Introducing your dog to the water can be a real adventure in itself! Here’s everything I did to make sure that Trace had the best possible experience adjusting to the water and my love of aquatic adventures.
Start Training Regularly
Training for the water should start on dry land! Before you even consider introducing your dog to the water, you should develop a training routine. Make sure that your dog knows what you are expecting of him, and make sure you know what you’re expecting of them! If you haven’t taught them to sit yet, then they’re probably not going to understand more complicated tricks.
Take it Slow
Never push your dog to do anything they don’t want to do! Make sure that they are comfortable the entire time you introduce them to something new. Keeping it positive can really help them develop a good relationship with whatever you’re introducing them to.
Make it Rewarding!
Find something that motivates your dog and use it to keep them interested. Trace is completely and utterly food motivated so that’s what I use to get him on board! If that doesn’t work for you, try a favorite toy, or some affection!
Play it Safe
Make sure that you’re keeping your dog safe in the water! Trace is pretty heavy, and I doubt he can swim very well with only one arm, so I made sure to buy him a life jacket before introducing him to the water.
Life Jackets
If you’re unsure about if your dog needs a life jacket, er on the side of caution! It’s better to have one and not need one then to have to save your dog. Life jackets are also pretty handy for spotting your dog while swimming and getting them out of the water when you’re done. I would keep them leashed while swimming as well, so that you can keep tabs on them at all times!
When buying a life jacket for your pup, check the size! A big life jacket will do absolutely nothing to save your dog in a pinch. Make sure that it fits around the chest and neck (snug, but not tight!) so that it keeps their head above water without making it hard for them to breathe. Additionally, make sure that its long enough in the back, and snug around their mid-section. Finally, make sure that the color of the vest is visible enough for you, like the neon yellow one I got for Trace!
Keep it Short
Dogs have even shorter attention spans that humans do, so make sure that you’re breaking it up into manageable parts. If you notice your dog’s attention starting to wander, consider taking a break. If their attention never comes back, call it a day. Take the progress you’ve made and reward your pup for what they have accomplished.
Build on Previous Progress
If you have a long-term goal in mind (like paddleboarding for me and Trace) then build off of what you have. Lots of small sessions can build up to big progress!
Hopefully this helps you and your pup find a love of the water!
Trailblaze on!
— Kaya, Trace, and Skully
Trailblazing Unleashed 
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