feet (thin flesh connected between the toes), so imagine how good they are at swimming!
The Portuguese Water Spaniel is an excellent water working dog that can help people catch fish, find items, and rescue them on the water.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador originated in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and is a dog named after its place.
People who are familiar with Labrador know that this excellent working dog and pet dog is the origin of the water retriever and the retriever identity (gripping prey back to the owner)! Owners who have had Labradors basically know how much Labradors like to play with water.
5. Newfoundland dog
The Newfoundland is a large breed of dog native to Newfoundland on the east coast of Canada. It is not only a loyal companion dog, but also an excellent water rescue dog.
The Newfoundland is not only from the same country as the Labrador; some even believe that the two are close in blood and probably have the Labrador bloodline.
6. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is also a very familiar working dog and pet breed dog, it is a Labrador breed with improved breeding, as well as engaged in the work of the water hound, the water aspects to take the gold medal swimming coach medal is no problem!
Today there is about Labrador can swim is here to end. I believe that those things about Labrador swimming is here to end. There are still questions welcome to comment and discuss at any time.
