What age is it safe to start swimming dogs, my lab swims daily in the swimming pool, and has done since she lost her leg to cancer. We have a new puppy and obviously at present is too young to swim, but just wanted to know your opinions on how old the new puppy should be before we introduce him into the swimming pool.

Anna swam across my fish pond, 8ft wide and 2ft deep at 8 weeks old!! I was not amused! A paddle possibly with a VERY short swim is no problem quite young but I don't start water training until around six months old.

Remember, swimming uses a different set of muscles to running so it is something which needs to be built up to slowly.

Rehards, John

My Spanish has been swimming now for about 6 weeks and he's nearly 6 months. he has gone out a lot further than I wd. wish at times though I must admit.

At the hydrotherapy pool where I swim my Lab X they say you can bring pups as soon as they have had their jab, in order to get them used to water at a young age and do non weight bearing exercise, presumably for short swims, and they do use life jackets. I will be taking my puppy as soon as he is able

Hayley

Thankyou John that was helpful, If he wants to come in the pool with us for a quick dip then I will let him but other than that I will wait until he is older to introduce him to water.

Iwork at a boarding kennels and hydrotherpy pool pups are not allowed to go swimming untill they are 6 months old.I hope this helps.

Does anyone know of a pool in the North West? This sounds fun, but I'm not sure I'm ready to see Sparky riding the surf at the beach yet!

Tracy

Thankyou That is very helpful

We started our Newfoundland swimming when they were finished there injections, they are now 4 and 5 years old and have had no illefects from this,I did go in with them in a wet suit.The Newfoundland club will give you information on sites and meets,they do allow other breeds to join in there fun days and some training