Complete Guide To Teaching Your Bedlington Terrier To Swim
The curly-coated Bedlington Terrier is a breed with hypoallergenic fur but a love of water. While swimming comes naturally to some dogs, others may need coaxing and training to enjoy it. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully teach your Bedlington Terrier to swim and reap the benefits of water fun and exercise.
Benefits of Swimming for Bedlington Terriers
Before jumping in, let's review the many perks swimming offers the Bedlington breed:
- Great exercise - Low impact on joints. Tires them out.
- Cooling - Relieves heat stress in summer.
- Mental stimulation - New environments and tasks engage their mind.
- Muscle building - Swimming strengthens core and shoulders.
- Socialization - Fun with other dogs at water parks and beaches.
- Weight management - Extra calories burned.
- Bonding - Quality time with owners.
- Stress relief - Calming, meditative activity.
Swimming is a rewarding activity that your Bedlington will come to love with proper introduction.
Step 1: Get Your Bedlington Used to Water
Don't rush into swimming. First get your Bedlington comfortable with being in and around water:
- Fill a kiddie pool or large bucket with shallow water. Let your dog approach and explore it. Reward curiosity with treats and praise.
- Place toys and treats in the water to encourage play. Retrieving floating toys is a good intro to swimming motions.
- On walks, let your Bedlington sniff, lap, and step in puddles and creeks. Always supervise for safety.
- At bath time, incorporate water play with cups and toys. Keep sessions relaxed and fun.
- Spritz your dog with a spray bottle or hose on low pressure. Mark calm behavior with treats.
- Pour or spray water gently over your dog's back and praise tolerance. Build up to full body wetting.
Go slowly with positive reinforcement. The goal is to build water confidence.
Step 2: Introduce Swimming Gear
Use introductions and treats to get your Bedlington comfortable wearing swimming equipment:
- Life jacket - Crucial for safety and confidence. Find one with adjustable straps for good fit.
- Goggles - Protect eyes from irritants. Look for canine goggle brands like RexSpecs.
- Toys - Life rings, foam dumbbells, balls on ropes. Makes swimming more enticing and fun.
- Ear covers - Keep water out of ear canals. Help prevent infection.
At first, reward your dog for simply wearing the gear. Then move onto swimming while wearing it.
Step 3: Teach Basic Swimming Skills
Once your Bedlington eagerly plays in shallow water, it's time for swimming lessons. Focus on skills like:
- Entering/exiting water - Teach cues like "go in" and "come out" for safety. Use ramps if needed.
- Paddling - Can prompt by gently holding up hindquarters. Give lots of praise.
- Breathing - Turning head sideways for air. Support dog if needed.
- Floating - Can hold chest up while dog relaxes. Adds confidence.
- Recall - Come when called to exit water. Reinforce with high value treats.
Keep early swims short. Always supervise dogs in water.
Step 4: Practice in Open Water
After mastering basic skills in shallow pools, gradually introduce open bodies of water like lakes and the ocean:
- Research safety. Pick calm areas with easy entry and good visibility.
- Start in shallow areas where your dog can touch bottom and retreat if needed.
- Throw toys to motivate your Bedlington to swim further distances. Use long lines if needed.
- Once confident, allow your dog to swim freely within your sight and call back range.
- Bring fresh water for rehydrating. Rinse your dog after to prevent skin irritation.
- Increase time in water gradually as swimming fitness improves.
Step 5: Refine Training
As your Bedlington Terrier masters swimming, continue reinforcing skills:
- Practice emergency recall - return to you immediately with a whistle or call.
- Teach directional commands like "left" and "right". Guide with treats if needed.
- Swim together holding a dual handle lead. Build distance over time.
- Challenge your dog with swim races, diving for toys, and jumping from docks.
- Mix up locations - lakes, beaches, pools. Keeps things exciting.
Make swimming practice varied and fun for your water loving Bedlington!
Troubleshooting Common Swimming Issues
Not every dog takes to water easily. Here are common problems and how to resolve:
Fearful of water - Go slow with desensitization. Don't force into deep water before ready. Consider swim lessons.
Won't wear gear - Counter condition with treats. Snug but comfortable fit is key. Try different styles to find what they accept.
Swallows water - Practice head position. Provide lots of breaks. Use goggles. Teach emergency recall.
Poor swimmer - Support with life jacket, under belly, or lead. Improve conditioning over time. Focus on fun rather than distance.
Ear issues - See vet about ear anatomy. Prevent issues with drops and covers. Rinse ears thoroughly after swimming.
The keys are patience, gentle encouragement, safety measures, and making it rewarding. Eventually joining you in watery fun will become your Bedlington's favorite adventure!
Make Swimming Fun!
The curly-haired Bedlington Terrier can gain so much from swimming. Following a gradual training process sets them up to safely enjoy all the benefits of water activities. Make lessons relaxed through positive reinforcement. Add variety and fun to keep your Bedlington engaged. With time, you'll have a canine swim companion for years of water fun ahead!