Border Collies are dogs that were bred to herd sheep. They can work for hours on end without getting tired, and they have an instinct to chase after any animal that tries to run away. Border Collies are intelligent and athletic, but they don’t necessarily do well in the water. That’s because their dense fur weighs them down and makes it difficult for them to swim efficiently, making it challenging for these pups when their human companions decide to take a dip in the pool or go kayaking with them!
But there’s no need for your furry friend to feel left out of all the fun – there are plenty of ways you can make sure he stays safe while still enjoying himself by helping him learn how he can get involved with swimming activities, as you will soon find out.
Do Border Collies Like to Swim?
Many people believe that all dogs can swim naturally, but this is not always the case. It might be argued that the Border Collie would go in the category where they are not particularly natural swimmers.
Are Border Collies Natural Swimmers?
Due to their dense, thick coats of fur, which are water-resistant, it is doubtful that the Border Collie dog breed, in particular, would have a natural affinity towards swimming. That being said however, when mixed with other breeds or when bred for generations for working purposes by shepherds on hillsides where there are often streams or rivers nearby, the dogs might go in the water on occasion.
The Border Collie’s stocky body and a thick coat of hair, as well as its muscular build, may make it more difficult to safely stay afloat in water for lengthy periods if they aren’t particularly fond of water. Some Collies may hate water, avoiding it all costs. But some may not be too keen on the odd shower or bath but are absolutely in their element when it comes to splashing about on the beach.
How Long Can They Swim?
Swimming for 10 to 20 minutes is typical for a border collie. Consider buying your dog a life jacket if you want him to swim without anxiety.
How do I teach my Border Collie to swim?
There are several advantages to teaching your border collie to swim; the best time is to do so while they’re still a puppy.
The trick to getting your Border collie interested in swimming is to embrace it. As with bathing for the first time, your technique may either encourage or discourage your dog’s enthusiasm for the water. So, how can we get our Border collies interested in swimming? You must make it a goal and keep it simple. Starting young is a good starting point. Swimming is a fantastic pastime for dogs, and many puppies learn to swim as pups. They seem to love swimming throughout their lives, which indicates they could have exceptional hand-eye coordination while floundering around in water.
Start slowly in the shallow end if you’ve never taken your dog into the water before. If they immediately jump in and begin swimming the first time they enter the water, that’s wonderful.
Your border collie is more than likely to dash and leap into the pool to catch a frisbee or ball, as they would if you threw it overland. They may genuinely enjoy the water more by tying the game of fetch with going for a swim.
It’s also worth noting that any border collie will be attracted to motion. It can be useful to move water from a hose or a sprinkler before you head out to the beach or a lake to attempt a swim..
A border collie will attempt to catch the moving water, and it may teach them quickly that the water is cooling and soothing in the heat.
We’d recommend you avoid a few things when teaching your Border Collie to swim.
No animal enjoys being spoken to unpleasantly. If you shout at your border collie while training them, they may become resentful and refuse to comply. It’s preferable to use a soothing tone and provide your dog with the assurance of security rather than shouting at them.
Teach your Border Collie to swim in short sessions – practice for hours a day is likely to tire them out and not want to learn. Also, it will tire them out and potentially overwhelm them.
Check the temperature of the water. Each dog and its ideal temperatures will be different. Find a temperature that your border collie likes. Do so by experimenting with different options. Some dogs enjoy the warm water, while others want chilly swimming pools. Find out what makes your pet happy and keep it that way!
Benefits of teaching my Border Collie to swim?
The first benefit of swimming for the border collie is that it is a fantastic exercise to burn off some of their seemingly never-ending energy reserves. Even if they only swim once per week, it is still an excellent exercise for them.
Second, Border collies have a double coat intended to keep them warm while driving livestock in colder climates. However, now border collies are a famous dog in nearly every country globally.
When your border collie overheats, it can quickly become a life-threatening problem for him. Dogs lack sweat glands, so they cannot cool themselves as humans do when their temperature rises. This is why dogs pant; it is to release the extra heat that they are undergoing.
It also allows your dog to stay cooler for longer because the wet coat keeps them cool.
Third, swimming is a wonderful exercise for border collies since this incurable arthritic condition can lead to hip dysplasia. Swimming strengthens the muscles that support the hips without adding weight to the joint. It can provide a lot of relief to dogs who are obviously suffering from arthritis discomfort.
Conclusion
Swimming is one of the favorite activities of Border collies, and it’s a fantastic way to spend your weekend. However, you should check first if your Border collie is comfortable in the water before planning your next beach trip or aquatic adventure.
With the right approach and consistent training, Border collies will outgrow their fear of the deep, dark waters and begin to enjoy themselves.
Teaching a dog to swim might be difficult, but it is definitely exciting. You should do your best with your dog, but never force them to be a fish if they don’t want to. Remember to employ snacks to encourage your border collie to swim, and don’t be too hasty when they’re in the water.