With summer season approaching you want to train your Miniature Schnauzer puppy to swim.
A puppy’s first encounter can be fun in a swimming pool, pond, or lake. Whatever your puppy will swim in, it will be interesting to see how he takes to the water.
Some dogs love the water from the start. Others must be encouraged to dip their paws into what they see as strange stuff moving before them. Then, some dogs will have nothing to do with entering water other than their usual bathtub!
Training Your Miniature Schnauzer Puppy to Swim May Need Patience
A small swimming pool is ideal for introducing a puppy to the water. If your puppy is happy to jump in the water right from the start, then you are very fortunate.
It is more likely you will need to introduce your puppy to the water by sitting at the side of the pool and gently splashing some water on his feet.
Ideally, if you can get in the pool that may encourage puppy to test the water. You could hold the puppy in your arms and gently show him how much fun the water is, but just take it slowly. If a puppy gets a fright at the start, it is more than likely he will never be a swimmer.
Most Importantly
Do not force your Miniature Schnauzer puppy, or any other breed of puppy, to enter the water. If your puppy is going to be a swimmer, he will do it in his own time. Never force him into the water. Forcing a puppy to swim usually results in his fear of the water and no longer an interest in swimming.
Ensure your keenness for the puppy to swim doesn’t take away the enjoyment he could experience as he matures.
Don’t deprive your puppy of the enjoyment of playtime at the beach, swimming pool or other suitable venue. Alternatively, look forward to fun times in the future as your puppy matures.
Playing in the Water with Other Dogs
An opportunity to take your puppy swimming with other dogs, preferably one that you know, is a good way to introduce the puppy to the water. When a puppy sees other dogs having fun he could want to join in and be part of the pleasure.
You might enjoy this video!
Your Puppy Building Confidence
Whatever your approach in training your Miniature Schnauzer puppy to swim, he must build his confidence. Just give him the time he needs to get the feel of water. Your puppy might not take to the water immediately. Several trips to the swimming area may be necessary before a puppy is confident enough to get in the water and start swimming.
Life Jackets for Dogs
Life Jackets are available for dogs as can be seen in the picture at the top of this page, as well as the images below. There is a wide range of Life Jackets to choose from in varying styles, colours and sizes to suit individual dogs. If your puppy appears nervous swimming, a Life Jacket may be of help.
Also if you intend to take your dog on a boat excursion, even for a short spin on the harbour, he must wear a Life Jacket.
The following two images show popular styles currently available from Amazon. There are a variety of styles, each style having different features. To learn more about a style, click on the appropriate image which will take you to Amazon. Also, you may find Customer Reviews helpful.
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Puppy Swimming in Public Areas
Dogs are not allowed on public beaches and around lakes where there is a vast population. Usually, though, there are times when dogs are permitted on a beach or around lake areas.
Please never let your dog or puppy loose in the water on his own, however confident he may be. Nothing is more fearful than seeing a dog swim in the deep water with no one nearby.
I am sure you wouldn’t do that, but I have seen it happen, which is frightening. Whatever the dog’s strength, the water could get far beyond a safe depth. Not a good thought!
This article was initially published in March 2017 and updated in October 2023