| Most dogs grow up enjoying water activities, | | | | consider the climate of your location. Just like people, |
| whether it's a simple bath with the backyard hose or | | | | dogs are also vulnerable to developing health |
| a dip in the family pool with the kids during summer. | | | | problems when exposed to extremely cold water. |
| However, introducing a puppy to the water for the | | | | This won't be much of a concern if you live in a |
| first time can be a rather sensitive event. Some | | | | warm tropical environment, where it is safe to take |
| people believe that throwing the puppy into a pool is | | | | your puppy for a swim even in January. |
| the best way to do water dog training, but this can | | | | However, if you live in colder places, it would be |
| actually give the puppy more trauma rather than | | | | wiser if you wait for the summer months before |
| enjoyment. It is actually much better to take a more | | | | getting your puppy started on water dog training. It |
| gradual approach and introduce your pup to water in | | | | doesn't matter if your puppy reaches his eighth |
| stages. | | | | week in October; exposing him to the cold autumn |
| Most dog training experts recommend introducing a | | | | water is a definite no-no. It won't hurt to wait a few |
| puppy to water only when he is at least two months | | | | more months until summer arrives, during which he |
| old. Younger dogs simply do not have the physical | | | | will actually be a lot stronger and might actually enjoy |
| capabilities to handle being in water since the bones | | | | his first swimming experience much more. |
| and muscles have not yet fully developed before this | | | | You can also reduce any anxiety or nervousness |
| age. Some breeds of dogs will learn to swim faster | | | | your puppy might feel if there is another dog with |
| than others, but even they should not be started on | | | | him in the water to show them what to do. If you |
| water dog training too early. This will not only result in | | | | have another dog that is already adept at swimming, |
| serious physical injuries but may trigger a permanent | | | | you can definitely take him along. This will not only |
| fear of water as well. | | | | make the activity more fun for your puppy, but it will |
| Before you think about getting your dog started on | | | | also give him a role model to emulate, making it |
| water dog training for the first time, you should first | | | | faster for him to master the art of swimming. |