We took Glazby down to the local lake last week and he went in for a bit of a paddle (Kept him on his lead as he went in).  How do you know if they can swim or not?  He wanted to go further but me being worried wouldn't let him.

How do you go about finding out???

Never met a dog who likes water that can't swim. Yours seems to like it which is great! Fantastic exercise for him. Just let him go for it, and stop worrying :-)

Thank you!!  I know that I'm a bit of a worryier!!  Next time I'll let him go for it!!  :-)

We have taken Spice,b.c. now 7months,swimming a few times.She doesn't seem confident in the sea yet,I think it's the waves that worry her,but she paddles happily.
She adores the local canal and lakes though and jumps in no problem,swimming very well! I always make sure the area is free of weed or obstacles before we let her take the plunge and the first few times I took hubby along in case someone had to go in to rescue her :D
Jacqueline

I forget what breed Glazby is. But with the exception of a few breeds like Bull dogs and I don't know what else, most all dogs can swim instinctively. They don't need to be taught. Some are better swimmers than others and some need a little practice to figure out that if they level off, they're more streamlined. LOL. My GSD at first would be almost vertical in the water flailing around. Then he soon flattened out and did just fine. The first time I set my Chihuahuas in the water on a very hot day, I discovered that they were very good swimmers. They didn't exactly appreciate me doing that, but weren't afraid. They just sort of glared at me. But they cooled off. It was seriously hot at times last summer. LOL. And of course, my Lab is a beautiful swimmer. This summer, I'll try my Dobe, but they are notorious for not liking the water. Some do. So, I'll introduce it very gently so as not to worry him.

Carrie

Niether of my Dobes care that much about water, the male will go in and have a paddle, but Ellie has only started to get her feet wet and that was with much persuasion. The Lab loves it ,head under the water rooting out stones, Isometimes wonder if he is going to come up for breath.

Not all dogs swim naturally and some have to be taught and whilst swimming is excellent exercise it must be conducted in a safe area to avoid panic and accidents. I would always want to make sure that any water was safe for swimming before taking the plunge so to speak.

Like I said,  MOST  dogs can swim instinctively. Naturally, it's good to be careful.

Carrie

If I remember correctly Glazby is a Boxer?

Not all Boxers can/will swim. If they get out of their depth some will simply sink like a stone, no struggle, nothing. (I have seen this happen once). Keep him attached to a line until you are sure he can swim and is enjoying it.

Yes and I think a Bulldog will sink too and probably some others. You could get a doggie life jacket if he likes the water. It would keep him from sinking. I was suprised how my little Chi's swam so well the first time I stuck them in the water. They don't even have webbed feet, but leveled off and really moved right along beautifully.

Carrie

I work at a hydro pool for dogs ive met quite a few dogs that just didnt know how to swim if it hadnt been wearing there life jackets they prob would of sunk like a brick!
Just to name a few one was a boxer another an irish setter they were just floating on the water not moving there legs at all!

In the summer the children have a 15' swimming pool in the garden it's about 30" deep, I have hells work trying to keep my cocker spaniels out!  they love it, but then being gun dogs, I suppose they would! :-)

Thanks all - yes Glazby is a boxer.  He seems to like the water - we went down to the canal the other day and found a safe edge for him to get in and out which was only shallow.  He had great fun sticking his head under the water and snorting it all out again!!  He went in up to his chest but didn't go any further and we didn't push him too either - as long as he's happy where he is its fine by us!!

I will definitely put him on his long line next time and see if he fancies going any further out - I've checked the particular areas and they are free of weeds etc etc.  Infact its quite a popular doggy swimming spot!!

Thanks all again for your advice!!

We started Megan off at 12 weeks, she is a newfoundland and had started sitting in the old butler sink that I had in the garden as a water trough for the dogs, her  trick was then to race in the kitchen and shake, if you have a local water training club someone will swim her for you, after about 3 weeks at our club a lady offered me the use of a wet suit, at 47 and not haveing swam since at school I got my first wet suit and went in with her, now if we have a fun day I will take peoples dogs in for them, or get a large extending leash so if she has trouble you can haul her out, the newfoundland club will have a list of fundays, you do not have to have a newfoundland to take part

Well I'm off to our local water park in 3 hours time with Lydia and Anton to take them swimming with about another 5 Spanish Water Dogs.

I used to have a Pomeranian years ago and she used to love going swimming and she would go in and chomp away at the water she really loved it.

So I'll be back at about twoish soaking wet and fully of muddy paw marks, don't you just love them? :d