Anyone who owns a German Shepherd would likely tell you they love to swim; however, they werent bred to be swimmers.
In fact, they arent naturally attuned to the water like other breeds.
They are athletic, and that allows them to excel at activities they werent necessarily meant to do naturally, like swimming.
German Shepherd Athletic Built Makes Them Great Swimmers
Most people take their shepherds to swim, and they gladly jump in.
They may need to be coaxed more than other breeds. However, their athletic breeding allows them swim well and may even allow them to enjoy the water.
There are many factors that influence their taste in water. It may also depend on who they are.
There are steps owners can take to make sure their German Shepherds swim confidently and even love the water.
- Bathe them in the tub at early ages
- Avoid scaring them with water
- Ensure theyre exposed to open water
- Stay with them when introducing water and swimming activities
The German Shepherd is a strong dog that can swim well. It’s safe to assume that most Shepherds can swim, if necessary.
It is up to the owner, however, to ensure that they introduce swimming to their pet safely and calmly in order to get the best results.
Taking Your German Shepherd Swimming Keep This In Mind
Scaring your German Shepherd is something you should avoid.
If you calmly and slowly expose them to water early in their lives, most likely, theyll love the water and enjoy swimming with their owner or other dogs.
Dont throw your dog into the water. This will traumatize the dog in some cases, and they wont want to get back into the water.
Be patient and slow with them, and give lots of reassurance. Dont force them to go in if you can tell they are terrified.
Its best to also closely monitor young puppies for trouble swimming or in case they find themselves in a difficult situation. Being close to them will also increase confidence and make the process easier.
Past Experiences
Your German Shepherds past experiences with water are a huge determining factor as to whether they like to swim or not.
If they live elsewhere earlier in life (i.e., They came from the shelter or rescue), they might have fear associated with an unpleasant experience.
They may have fallen into a body of water or some similar event that makes them fearful.
You can work with them patiently to slowly determine if they will adjust. This may require patience and a lot of time for both sides.
You should keep in mind that they might not enjoy swimming but can be taught how to do it if they feel the need.
German Shepherds can naturally swim but may have more trouble if theyre fearful when the need arises.
Different Types Of Water
Your German Shepherd may be exposed to water in different forms. This can include both salt and freshwater.
- Open water (salt)
- Open water (fresh)
- River
- Bayou
- Pond
Different water types may present unique challenges and owners should consider these issues before allowing their German Shepherds to drink the water.
The Dangers Of Salt Water
Although they can swim in saltwater, keep in mind that this breed usually swallows some of the water they swim in, so its best to limit saltwater swim sessions.
Try to limit lengthy water exposure to clean fresh water.
Saltwater ingestion can lead to vomiting and create dehydration. Dogs who swim in open water at the sea or ocean have to be aware of strong currents and waves.
This water action can make swimming more challenging and may get them into trouble. Always watch German Shepherds while they swim in salt water and make sure to keep them out of rough seas.
Brackish Water
Brackish water is a mixture of saltwater, freshwater. Because it is fed from both saltwater and freshwater, the salinity of brackish water may fluctuate. The salinity of brackish water can rise as much as open saltwater when there are high tides or storm surges.
It is important to understand how salty the water in a brackish body.
Try to avoid the water when its particularly salty because it can pose a danger to your German Shepherd. You should aim to find water that is fresh and fed from local rivers or lakes.
Noting that brackish water may contain many species of animals not found in pure freshwater is also important.
This water is home to alligators and snakes and sharks such as the bull shark, which can survive in both fresh and saltwater. Prime places to avoid include the bayou or small marsh areas with diverse wildlife.
Rivers
Although rivers may sound like the perfect place for your German Shepherd to swim, be aware of the dangers that they can pose.
- Large, slippery rocks
- Rapids
- Swift Currents
- Holes
If you decide to take your German Shepherd to the river, be sure to take precautions and watch them closely. Avoid areas with fast-flowing water or rapids.
Avoid areas that have large rocks or water depths. Dogs can get their paws stuck under rocks or in holes. They may also get swept away by fast-moving water.
If you choose to bring your dog to the river, make sure it is a gentle area with even surfaces and a small width from bank to bank. This is also true of creeks.
Creeks can have rapids and feature large rocks that can cause injury or trap them by dislodging and rolling on their feet.
Lakes And Ponds
Your German Shepherd can swim in lakes and ponds. They are usually not surrounded by strong currents, don’t have much wildlife and don’t have saltwater.
They usually have smooth embankments and fewer rocks and debris that cause problems.
The water temperature is ideal all year round, which can make the experience more enjoyable for both the owner as well as the shepherd.
Swimming Lessons For Your German Shepherd
Although German Shepherds arent naturally born swimmers, they are trainable and may take to the water like other web-footed breeds. To begin training, you will need to find a body of still water.
Practice in an area that is quiet and free of distractions, such as other dogs or wildlife.
Youll want to do this in a portion of water that is shallow and clean. Dont forget to reward them for positive progress.
Slowly lead your German Shepherd into the water. Let them get their feet wet. Sit with them while they inspect the water and get used to the feeling. You can then coax them into the water.
To ensure your dog feels secure in the water, you should be there with them. You can also help them with any discomfort.
Pay attention to watch for your dog’s swimming movements. Encourage your dog to do this.
Making Progress
After your German Shepherd is able to swim and has no problems with their feet, you can move on to other types. However, there are some things you should be aware of. Avoid using saltwater pools and don’t overuse chemicals in your pool when training your dog.
Once you introduce water sufficiently, you can move on to more water types.
You can take them to a gentle stream or slow-moving river with low banks.
If you are going to take them to the beach with you, make sure they have someone to help them.
They should limit how long they spend in the water. Never allow them to swim in deep waters or in high waves.
