German shepherds are a breed with a reputation for being sporty. They are, after all, the first pick for the K9 police force. However, just because they are athletic does not imply, they are natural at moving through water.
Yes, German shepherds can swim in general. Despite the fact that they were not expressly developed to swim, this breed can generally swim very well. When they’re not on land, their innate energy and agility provide them with an advantage. However, with all said, this breed does not always enjoy the water and can even appear to be terrified of it.
Continue reading to find out if a German shepherd can swim, how to train your German Shepherd to swim, the benefits of allowing your German Shepherd to swim, where it’s safest to let your German Shepherd swim and more.
Do German Shepherds Swim?
German Shepherds can swim, but since they are not natural water dogs, will need to be taught most of the time. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that may be able to pick up some of the basics on their own. German Shepherds may become good swimmers with enough instruction and practice.
German Shepherds can swim well enough to stay afloat and maybe reach dry land when it comes down to it. Swimming for a German Shepherd should also contain only a small amount of water consumption. Instead of having an inherent aptitude, most of these abilities must be taught and developed.
Overall, since swimming is not a natural experience for a German Shepherd dog, it is usually best to supervise.
Is it possible for a German Shepherd to Swim Safely?
German shepherds, like other dogs, should be able to swim intuitively. That’s fortunate because we wouldn’t be able to teach them procedures otherwise.
When it comes to exposing your German Shepherd to water, you should always assume that they won’t be able to swim. It’s crucial not to put them in any huge body of water until they’ve demonstrated that they can swim. Until you teach them, that is.
However, you can be confident that your German Shepherd has the ability to swim as long as they don’t have any serious muscular or bone health issues.
Do German Shepherds Enjoy Swimming?
Despite the fact that many dogs adore water, many others are terrified of it. Although German shepherds aren’t renowned for being fearful of water, there’s a chance yours doesn’t like it or is even scared of it. On the other hand, a German shepherd has a naturally brave demeanor and is less likely to be afraid of water.
Initially, German Shepherds were developed for herding and other land-based tasks. The German Shepherd, unlike aquatic breeds like the Retriever, does not have a natural fondness for water. This, however, may rapidly alter once kids discover how much fun swimming can be.
Treats are also crucial for providing your dog with a happy water experience. When your German Shepherd interacts with water, encouraging and praising them might help to improve their attitude toward it.
What If My German Shepherd Isn’t a Swimming Fan?
Despite the fact that most German Shepherds are natural swimmers, some dogs do not immediately adapt to the water. Unfortunately, your Shepherd might be that dog. To overcome your dog’s fear of water, you should first try to figure out why they don’t like to swim.
Has your German Shepherd ever had a horrible encounter with water? Is your dog suffering from a medical ailment that prevents them from swimming? Is it common for your dog to need some time to adjust to new situations? It will be much easier for you to teach your dog to like swimming if you can get to the source of the problem.
What is the Best Way to Teach a German Shepherd to Swim?
Both humans and dogs should prioritize learning to swim in a safe setting. We don’t just throw youngsters into swimming pools and hope for the best. Learning to swim with your dog is a vital aspect of their lives. If done incorrectly, dogs, like children, may develop a phobia of water. However, your German Shepherd may grow to like splashing about if done correctly.
Some German shepherds are more adept at swimming than others. If yours is more hesitant, have a cheerful attitude and let them go at their own rate. Keep the awards coming, and they’ll come around eventually.
Once your dog’s feet are wet, start shallow. Before going swimming, make sure your dog isn’t afraid of water. A shallow pool or pond up to their chest level is a great place to start. Once they’ve become acclimated to being in the water, you may take them to a deeper area where they can properly swim.
Make sure you also have plenty of snacks on hand to reward your German Shepherd along the journey. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching your German Shepherd to swim. It is entirely dependent on your dog’s personality. Some may instinctively leap in and begin paddling, while others will be terrified. Just keep in mind that this may take some time, and you should never push them.
Are German Shepherds Made for Water?
German Shepherds can be great swimmers due to their innate agility and fearlessness, but they are not natural-born swimmers like retrievers or other water dogs.
The physical build of a German Shepherd, on the other hand, will help them become proficient swimmers. Swimming will be considerably simpler for German Shepherds due to their strong, muscular legs. Their huge snouts will also help them swim by keeping their heads above water, which will allow them to breathe more freely.
So, even if German Shepherds aren’t bred to swim, they may learn to swim and thrive in the water.
Are There Any Benefits to Letting Your German Shepherd Swim?
Swimming has a lot of benefits for German Shepherds, even if they aren’t naturally accustomed to water-based sports. Swimming gives your German Shepherd an excellent full-body workout, which is one of the most significant advantages.
German Shepherds are high-energy canines who require around 2 hours of daily exercise. Swimming is a terrific alternative to walking, running, and hiking since your dog does not need to be leashed. It’s especially good when the weather is really hot since being in the water allows your dog to cool off.
Swimming is not only a fantastic workout, but it also has a lower impact than most other forms of exercise. That’s fantastic news for a breed like the German Shepherd, which is prone to hip dysplasia and other joint disorders.
When Is It Advisable Not to Allow Your German Shepherd to Swim?
Swimming is a low-impact activity, but it should be avoided if your German Shepherd has any injuries or health issues. Hip dysplasia, Degenerative disc disease, Degenerative myelopathy, Elbow Dysplasia, Arthritis, and Epilepsy are all common injuries or health concerns that may hinder your German Shepherd from swimming.
On the other hand, swimming can be beneficial for increasing strength under the correct circumstances. Hydrotherapy is a type of physical therapy that can be beneficial for dogs. Nonetheless, we recommend that you always seek your local veterinarian’s advice and knowledge.
Can a German Shepherd Safely Swim in the Ocean?
Unless they are enormous lakes, lakes and ponds seldom offer any problems. On the other hand, the ocean might be a different storey due to the salinity and unpredictability. Although a German shepherd can swim in the sea, we highly advise against it. Not only are the waves frightening, but too much time in the ocean can cause your dog to get salt poisoned.
It should be acceptable to play fetch with your German Shepherd down the beach. Just make sure they’re aware that they shouldn’t drink any ocean water. Their instincts should take care of things, but just in case, carry some fresh water with you to keep your dogs hydrated.
Can a German Shepherd Swim Safely in a Swimming Pool?
One of the advantages of having a swimming pool is keeping a close eye on your dog when they swim. However, there is a disadvantage. If your pool is chlorinated, it will deplete your dog’s natural oils, resulting in dry, itchy skin. However, there are techniques to make your dog’s coat pool-proof so they can enjoy a calm swim.
If you wish to let your German Shepherd swim in your pool, use a canine conditioner on their coat first. This can help to keep moisture in the fur. After that, give it a good rinse. It is possible to reduce the effects of chlorinated water by removing it from their coat. Also, don’t forget to dry your Shepherd’s ears.
Final Thoughts
At first, not all German Shepherds enjoy being in the water, and most are not natural swimmers. Swimming, on the other hand, provides several advantages for German Shepherds. If your dog is afraid of water, gradually introduce them to it, but don’t force them since this can just make their phobia worse.