Can greyhounds swim?

Like most dog breeds, greyhounds can swim however they aren’t the most skilled swimmers and will need some training to build up their confidence in the water.

Despite their athletic physique, there are a few reasons why swimming doesn't come naturally to greyhounds:

1.     They have a lack of webbing between their toes

2.     They have low-fat content in their body which makes them susceptible to the cold and find it difficult to float

3.    Their short coats don’t shield them from the cold water

With this in mind, it’s not impossible to get your pooch to love the water (or at least paddling beside you in the pool). Here are some do's and don'ts to get your dog into the aquatic life:

·         Put a lifejacket on them

·         Start in the shallow area of the pool which will provide your greyhound with a level of safety and comfort.

·         Walk with your pooch into the shallow water

·         Encourage them through praise

·         Closely observe their body language.

·         Support them with your arms when they swim into deeper water

·         Teach them how to get out of the pool safely

·         Dry them with a towel to warm up their body

·         Throw your greyhound into the water. This will likely traumatise them and ensure they never step paw in the pool again.

·         Never abandon them in the water.

·         If they show signs of extreme discomfort or anxiety, do not force them into the water.

·         Do not force them into deeper water if they aren’t willing

·         Do not let them drink the pool water

Most importantly, do not force your dog to do anything they don’t want to do. You know your dog best, and they trust you to protect them, so learn to read their queues and ensure your dog is comfortable at every stage.