Swimming is an excellent way to exercise for Saint Bernards. This low-impact activity is great for their joints and can keep your dog fit and healthy.
Saint Bernards love water and they can swim very well with enough practice. These dogs might not have much stamina in the water, however. Introduce your St. Bernard to swimming early and gradually. Use positive reinforcement and games to invite your dog into the water.
Safety is always a priority and keep in mind that Saints need close supervision in the water. Your dog should wear a life jacket to swim in deep water.
SAINT BERNARDS AND WATER
Historically, Saint Bernards lived in the mountains. These dogs relied on their strength and stamina to rescue people in the mountains and forests and help people on farms.
Although these dogs as a breed did not have to swim as part of their historical role, they have some traits that make them capable of becoming good swimmers. Such traits include strength, large paws, and general stamina.
Their stamina in the mountain does not, however, translate into stamina in the water. Saint Bernards are massive dogs, making it harder for them to stay afloat long. Stamina while swimming does improve with practice.
Swimming Is Great For A Saint Bernard’s Joints
If you have a St. Bernard, you probably know that these dogs’ joints are highly prone to various issues, including arthritis and hip dysplasia.
For that reason, these dogs are limited in terms of the kind of exercise they can engage in, especially in hot weather.
Low-impact exercise is great for dogs of this breed, and there is no better low-impact physical activity than swimming.
In addition, a dog spends a lot of energy in the water, which helps the animal stay fit. Swimming is also great for their cardiovascular system and lungs.
If done correctly and with some planning, Saint Bernards absolutely should swim.
Saint Bernards Do Not Tolerate Heat, So Swimming Is Great In The Summer But Use Caution On The Beach
As a breed that is intolerant of hot weather, Saints cannot do much hiking in the summer. Even long walks can be a challenge in hot weather.
Swimming is a great alternative and a way to stay healthy and active on a warm day.
At the same time, be careful about spending too much time on the beach with your dog. Even if you are close to the water, Saint Bernards are prone to heatstroke. Keep your dog hydrated, avoid the hottest part of the day, and know how to help your dog if your pet overheats.
HOW TO TEACH A SAINT BERNARD TO SWIM
- It is easier to introduce your dog to water when your pet is still young but the methods are similar for dogs of all ages.
- The idea is to introduce your pet to water in a low-stress environment. The dog should begin to associate water and swimming with playing and having fun.
1. Start With Shallow Water
Kids’ pools are great to start with, very shallow water in a lake is also good.
- Start with playing with your dog to make your pet feel at ease.
- Spark your dog’s interest with a squeaky toy. See if your pup enters the water on his or her own, and whether or not you need to provide some guidance.
- Your dog might start swimming instinctively while following your lead.
2. Train The Dog In A Familiar Environment With Few Distractions
Starting in a kids’ pool in your yard or on your balcony has some advantages, although Saints are not usually afraid of water. Not only is it great from a safety perspective, but it also addresses a couple of other problems:
- If your pet is easily distractible or anxious, a familiar environment makes it easier to focus and avoid all the distractions of a busy beach
- Starting in a low-stress and safe place allows the dog to build up confidence and gain new skills
3. Swim With Your Dog
Have fun with your dog! If other family members (human or canine) can join, that will help, too.
- Your pet is more likely to relax if he or she can follow your lead
- As with many activities, if another dog can join, that could be key to quick success! Dogs often feel more confident when they have canine company, especially if the other dog is comfortable in the water.
- Let your furry friend set the pace. Some dogs start swimming right away, others take a long time to get used to the idea.
4. Offer Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is essential in teaching a dog a new skill.
Treats could be important in the beginning but eventually, verbal praise could be enough. Saint Bernards are a very stubborn, hard-to-train breed and positive reinforcement is most effective with them if you start training the dogs from a young age.
5. Read Your Dog’s Cues
If your pet looks uncomfortable, try another time.
Any encouragement should be limited to inviting the dog to follow your lead. It is okay to pause and try again later if the dog is not enjoying the process or seems distracted.
6. Prioritize Safety
Never leave the dog unattended even if your pet appears confident in the water.
Dogs often lose self-awareness when they enjoy an activity. Your pet may not be aware of his or her fatigue when retrieving a ball or a stick, for example. Many dogs also focus on pleasing the owner and refuse to stop despite fatigue.
7. Consider A Life Jacket For The Dog
Consider investing in a good life jacket for your pet if your dog swims in open water. Have your dog wear the jacket at home a couple of times before putting it on for swimming. Dogs often need to get used to wearing a new item, especially one as bulky as a life jacket.
8. Keep Your Pet Hydrated To Prevent Him From Drinking Sea Or Lake Water
Staying hydrated is important in general but it also reduces the amount of sea, river, or lake water that your dog will drink inadvertently while swimming.
Salty sea water is not good for the dog and can cause nausea and vomiting. Dogs tolerate lake and river water better but there is a risk of ingesting some bacteria that way, so it is also not ideal.
To Conclude
Introducing your dog to water while he or she is still young and letting the dog set pace is a good general strategy to help your pet become comfortable in the water. If the dog feels safe, especially if he or she seems to enjoy playing in the water, he or she will probably learn to swim just fine.
Most Saint Bernards are fond of water but don’t let your pet swim too far or without supervision, to make sure the dog is safe at all times.
