Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Dogs Vets
Just like humans, some dogs are more comfortable swimming in water than others. One reason could be that some dog breeds were bred to work in the water. However, you can teach almost any dog to have a more positive attitude toward water.
What is a Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle is a mixed-breed dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever with the Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. The term first appeared in 1955 but was not popular initially. Labradoodles are considered a good choice for people with allergies to dog hair, as some have the same hypoallergenic coat as their Poodle ancestors.
Wally Conron of Australia was credited with naming the Labradoodle in 1989. The Australian Labradoodle Association of America, an organization run by Labradoodle breeders, says that they are “generally considered healthy dogs.” However, they also state that hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems affecting Labradoodles.
Labradoodles Origin
- Country: Australia
- Background: Labrador Retriever, Poodle
- Variety Status: Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club.
- Traits: Life span 12-16 years
Do Labradoodles Like Baths?
Although Labradoodles have a variety of coat types, they do not require frequent bathing, as dirt and mud will likely fall off their coat without bathing.
Having a Labradoodle that likes water can have several advantages. Swimming and playing in the water is a gentle form of exercise, and it’s great to cool off in the water on a hot day.
Most Labradoodles love the water, and playing in the water can be a great way to exercise your Labradoodle.
Can Labradoodles Swim?
Yes, Labradoodles are excellent swimmers and will usually dive into the water naturally if introduced as puppies. However, there are always exceptions. If your Labradoodle shows no interest in playing in the water, don’t force it.
What Makes the Labradoodle a Good Swimmer?
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Both breeds were originally bred to be water dogs and are good swimmers.
- Poodles: Developed as “duck dogs,” Poodles were used to retrieve ducks shot from the water and bring them to the hunter. The Poodle’s show coat was originally for a purpose: to help reduce the weight of water-absorbing fur while protecting joints and organs from freezing water.
- Labrador Retrievers: Also bred as “duck dogs,” Labrador Retrievers were friends of fishermen. Their tails function as strong rudders, making this breed excellent swimmers.
Since the Labradoodle is a mix of two water-loving breeds, it makes sense that the Labradoodle would also love the water and be a great swimmer.
How to Teach Your Labradoodle to Swim
Not all Labradoodles will automatically love playing in the water. Here are a few steps you can take to change this. It really comes down to how you socialize your puppy to the water. Playing in the water should be positive and safe.
Tips for Teaching Your Labradoodle to Swim
- Get the Proper Equipment: Life jackets for dogs provide flotation if your Labradoodle gets tired of swimming. It also helps contribute to a positive swimming experience since his head will always be above water.
- Get Your Labradoodle Used to the Water: Your dog must know how to get in and out of the water to learn how to swim. Most Labradoodles will not simply jump into the water until they know how to get out of it.
- Make Sure Your Labradoodle Does Not Get Tired of Swimming: Ensure your dog has a good swimming experience, meaning they should not strain to swim and should not get too tired.
Teach Your Labradoodle to Swim Slowly
- Sandy Beach: A flat beach with easy access to the water is preferable. Avoid big hills and lots of rocks.
- Treats and Toys: Let your dog play along the water’s edge. If he likes toys, bring a toy that floats. If he prefers treats, get treats that float. Gradually throw toys or treats further into the water.
Learning the Technique
At first, the Labradoodle may splash a lot, using its front paws on the water’s surface. The dog may seem scared but will usually calm down and find it easier to swim with its front paws below the water surface once it discovers that it floats.
Join the Dog in the Water
- Life Jacket: Put a life jacket on your dog and join him in the water. Hold him by the handle on the back of the life jacket to give him a sense of security.
- Experienced Dogs as Teachers: Let your unsure dog play with an experienced water dog. The unsure dog will likely follow the experienced dog’s behavior.
Getting Your Labradoodle to Enjoy Water and Swimming
Some Labradoodles won’t automatically love playing in the water. But there are a few steps you can take to change this. It really comes down to how you socialize your puppy to the water. As with all socialization experiences, playing in the water should be positive and safe.
14 Tips to Teach a Labradoodle how to Swim
- Get the Proper Equipment: Life jackets for dogs are extremely common and provide flotation for your Labradoodle if he gets tired of swimming. It also helps contribute to a positive swimming experience since his head will always be above water.
- Start Early: When teaching a dog to swim, it is best to start a puppy when they are young (around 12 weeks and older).
- Start with a Small Body of Water: Giving them just a few inches of water in a kiddie pool is an excellent first introduction – even if the puppy doesn’t need to swim at first and can just splash around in the water, that’s great! Be sure to make it fun for the puppy.
- Start in the Shallow End: The best way to get your dog to swim is to stand in the shallow end of the water and encourage him to “come” to you. If that doesn’t work, try playing a fetch game in the shallow end using your favorite Labradoodle toy. Labradoodles love fetch!
- Learning the Technique: At first, when the Labradoodle is learning to swim, there may be a lot of splashing, as the dog will mainly use its front paws on the surface of the water. The dog may seem a little scared, but as soon as it discovers that it actually floats, it usually calms down and discovers that it is easier to swim with its front paws below the surface of the water.
- Get Your Labradoodle Used to the Water: Your dog must know how to get in and out of the water to know how to swim. Most Labradoodles will not simply jump into the water until they know how to get out of it.
- Join the Dog in the Water: If you want to help the dog realize that he will float when he is in the water, you can put a life jacket on him to start with. And you can join him in the water, where you can hold him on the handle that is usually attached to the back of a dog life jacket. This will be a great help and a sense of security for your dog.
- Make It Fun: Making the water fun is an important part of water socialization.
- Positive Reinforcement: Once your dog enters the body of water, quickly reinforce the experience with treats and praise. Your Labradoodle’s body will experience new sensations in the water, so you want to quickly make him feel comfortable.
- Make Sure Your Labradoodle Does Not Get Tired of Swimming: Ensure your dog has a good swimming experience, meaning they should not strain to swim or get too tired.
- Teach Your Labradoodle to Swim Slowly: Stressing him or trying to force him won’t do any good. We want him to like the water on its own and not by pressure.
- Use a Sandy Beach: If you want to teach your Labradoodle to swim, it’s best to find a beach with easy access to the water. Big hills and lots of rocks are not the best environment. A flat beach where the dog decides how fast he wants to go is preferable.
- Use Treats and Toys: Let your dog play along the water’s edge. If he likes toys, perhaps bring a toy that floats. If your dog prefers treats to toys, you can even get treats that float. Throw a bunch of those in the water and let your dog splash after them.
- Experienced Dogs Make Good Teachers: It might also be a good idea to take a dog that is extremely comfortable in the water and let him play with the unsure dog. It usually won’t be long before the experienced dog’s behavior carries over to the other dog, and he will try to follow you during the walk.
What Water Sports Can a Labradoodle Do?
If your Labradoodle really likes the water, you may want to try some water sports with him. Be sure to wear a life jacket when appropriate and bring plenty of fresh water for both of you on your excursion.
Water Sports:
- Kayaking: It can be a lot of fun with your dog! It’s a good idea to get your dog used to staying in a kayak before you put him in the water! Also, something to keep in mind is the ducks or geese that may be on the water.
- Paddling: This activity requires good balance, so it’s best to practice in shallow water with your Labradoodle first.
- Surfing: Make sure you are using a board that your dog’s feet can grip. Introducing the surfboard on land is a great idea. It’s also helpful to get your dog familiar with swimming in waves before you start surfing.
- Boat Ride: Taking your Labradoodle for a boat ride can also be fun. Just be sure to keep them safe with a life jacket and keep an eye on them.
- Dock Diving: This competitive water sport for dogs involves the dog jumping off the end of a dock after a toy or other thrown objects. There are three different dock diving competitions: Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Verticle.
Can Labradoodles Get Ear Infections from Swimming?
Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, and excess water in the ear from water sports can cause problems. They can also get “swimmer’s ear,” an inflammation of the ear canal caused by an allergy. Signs include head shaking, scratching the ear, and not wanting the ear touched.
Prevention and Treatment
- Holistic Approach: Use organic witch hazel on a cotton ball or dog ear wipes with antiseptic, aloe vera, and eucalyptus.
- Vet Treatments: Include antibiotics, antihistamines, liquid ear cleaners, and pain relievers.
- Ear Cleaning Routine: Regular ear cleaning can prevent infections and get the dog used to having his ears touched.
Conclusion
Yes, Labradoodles can swim! Being bred from two water-loving breeds, Poodles and Labrador Retrievers, Labradoodles generally love the water.
With proper water socialization and positive experiences, your Labradoodle can enjoy a variety of water activities, from swimming to water sports. Remember to always ensure safety and provide positive reinforcement to make water experiences enjoyable for your Labradoodle.
Have fun swimming in the water with your Labradoodle!
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Reference: labradoodlehome.com
