Can Samoyeds Swim? Do They Like Water?

These dogs are great activity partners but do Samoyeds enjoy water and swimming?

Many Samoyeds dislike water and swimming but some can take a liking to aquatic activities. These dogs have strong instincts, and a Samoyed might not want to get into the water right away. After all, their role in history never included getting into the water. Prioritize safety, a proper introduction to swimming, positive reinforcement, and letting the dog set the pace.

THE SAMOYED AND WATER

Historically, Samoyeds had little experience with aquatic activities because they lived in a very cold climate and did not need to get into the water at all.

Samoyeds lived with people for hundreds of years and were primarily stellar sled and hunting dogs, as well as companions for people. Instinctively, these dogs could very well prefer to stay away from water but their people-oriented, enthusiastic personalities are also an important factor.

The Personality Factor

Samoyeds are loved and known for their friendly and loyal disposition. These dogs are happy when they join the owner or the entire family, for outdoor activities, which could include swimming.

These dogs are amicable and trusting toward strangers and other dogs, too. A typical Samoyed has little potential for aggression, although the dog could still be prone to chasing small animals. Basically, as a breed, the Samoyed does well in crowded places, around strangers, and dogs. That is a very important quality for a dog if you would like your pet to come to the beach with you.

Responsive To Training But Stubborn Due To Strong Instincts

According to Stanley Coren, a well-known dog psychologist, Samoyeds have excellent problem-solving skills and are above average in their obedience potential, or working intelligence. That is a great result and it means that dogs of this breed are smart and capable of becoming very well-trained.

A chief source of difficulties with training is Samoyeds’ strong instincts. For that reason, these dogs need consistent, methodical training, as well as the patience of the trainer. 

The desire to please the owner could be a powerful tool in the task of learning to acquire a taste for splashing and swimming. It helps these pups learn new skills and commands in general.

Poor Tolerance To Hot Weather

Given the background and origin of the breed, Samoyeds are best suited for cold or temperate climates. Samoyeds are very sensitive to heat, although they have a better tolerance to heat than some other fluffy northern breeds of dogs.

That said, a Samoyed will struggle to stay active on hot days. Being close to the water could be helpful, especially if the dog actually swims or plays in the water. A hot day on the beach could still be challenging for your Samoyed.

Please read our post for more information on Samoyed’s sensitivity to heat and advice on how to keep your pet cool on a hot day.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR SAMOYED TO SWIM

It is easier to introduce your dog to water while the dog is still a puppy but the tactics are similar for mature and young dogs.

The idea is to introduce your pet to swimming with as little stress for the dog as possible. 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.
• Use a squeaky toy or a ball to make the process more playful for your pet. See if the dog enters the water on his or her own, and whether or not you need to provide some guidance.
• Your dog might just start swimming instinctively while following your lead.

2. Train In A Familiar Environment With Few Distractions

Not every Samoyed is going to like water, at least not right away, so starting in a kids’ pool in your yard or on your balcony offers some advantages. 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. Spitz dogs, such as Samoyeds, have stubborn instincts, so the dog might adamantly refuse to enter the water if he or she does not like it. Positive reinforcement is most effective with them if you start training the dogs from a young age.

5. Read Your Dog’s Cues

If the dog is resisting, avoid forcing your pet.

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.