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How to Teach Your Dog to Swim in a Lake

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Best Swimming Aids for Dogs to Buy in October 2025

1 Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket, High-Buoyancy Dog Life Vest for Swimming, Boating, and Water Safety, Medium, Orange

Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket, High-Buoyancy Dog Life Vest for Swimming, Boating, and Water Safety, Medium, Orange

  • MAXIMUM FLOTATION ENSURES SAFETY FOR ALL CANINE SWIMMERS.
  • ADJUSTABLE FIT WITH QUICK-RELEASE BUCKLES FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT.
  • BRIGHT COLOR & REFLECTIVE TRIM ENHANCE VISIBILITY IN LOW LIGHT.
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$20.99 $22.49
Save 7%
Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket, High-Buoyancy Dog Life Vest for Swimming, Boating, and Water Safety, Medium, Orange
2 Barkbox Dog Bathrobe Fast Drying with Hook and Loop Closure & Wrap Tie Snuggle, Cute Dogs Clothes, Easy to Clean, Machine Washable, Dog Coats and Tumble Dry Low - Rubber Duck, Large

Barkbox Dog Bathrobe Fast Drying with Hook and Loop Closure & Wrap Tie Snuggle, Cute Dogs Clothes, Easy to Clean, Machine Washable, Dog Coats and Tumble Dry Low - Rubber Duck, Large

  • QUICK-DRYING COMFORT: KEEP YOUR DOG COZY AND DRY POST-BATH!

  • SECURE FIT: ADJUSTABLE HOOK AND LOOP CLOSURE FOR ALL DOG SIZES.

  • EASY CARE: MACHINE WASHABLE FOR HASSLE-FREE MAINTENANCE.

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$25.49
Barkbox Dog Bathrobe Fast Drying with Hook and Loop Closure & Wrap Tie Snuggle, Cute Dogs Clothes, Easy to Clean, Machine Washable, Dog Coats and Tumble Dry Low - Rubber Duck, Large
3 Vivifying Floating Long Dog Leash, 20ft Dog Training Leash for Swimming and Lake, Reflective Long Rope Lead with Soft Handle for Outside, Yard, Camping, Hiking and Beach (Green)

Vivifying Floating Long Dog Leash, 20ft Dog Training Leash for Swimming and Lake, Reflective Long Rope Lead with Soft Handle for Outside, Yard, Camping, Hiking and Beach (Green)

  • MAXIMIZE FREEDOM: 20 FT LEASH IDEAL FOR TRAINING AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.

  • SAFETY FIRST: HIGH REFLECTIVE THREADS KEEP YOU VISIBLE DURING NIGHT WALKS.

  • COMFORT AND DURABILITY: SOFT PADDED HANDLE AND 360° ROTATING CLASP INCLUDED.

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$9.99 $11.99
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Vivifying Floating Long Dog Leash, 20ft Dog Training Leash for Swimming and Lake, Reflective Long Rope Lead with Soft Handle for Outside, Yard, Camping, Hiking and Beach (Green)
4 SZEE Floating Long Dog Leash, 30ft Dog Training Leash for Walking, Playing, Hunting and Swimming, for Medium & Small Pooch, Dual-Purposes (for Both Floating and Regular Training) - Orange

SZEE Floating Long Dog Leash, 30ft Dog Training Leash for Walking, Playing, Hunting and Swimming, for Medium & Small Pooch, Dual-Purposes (for Both Floating and Regular Training) - Orange

  • PERFECT 30FT LEASH FOR TRAINING: BALANCE OF STRENGTH, SAFETY, AND FREEDOM.

  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND BUOYANT FOR VERSATILE OUTDOOR USES: HIKES, BEACH, TRAINING.

  • BRIGHT COLOR ENHANCES VISIBILITY AND DRAWS DOGS’ INTEREST FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING.

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$6.99 $7.99
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SZEE Floating Long Dog Leash, 30ft Dog Training Leash for Walking, Playing, Hunting and Swimming, for Medium & Small Pooch, Dual-Purposes (for Both Floating and Regular Training) - Orange
5 lesotc Portable Dog Travel Water Bottle, 77oz Large Travel Water Bowl for Dogs Camping Hiking Beach Hunting Essentials, Big Pet Bottles Bowl Water Dispenser for On The Go Park Car Walking Accessories

lesotc Portable Dog Travel Water Bottle, 77oz Large Travel Water Bowl for Dogs Camping Hiking Beach Hunting Essentials, Big Pet Bottles Bowl Water Dispenser for On The Go Park Car Walking Accessories

  • 77 OZ CAPACITY: KEEPS YOUR DOG HYDRATED ON ALL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!
  • USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: DISPENSES WATER EASILY WITHOUT EXTRA BOWLS!
  • LEAK-PROOF & PORTABLE: TRAVEL MESS-FREE WITH CONVENIENT CARRYING OPTIONS!
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$29.99
lesotc Portable Dog Travel Water Bottle, 77oz Large Travel Water Bowl for Dogs Camping Hiking Beach Hunting Essentials, Big Pet Bottles Bowl Water Dispenser for On The Go Park Car Walking Accessories
6 EMUST Dog Life Jacket, Ripstop Dog Lifesaver Vests with Rescue Handle for Small Medium and Large Dogs, Pet Safety Swimsuit Preserver for Swimming Pool Beach Boating (XS,Pool Blue)

EMUST Dog Life Jacket, Ripstop Dog Lifesaver Vests with Rescue Handle for Small Medium and Large Dogs, Pet Safety Swimsuit Preserver for Swimming Pool Beach Boating (XS,Pool Blue)

  • DURABLE, QUICK-DRYING MATERIAL FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT AND SAFETY.

  • AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES, PERFECT FIT FOR EVERY DOG BREED.

  • STYLISH SHARK DESIGN & RESCUE HANDLE FOR SAFETY AND FUN!

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$16.19 $19.59
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EMUST Dog Life Jacket, Ripstop Dog Lifesaver Vests with Rescue Handle for Small Medium and Large Dogs, Pet Safety Swimsuit Preserver for Swimming Pool Beach Boating (XS,Pool Blue)
7 Dogcheer Dog Life Jacket, Cute Shark Dog Life Vest for Swimming Boating with Superior Buoyancy and Rescue Handle, Adjustable Puppy Floating Swim Vest for Small Medium Large Dogs(Pool Blue,XS)

Dogcheer Dog Life Jacket, Cute Shark Dog Life Vest for Swimming Boating with Superior Buoyancy and Rescue Handle, Adjustable Puppy Floating Swim Vest for Small Medium Large Dogs(Pool Blue,XS)

  • CHARMING SHARK DESIGN: DRESS YOUR DOG AS A CUTE SHARK FOR FUN ADVENTURES!
  • SAFETY FIRST: EXCELLENT BUOYANCY KEEPS YOUR PUP AFLOAT DURING WATER PLAY.
  • EASY LIFT HANDLE: QUICK RESCUE AND SUPPORT FOR NOVICE SWIMMERS!
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$25.51 $26.99
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Dogcheer Dog Life Jacket, Cute Shark Dog Life Vest for Swimming Boating with Superior Buoyancy and Rescue Handle, Adjustable Puppy Floating Swim Vest for Small Medium Large Dogs(Pool Blue,XS)
8 VIVAGLORY Front Float Dog Life Vest, Dog Life Jacket for Swimming & Boating, Swimming Vest with Chin Float & Handle, Ripstop & Buoyancy for Puppy Doggy, XXS, Bright Yellow

VIVAGLORY Front Float Dog Life Vest, Dog Life Jacket for Swimming & Boating, Swimming Vest with Chin Float & Handle, Ripstop & Buoyancy for Puppy Doggy, XXS, Bright Yellow

  • GENTLE NECK SUPPORT: REMOVABLE FLOAT BOOSTS COMFORT FOR NEW SWIMMERS.
  • HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY: REFLECTIVE TRIMS ENSURE YOUR DOG IS ALWAYS SEEN.
  • SUPERIOR BUOYANCY: 50% MORE BUOYANCY FOR STABILITY IN ANY WATER CONDITION.
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$11.99 $15.99
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VIVAGLORY Front Float Dog Life Vest, Dog Life Jacket for Swimming & Boating, Swimming Vest with Chin Float & Handle, Ripstop & Buoyancy for Puppy Doggy, XXS, Bright Yellow
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Teaching your dog to swim in a lake can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to teach your dog to swim in a lake:

  • Choose a calm and shallow lake: Find a lake with a gentle slope and a calm environment. This will help your dog feel more comfortable and confident while learning to swim. Avoid lakes with strong currents, deep areas, or excessive boat traffic.
  • Introduce your dog to water gradually: Start by introducing your dog to water in a controlled environment, such as a kiddie pool or shallow area near the lake. Use positive reinforcement, treats, and toys to create positive associations with water. Allow your dog to explore the water at their own pace.
  • Use a flotation device: Invest in a dog-specific flotation device or life jacket. This will help your dog stay buoyant and feel more secure as they start swimming in the lake. Ensure that the flotation device fits properly and is comfortable for your dog.
  • Enter the water together: Once your dog feels more comfortable in the shallow area, enter the lake together. Walk slowly and gently into the water, encouraging your dog to follow you. Offer reassurance and praise to keep them calm and motivated.
  • Support your dog's body: As your dog starts swimming, offer physical support by placing your hands under their chest and hind end. This will help them feel more confident and keep their body aligned in the water. Be patient and allow your dog to paddle and kick their legs naturally.
  • Encourage swimming with positive reinforcement: Use praise, treats, and verbal cues such as "good swim" or "good job" to encourage your dog while they are swimming. This positive reinforcement will help them associate swimming with something enjoyable.
  • Gradually increase the distance: Start with short distances and gradually increase the distance your dog swims. This will build their endurance and confidence in the water. Remember to take breaks and provide plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
  • Supervise at all times: Always supervise your dog while they are swimming in the lake. Even if your dog becomes a proficient swimmer, unforeseen circumstances can still occur, such as fatigue or changing water conditions. Be prepared to assist if needed.
  • Have fun and make it a positive experience: Make the entire swimming process enjoyable for your dog by incorporating games, toys, and playtime while in the lake. This will help create positive associations with water and reinforce their swimming skills.

Remember that not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some may be hesitant or fearful of the water. Be patient, understanding, and give your dog time to adjust to this new experience. If your dog consistently shows signs of distress or discomfort, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.