Summer is in full bloom and things are heating up here in the Kansas City area. There are few things more refreshing than taking a swim this time of year. Many dogs enjoy swimming, too. The good news is there are places for your dog to enjoy taking a dip in our neck of the woods. One popular place is the Shawnee Mission Off-Leash Dog Area, which has a Dog Beach. There are local SniffSpots (these are private yard rentals, some of which have pools where dogs can swim) and another local resource is the Dog Pool, which is pool in Lenexa where you can rent time for your dog to swim.

In addition, in August and September many municipal pools in our area host dog swims after they close for the summer. Check out our Events Page for a list of these. If you know of others, please let us know so we can add them.

There aren’t many public places locally to swim with our dogs, however, it’s easy to pick up a kiddie pool for your dog to play in. If you're really lucky you may have your own swimming pool or know someone who does where dogs are welcome. And we certainly can take them with us on our boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

To prepare your dog for water activities, the first step is to purchase a life jacket. Although, many dogs will swim naturally, many will not, and others may panic. Having your dog wear a life jacket around water can literally save their life.  

Look for a well fitted life jacket that will actively keep your dog’s head out of the water in case something happens to them and your dog can’t do this for themself. In addition, having a handle on the back is extremely helpful to fish your dog out of the drink if they fall in.

Once you’ve purchased the life jacket, have your dog practice wearing it inside your house to get used to the way it feels. Have them wear it for short amounts of time, maybe 30 seconds, while they eat a food stuffed toy, then take it off. Continue doing this and as they show you they are comfortable with it on, slowly extend the amount of time your dog wears the jacket. As they get accustomed to wearing it for longer periods of time, you can play with them to get them moving, and give them treats to help them associate having it on it with good things.

Next, while wearing their life jacket and moving a bit, try to acclimate them to the water at their own pace. Find a place where there is a gradual entry into the water and play with your dog at the water’s edge. You can also bring a favorite floating toy or two to help encourage your dog to play and enjoy the experience. As they are doing well, encourage your dog to play in slightly deeper water. Before you know it, your dog will likely step off into the great unknown and find themselves swimming. Of course their life jacket will help keep them afloat. The first time or two they may panic a little, but hopefully they’ll develop a lifelong love of playing in the water with you and better yet, swimming with you.

Now it’s time to think about having your dog in your boat or other watercraft. It’s also a good idea to acclimate your dog to it slowly (are you hearing a theme here?) by starting the process on land. First teach your dog how to get in and then out. Then slowly teach them to stay on the deck where you want them to be for longer periods of time. When this is going well and your dog is happy to get in or on your water craft, it’s time to place it in the water near the shore and practice having your dog get in and out. Again, when this is going well, ask your dog to stay in for longer periods of time. Remember the old fable about the tortoise and the hare? The tortoise won the race because he was slow and steady. Be the tortoise. You’ll likely get to the point your dog is enjoying being on the water with you faster, if you don’t rush the process. Start with quick little trips and then let you dog get back on land. Then slowly increase the time you and your dog are enjoying being on the water together.

Finally, be sure to pay close attention to the condition of the water when swimming in ponds, lakes, and rivers. These waterways may have algal blooms, which can make your dog and you sick, and can even be fatal. Our own LeAnn entered the Region 7 See a Bloom, Give it Room EPA Video Challenge last year and took Second Place! Watch her video here to learn more about enjoying water activities safely.

© Laura Hills 2023 www.thedogsspot.com