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When you think of Australian Shepherds, you probably picture them herding cattle, being in a rodeo, or just energetically running in a park. But have you ever wondered if Aussies like water?
The answer depends on the dog. Australian Shepherds don’t take to water like the dogs bred for it, such as Labrador Retrievers. Some love the water, while others aren’t so sure. However, they are all capable of swimming when given a chance.
Let’s dive deep into everything Australian Shepherds and water. We also go over a few ways to safely introduce your dog to water and swimming.
Why Don’t All Australian Shepherds Like Water?
Australian Shepherds were not bred to work in water. Their ancestors came from the Basque region of Spain, where they were used as shepherd dogs.
Basque shepherds traveled to Australia with their dogs, and in the 1800s, they again brought their dogs with them to the United States. At this point, they had gained popularity as rodeo dogs, and since they had come from Australia, they were called as such. But it was Americans who developed the breed that is so well-loved today, so they actually should be called “American Shepherds.”
In any case, since this breed was developed as a working dog with land jobs, they don’t have the same affinity for water as a water breed.
Can Australian Shepherds Swim?
Most dogs have the ability to swim, and some can naturally swim as soon as they hit the water. But some breeds should stay out of water that is deep enough for swimming because of their flat faces and body shapes (Boxers, Basset Hounds, Shih Tzus, etc.). Dogs with super thick and long coats might also have difficulty swimming, so it’s best to keep these factors in mind.
Australian Shepherds have moderately long double coats that help protect them against cold and heat. A double coat not designed for water can weigh the dog down to a certain degree. This could help explain why some Aussies are reluctant to plunge into a body of water.
But these dogs are also athletic and enthusiastic and have the right build for swimming. Some of these dogs will thoroughly enjoy running into the water.
So, yes, Aussies are capable of swimming, but sometimes they need to be encouraged and taught the basics.
Introducing a Dog to Water
Before you teach your Aussie to swim, you need to introduce your possibly nervous dog to the water. Some pups are wary and unwilling to enter deep water or any water, for that matter!
The essential rule is to not force the dog into the water. Instead, they need to develop a positive association with it first.
- Find shallow water. Start by finding a body of water that is shallow and doesn’t go up beyond your Aussie’s chest. Stick with shallow, gentle rivers or the shallowest parts of a lake.
- Enter the water yourself. Once you’re in, just start running around. Hopefully, this will get your Aussie excited, and they might join you.
- Throw a toy into the shallow end. You can also try throwing a toy or other object that gets your dog excited to chase it into the shallowest part of the water. Your dog should get excited enough to run in to retrieve it.
- Use positive reinforcement. Once your dog does enter the water, reward the action with treats and/or praise. This will help create a positive experience with water.
- Continue to play with your dog. If your dog seems comfortable in the shallow water, continue playing with them, and slowly move into slightly deeper water.
- Continue with the praise when your dog enters the deeper water. Don’t force it. If your Aussie seems unwilling to enter the deep water, just go back to the shallower end.
- Rinse and repeat. Your Aussie might not be too convinced initially, so repeat these steps every time you take your dog to the water.
- Try a dog pool. You can also try a kiddie/dog pool at home in the backyard. Throw a few appealing floatable toys in it, and your Aussie might be quite happy to splash around.
Teaching a Dog to Swim
Some dogs take to swimming like they’ve been doing it their entire lives, but others might need a few lessons. The best option for swimming lessons is in your own pool, if you have one. Otherwise, look for dog swimming centers or any lakes or oceans that are calm with few currents.
You’ll need to invest in a life jacket for your Aussie. This will help them if they are nervous in the water, so they can focus on swimming and not worry about staying afloat. A life jacket is ideal in general, as you don’t want your dog to go too far from shore and start to tire. So, it’s an all-around good safety measure, and it can also give your Aussie more confidence.
Most dog life jackets have a handle on the back, making it easier to hoist your dog out of the water when necessary. The handle also works well for teaching your dog to swim, and if they swim far off, the life jacket makes it easier to spot them. You can use the handle to lift your dog and hold them over the water to see if they instinctively start paddling their legs. Get in the water with your Aussie, and swim alongside them, as this can help them feel more comfortable.
If you know someone with a dog that loves to swim, try bringing this dog with you to your swimming lessons. Some Aussies might watch and learn from their friend and enjoy playing so much that it just happens naturally.
Plenty of praise and treats can continue to make this experience enjoyable for you both.
Safety Tips
- If you are using positive reinforcement during this process, don’t give treats to your dog while they are swimming. They will need to swallow, which you don’t want your dog doing while trying to stay afloat.
- Try to avoid any swimming or water lessons when the water is too cold. The last thing that you want is to expose your dog or yourself to hypothermia.
- Keep your lessons short. Swimming is an exhausting exercise, and you don’t want to push your Aussie too hard.
- Once your dog seems comfortable swimming in the life jacket, try practicing without it. If your dog is suddenly in the water and doesn’t have their life jacket on, they might not know how to swim without it.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are energetic pups that have the ability to be amazing swimmers. But their ancestry and how they were bred means it isn’t necessarily a natural activity for these land dogs. With patience and care, your Aussie will likely love water and swimming in time, but be aware of the possibility that your dog will never feel truly comfortable when around water.
Just be sure to take things slowly and patiently, and give them plenty of praise when they take a small step. Keep it fun and light, and you might have your Aussie swimming with the best of them.
See also:
- What Were Australian Shepherds Bred For?
- Incredible Vet-Reviewed Facts About the Australian Shepherd
Featured Image Credit: Sebastian Moreno, Shutterstock
