The pool is looking more and more inviting as the thermometer rises and the humidity returns. Besides our kids, we also have to practice pool safety with our dogs. Do you know how to keep your dog safe around the pool?
Does Your Dog Know How to Exit the Pool?
Dogs think the pool is just another lake or stream. They think that the way they entered is the way they should leave. If they came in from the side, they will return there and try to get out. If there are no stairs or swim-out, they will become stuck, tired, and might drown. Teach your dog how to exit the pool:
- Attach a long lead or rope to your dog’s collar.
- Gently place him in the water and guide him around the pool for a minute or two.
- Have someone near the stairs or swim-out call to him and guide him with the lead. Praise him when he comes to them and jumps out.
- Repeat this process as necessary with all the pool exits until he naturally goes to one to exit the pool.
Not All Dogs Can or Like to Swim:
If your dog wants to get in the water with you and appears eager to engage in your pool activities, it is up to you to encourage him and provide a safe and secure environment. Take the introduction slowly and safely to see what his level of activity in the pool might be. Some dogs are just “raft floaters” and some dogs will be out there “fetching and jumping”. Remember that whatever activity you allow your do to engage in the pool, you have given him the green light to always do that. If you don’t want him to be jumping on your guests when they are in the pool, do not allow him to do that to you. If your dog does not show an interest in the pool, even though he might be a “water dog”, do not force him. Some dogs just don’t like the water!
Keep Your Dog Safe While In the Pool:
Just like children, dogs can sometimes get over their heads while having a good time in the pool. Make sure that he doesn’t get in the middle of a big pool splashing fight. He might be pulled under the water and can drown very quickly. Get him out of the water if you see him becoming tired or disoriented. Never let him drink the chlorinated pool water. Always have a fresh, cool bowl of water ready for him at the edge of the pool. If he starts to get to frisky with children in the pool, have him get out immediately and spend some quiet time with you.
Doggie Etiquette Extends to the Pool Too:
The one thing you don’t want is a dog that goes crazy every time the family and friends get in the pool. You have to teach your dog that he can go in the pool when you allow him. If he jumps at the sliding glass door every time someone goes in the pool, direct him away from the window and calmly sit with you somewhere else in the house. Give him a bone or toy to redirect his focus from the pool. If you are outside and he runs for the pool, place a 6 foot leash on him, walk him around until he calms down, and then sit with him away from the pool until he looses focus and calms down. Let him loose and repeat, if necessary.
…Remember, like most things, a little common sense tends to do the trick!
The pool is looking more and more inviting as the thermometer rises and the humidity returns. Besides our kids, we also have to practice pool safety with our dogs. Do you know how to keep your dog safe around the pool?
Does Your Dog Know How to Exit the Pool?
Dogs think the pool is just another lake or stream. They think that the way they entered is the way they should leave. If they came in from the side, they will return there and try to get out. If there are no stairs or swim-out, they will become stuck, tired, and might drown. Teach your dog how to exit the pool:
- Attach a long lead or rope to your dog’s collar.
- Gently place him in the water and guide him around the pool for a minute or two.
- Have someone near the stairs or swim-out call to him and guide him with the lead. Praise him when he comes to them and jumps out.
- Repeat this process as necessary with all the pool exits until he naturally goes to one to exit the pool.
Not All Dogs Can or Like to Swim:
If your dog wants to get in the water with you and appears eager to engage in your pool activities, it is up to you to encourage him and provide a safe and secure environment. Take the introduction slowly and safely to see what his level of activity in the pool might be. Some dogs are just “raft floaters” and some dogs will be out there “fetching and jumping”. Remember that whatever activity you allow your do to engage in the pool, you have given him the green light to always do that. If you don’t want him to be jumping on your guests when they are in the pool, do not allow him to do that to you. If your dog does not show an interest in the pool, even though he might be a “water dog”, do not force him. Some dogs just don’t like the water!
Keep Your Dog Safe While In the Pool:
Just like children, dogs can sometimes get over their heads while having a good time in the pool. Make sure that he doesn’t get in the middle of a big pool splashing fight. He might be pulled under the water and can drown very quickly. Get him out of the water if you see him becoming tired or disoriented. Never let him drink the chlorinated pool water. Always have a fresh, cool bowl of water ready for him at the edge of the pool. If he starts to get to frisky with children in the pool, have him get out immediately and spend some quiet time with you.
Doggie Etiquette Extends to the Pool Too:
The one thing you don’t want is a dog that goes crazy every time the family and friends get in the pool. You have to teach your dog that he can go in the pool when you allow him. If he jumps at the sliding glass door every time someone goes in the pool, direct him away from the window and calmly sit with you somewhere else in the house. Give him a bone or toy to redirect his focus from the pool. If you are outside and he runs for the pool, place a 6 foot leash on him, walk him around until he calms down, and then sit with him away from the pool until he looses focus and calms down. Let him loose and repeat, if necessary.
…Remember, like most things, a little common sense tends to do the trick!
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