Why Canine Swimming?

 

The health benefits of swimming have been known for centuries, in part due to the increased resistance water provides to movement – 10+ times more than land exercises AND in every direction of the movement. The benefits include:  muscle building, weight control and loss, increased endurance, a cardiovascular workout, release of pent up energy, naturally encourages an increase in range of motion and is an interactive play session all in a low-impact environment! Plus it’s fun for the dogs and their owners!

 

 

Who Swims?

 

Many breeds of dog naturally love to swim. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Newfoundlanders, and most sporting breeds all come readily to mind as enjoying plunging in the water after a stick.

 

Our experience has been that most German Shepherd Dogs, Rottweilers, JRTs, and Pitbulls also thoroughly enjoy swimming.

 

In addition we have many regular canine  swimmers that have a great time at our pool that are not breeds you naturally would think of as loving to swim; they include Shelties, Border Collies, Aussies, Westies, Huskys, Mastiffs, Boxers, many mixes including Sharpeis and Chows, Yorkies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the list goes on and on! 

 

We have found if a dog likes to chase their toy, they (usually) will become a water lover! We encourage early introduction to water whenever possible - 12 weeks is wonderful, but it’s never too late! We have had many 10+ year old dogs that had never previously swam, end up loving the water!

 

We also have many dog clients because their veterinarians have recommended swimming as a way to benefit the dog; such conditions as as pre and post-operative dogs, dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis, aging dogs, and overweight dogs. (Any dog with an injury or under a vet’s care needs to have a Veterinarian Clearance Form included with their registration). 

 

In addition we have many dogs coming to swim to stay fit to participate in field events, flyball, and agility.

 

The swimming pool can be a great opportunity for owners wanting to get their dogs additional exercise due to poor weather conditions, time constraints, or an owner’s physical condition that may make it difficult to get out! 

 

 

The Pool

 

The pool and layout was custom designed for you and your dog’s enjoyment. It is a 18’ X 35’ 4 foot deep above ground pool with extensive decking, fencing, non-slip flooring, and ramps up to and into the pool. The water is sanitized/disinfected by a combination of Delta UV sanitizer using ultraviolet rays to sanitize the water and supplemented by the lowest amount of chlorine possible. There is a large non-slip deck all around the pool and chairs so owners can fully participate in their dog’s swimming sessions. The quality of the swim experience for your dog is the priority. Every dog will get an initial one on one – orientation swim- to be shown how to enter and exit the water safely, learn where their resting spots are, and to figure out what that dog needs to maximize their swimming experience. Each swimming session can be assisted by the owners or staff who have received training to create an enjoyable and positive swim session for your dog.

 

Included  

 

• floatation toys or bring your own

• dog floatation lifejackets for 6-160 pounds

• use of self-service bathing station to rinse off your dog after swimming

• use of a low-noise Cool Dry blow dryer and grooming station

 

Please be prepared to get a bit wet, and bring your own towels.