Dear Miss Behavin’:
We’re headed to Lake Tahoe this summer and taking our bulldog, Mimi, for the first time. She loves the water, but how do we know if she can swim?
“Test the waters”, as they say, (pun intended) is the only way to go when taking your dog for her first swim.
Since bulldogs (and other densely muscular breeds) aren’t built for swimming, you’ll want to get Mimi her very own PFD (personal flotation device). Doggy life vests are designed to keep their body afloat but still allow a dog to enjoy swimming activities. It should be well fitted for optimal performance so make sure it fits before she dips.
You’ll also want to have a long-line or 30 foot flat leash so Mimi can venture out and swim (should she choose to do so) but still be under your control. Even if she has excellent recall on land, there’s no guarantee that she won’t try swimming to a boat or bird in the distance.
Once you make it to the lake, a shallow beach or shore is ideal. “Sink or swim” is not the approach. The best place to go might be a designated dog beach so do your research or get recommendations ahead of time. Watch out for sharp surfaces under the water and avoid getting her into the water where it might be difficult to get out (a rocky or steep shore for example).
If she takes to swimming (don’t force it!), be sure to supervise her at all times. She should be able to comfortably keep her head above water. Swimming can be a rigorous activity so give her plenty of breaks to avoid over-exertion and over-heating. This is especially true for dogs that do not exercise or play regularly.
If it turns out that she doesn’t want to swim, don’t be discouraged. There’s just as much fun to be had on the shoreline. You can kick back, enjoy the lake, and soak your toes together.