Indoor Swimming for 6 mo old

[djfm]

I was wondering if adding some swimming sessions to a puppy's walks around the neighborhood, weekend romps in the park, playtime in the house and weekly classes would be a good idea for a 6 month old.

His physical condition will first be checked out by the facility's vet and then a "fitness instructor" will then recommend a routine. Assuming they both agree he is physically capable, each session will only last for a few minutes in the beginning. It will then max out eventually to only a 20 min swim per session. A person will be in the pool with him and a life vest will also be used.

My puppy is not overweight, or lazy. My main purpose is for him to have another fun indoor activity (that has a low impact on his growing bones) to do since the cold weather is still here. If stress becomes a factor, I know he isn't having fun swimming and can have him run around the facility's agility course instead. Also, if chlorinated water is used in the pool, and will affect the color of his coat, it will also make me look at other options. His breeder did say "although I've never started a regular exercise program with one so young, I don't see how it could hurt as long as he doesn't get too stressed and enjoys it."

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I wish there was a pool like that in my area. I think swimming is great for them...so my boys just swim in the ponds, rivers, and lakes in the suumertime.

Originally Posted by djfm

I was wondering if adding some swimming sessions to a puppy's walks around the neighborhood, weekend romps in the park, playtime in the house and weekly classes would be a good idea for a 6 month old.

His physical condition will first be checked out by the facility's vet and then a "fitness instructor" will then recommend a routine. Assuming they both agree he is physically capable, each session will only last for a few minutes in the beginning. It will then max out eventually to only a 20 min swim per session. A person will be in the pool with him and a life vest will also be used.

My puppy is not overweight, or lazy. My main purpose is for him to have another fun indoor activity (that has a low impact on his growing bones) to do since the cold weather is still here. If stress becomes a factor, I know he isn't having fun swimming and can have him run around the facility's agility course instead. Also, if chlorinated water is used in the pool, and will affect the color of his coat, it will also make me look at other options. His breeder did say "although I've never started a regular exercise program with one so young, I don't see how it could hurt as long as he doesn't get too stressed and enjoys it."