when is the right age for a pup to go swimming??

[mikbik]

does swimming on beach really beneficial on them? what age, or week of pup should i start to swim. mine is 13 week.

[rottcrazed]

If you have free access to clean water, go as often as you like, but make sure you have control when puppy is young (keep him on a leash). That way you have a handle incase he gets in trouble.

I have a lifevest for my girl that swims, just in case.

Kristi

[Ann Felske-Jackman]

I'm with Kristi. If the weather's right, it's never too early to introduce them to water as long as you're right there with them.

[LynnS]

I think Bella jumped into my friends swimming pool when she was about 12 weeks old Of course she was supervised but I don't think I encouraged her at all...

[Trace]

Our first girl, Basia, was in the pool/lake/ocean from the day we brought her home. We couldn't keep her out of any body of water large enough to hold her. It's great excercise and we had lots of fun with floating toys.

[hankisgood]

Based on an earlier response I think I have my answer, but its cool to let them swim with a leash on?

I have a 16 foot retractable leash and I've been avoiding letting him get past wading in the river becuase I thought he might get tangled in the leash.

[mikbik]

thanks for the reply. but what is the main benefits my dog will get in swimming? could it prevents hip dyplsia? would it boost the muscular look?

[LadyEvil2172]

Mine love swimming. I can't get them out of the lake when we go on vacation. It is great exercise for them that isn't too hard on their joints.

[damp]

Originally Posted by mikbik

but what is the main benefits my dog will get in swimming?

It's fun and swimming/water should be a part of puppy socilization IMO.
Swimming is good exercise with no risk for injuries, it's good for recovery after injuries, it's good on a hot summerday.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Julius was in the water at 9 weeks of age. Our friends own a boarding kennel with an indoor pool for the dogs. It was a great way to introduce him to something new & he loved it. We did keep at 12 ft. leash on him for control. I didn't want him to swimming out into the deeper area & then having some problems.

He now loves the water & we make it an almost daily occurance to go swimming in the summer. It's a wonderful no-impact exercise! :)

[Dimitri]

my dog loves jumping into the shower with me :) however he hates it when i give him a bath *shrugs*

[BostonRott]

I would never swim a dog with a leash on. If it gets caught in something, you've got big problems. As to a flexi, the water will rust the insides and one day your dog is going to pull and suddenly be free.