Australian shepherds make excellent pets.
They are enthusiastic, devoted, and protective of their loved ones.
Aussie shepherds are often energetic dogs who enjoy running and playing, eager to please their owners.
Many of them enjoy swimming because it is good exercise and provides refuge from the heat during the summer months.
Some Australian shepherds are cautious when trying new activities, but after they get past their fear of swimming, they usually grow to love it!
Do Australian Shepherds Enjoy Swimming?
Australian shepherds are, on the whole, quite active and enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming.
However, many Australian shepherd owners may notice that their dog is wary of new people and locations, as well as activities like swimming and entering the water.
Your Australian Shepherd may be perfectly content with you and your daily routines, but taking them swimming may put them entirely out of their element.
They will, however, most likely like swimming after they have become accustomed to it.
Your Australian Shepherd may take some time to overcome their fear of swimming, but once they do, they will be thrilled to leap into the water and go swimming.
On the other hand, some Australian shepherd owners may discover that their dog is inherently fond of water.
They are so playful that if you water the grass or wash your car, they may try to play with the water from the home!
Because Australian shepherds have a long and thick coat, taking them for a swim on a hot day is a terrific way to keep them cool.
When you introduce your Australian Shepherd to water, they will undoubtedly like swimming.
Try getting in the water with your Australian Shepherd in a shallow swimming area if they are afraid of it.
You can even throw a ball for them, and they will almost certainly go for it right immediately because they love to play fetch!
Swimming is a terrific activity for Australian shepherds who enjoy being active.
The thing is, Australian shepherds, were meant to be working dogs, and if they aren’t kept occupied, they can become a nuisance in your home – so why not take them swimming?
In addition to swimming, taking them for long walks, treks, and playing ball are terrific methods to keep them occupied.
Australian shepherds, as previously said, have a lot of hair and are very hot in the summer.
Therefore, taking them swimming is a terrific method to get them some exercise without overheating them in hot weather.
The most important thing is to avoid submerging your Australian Shepherd.
This might cause a lot of stress and make their attitude toward water even worse in the future.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your Aussie used to water.
1. Begin at a location with shallow water: It’s a good idea for them to get their feet wet first to gain the courage to get in the water. However, expect not all dogs to jump in immediately and begin swimming. Although this has been known to happen in Australia, you never know.
2. Enter shallow water and watch what they do: They’ll often follow you to the shallow end. It’s crucial to be patient and never force them in, no matter how shallow the hole is.
3. Provide positive reinforcement to your Australian Shepherd if they arrive: This can be in the form of tasty dog treats or positive reinforcement. So, your Aussie will have a good time.
4. Play in the shallow end with your Aussie: Spend some time in the shallow end of the pool with your dog. It may take some time for them to adjust, but they will soon feel at ease.
5. Continue to play, but gradually move into deeper water: This works best if you have a toy for your Aussie to play with. Slowly approach deeper waters, but retrace your steps if they refuse to enter.
6. Keep encouraging and praising them as they get closer to deeper water: They’ll be dog-paddling in the water with ease and excitement in no time (hopefully).
7. Carry on with the procedure: The first time around, not all Australian Shepherds will be entirely at ease. You may need to be persistent if you insist on playing in the water with your Aussie. If they’re just getting started, it’s probably best not to spend too much time in the water in one sitting. Always take frequent rests and return to land.
Why Is Swimming Beneficial for Australian Shepherds?
The level of energy these dogs have is one of the things that Australian Shepherd owners are most astonished by.
They have a lot of energy because they were bred to be herding/working dogs.
It will be tough to fully satisfy their physical needs unless you have a wide garden and can spend a significant amount of time playing with them.
So, why is swimming such a popular sport among Australian Shepherds?
Swimming allows them to expend a lot of energy.
Swimming over long periods can be exhausting.
Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, appear to have no trouble doing so.
It’s one of the reasons so many Australians enjoy swimming.
What to Keep in Mind Whenever you Take Your Dog Swimming
- Watch out for Algae: Many lakes and ponds are seeing a bloom of blue-green algae as a result of the hot weather. This algae is poisonous to dogs and may kill them.
- Consider bringing along a life jacket and avoid dangerous currents if swimming in a river or lake.
- Watch out for snakes, as your dog may get bit if he goes nosing around holes.
- Carry a first aid kit to be prepared in case of an accident
- Dry your dog’s ears and fur after the swimming session.
- When you get home, brush your dog and examine him from head to tail for ticks, cuts, thorns, and other possible issues.
The trouble about Australian Shepherds is that they can be destructive if they don’t get enough exercise.
So explore alternate exercises if you don’t want them to run circles around you in the house, or worse, run away from home – and swimming is one of a kind.