The Summer season is here and you’re wanting to train your Miniature Schnauzer Puppy to Swim. Oh what fun can be had with a puppy’s first encounter with a swimming pool, pond or perhaps a 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 have to be encouraged to dip their paws into what they see as strange stuff moving in front of them. Then there are dogs that will not have anything to do with entering water, other than their usual bath tub!
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 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 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 or that will be end of it. He will never swim if he is forced.
Playing in the Water with Other Dogs
An opportunity to take your puppy swimming with others dogs, preferably that you know, is a good way to introduce puppy to the water. When puppy sees the other dogs having fun he could want to join in and be part of the fun.
I thought you might enjoy this video!
Your Puppy Building Confidence
Whatever way you approach training your Miniature Schnauzer puppy to swim he will need to 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 image 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 taking your dog on a boat excursion, even for a short spin on the harbour, it is essential that he/she wears a Life Jacket.
This image shows one popular style currently available from Amazon. There are many other styles available and although some may not look as cute as this one, they each have different features. Clicking on the image will take you to Amazon. Also, you may find Customer Reviews helpful.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Puppy Swimming in Public Areas
In many locations, dogs are not allowed on public beaches and around lakes where there is a vast population. Usually, though, there are times when dogs are allowed on a beach or around lake areas.
Please never let your dog or puppy, however confident he may be, loose in the water on his own. There is nothing more fearful than seeing a dog swim out into the deep water, with no-one nearby.
I feel sure you wouldn’t do that, but I have seen it happen and it is frightening. Whatever the strength of the dog, they could get way of their depth. Not a good thought!
My schnauzer fell into my pool and could not get out. I got him out. He does not seem to like the water but sometimes is nosy to see what might be Going on in the pool. He for the first Time slipped and fell in. Should I put him in the water and teach him to go to the steps or not? Thanks
Hi John, that was not a good experience for your schnauzer and to save him from a similar event I believe it would be good to teach him to use the steps. If you can teach him to use the steps, then there should not be any concern if he slips again into the water.
However, in saying that, it depends on your dog’s nature. He may become extremely nervous in the water as was the case with a much-loved schnauzer that was part of my extended family.
My preference would be to take time and patience with your schnauzer and encourage him to enjoy the water. Try to make a game of his time in the pool and hopefully, that will save him from further unpleasant experiences.
John, please understand that I’m not a dog trainer. I’m a devoted lover of dogs and can talk only of my experiences.
Valerie
Hi, I was just wondering if this would work for a pup who hates baths?
Hi Karen, That’s a really good question you’ve asked. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to answer. As I mention in the post, just slowing introducing your puppy to a swimming pool by sitting on the edge of the pool and gently splashing water around the two of you may work. It’s about helping your puppy feel safe and experiencing some fun, rather than fear of water.
I do hope you can help your pup to find some pleasure about water. As you would do with a young child, just take this in small steps and your pup could end up loving the water and not wanting to get out of the pool.
Wishing you and your pup lots of pleasure, especially around water.
I love dogs. I think most dogs love to swim. However, their first time could be very intimidating. This post makes me want to get a new puppy. There are some great tips there. I agree that you should not force your dog to the swimming pool. If they’re scared, they won’t be able to love the water in the future.
Hi Kien, Thanks for commenting. Dogs certainly are adorable and if you do get a new puppy it would be wise to research those that take happily to the water. Some dog breeds are not so keen on swimming. Also, gentle introduction to swimming is wise, for all puppies.
Oh my goodness. First off, I just love your site so much. Cuteness overload. Secondly, I wish I would have known this before my pups were grown. I had always assumed that if a dog wanted to swim, he would, and that it wasn’t something that could actually be approached in a way to teach them, in a manner to where they could actually learn to like it. We have a pool and my two won’t get near it, although they are 4 years old now, I wonder is it too late for them?
Jen, it would be wonderful if you could get your pups to swim. I’d love to be able to say that you could train them, but at 4 years of age I’m not sure. Some dogs just don’t like the water and they can’t be enticed to swim.
If you were able to borrow a couple of life jackets to fit your pups it would be worth a try. You would need two jackets as pups would have to be in the water at the same time, for moral support.
I do hope you get the opportunity to test it out. And, thanks so much for visiting the website. I’m pleased you enjoyed the experience