Shetland sheepdogs were not historically bred for swimming and playing in the water but do Shelties like water and are they natural swimmers?
Many Shelties do not like water right away but acquire a taste for swimming and aquatic activities. These dogs’ great learning capacity, sporty physique, and ability to focus on the owner make it possible for Shelties to become excellent swimmers.
Shelties Are Not Natural Swimmers
Unlike retrievers and some other breeds, Shetland sheepdogs are not exactly natural swimmers.
As herding dogs, Shelties were developed to do other things, so swimming was not a priority. Many herders, including Shelties, can be vigilant in the water, especially if they are cautious in unfamiliar environments in general.
Affinity for water and swimming is very individual with these dogs. Shetland sheepdogs have the characteristics to enjoy activities on the beach, which is a good start. As a breed, they also possess several strengths that make them capable of learning to swim.
TRAITS THAT HELP SHELTIES LEARN TO SWIM, AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
Shelties Are Responsive To Training
Thanks to these dogs’ high working intelligence, Shetland sheepdogs excel at acquiring new skills. They rank highly for their working intelligence or obedience potential.
- You do not need to be very skillful as a trainer to achieve good results when training your dog
- The dog will show an understanding of a basic new command within just a few repetitions
- The dog will remember commands and skills even without regular practice
- Shelties respond to a command quickly but could be distracted in an overstimulating environment
As long as your dog is not overly anxious around water or in new environments, he/she will probably develop the skill of swimming pretty quickly.
Shelties Are Sociable And Friendly
For the most part, Shelties are amicable and patient with other dogs and people. Assuming that you will occasionally take your dog to the beach for swimming, these pups’ friendly disposition is going to be an important trait. Your pet needs to be comfortable around strangers and not react to noises, fast-moving kids, or dogs.
Shelties usually have great social skills, which are helpful on the beach.
Shelties Are Sporty
Shelties are amazing activity companions due to their athleticism, stamina, and generally enthusiastic attitude when it comes to being active outdoors.
Even if water is not their ideal environment, at least not right away, swimming offers a fabulous way to exercise and bond with the owner. So there is some great potential there.
If your Sheltie is getting old and has issues with joints, which is a common problem for older dogs, swimming is a great way to exercise. It could become a great energy outlet and an alternative to high-impact exercise, such as running with your Sheltie, for instance.
Shetland Sheepdogs Have Herding Habits
It is a common concern for the breed in general: Shelties have a strong urge to herd. They can be tempted to chase any running kids and small dogs. Some Shelties will bark for the same reason. Nipping the ankles of runners, kids, and small animals is a problem with some dogs of this breed, and herding breeds in general.
Shelties could also have a hard time being able to focus on the beach if there is a lot of activity and they get overstimulated.
Owner Oriented
This characteristic contributes to the Shetland sheepdog’s ability to learn so well: they are focused on the owner and are dedicated to other family members, including children.
If you get into the water and the dog sees that you enjoy the activity, your Sheltie is more likely to trust your lead and follow.
HOW TO TEACH YOUR SHELTIE 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 mature age.
The dog should begin to associate water and swimming with playing and having fun, so prioritize maintaining a low-stress environment.
1. Start With Shallow Water
Kids’ or doggy 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 just start swimming instinctively while following your lead.
2. Train In A Familiar Environment With Few Distractions
Many herding dogs are afraid of water in the beginning so starting in a kids’ pool in your yard or on your balcony has some advantages. Starting in such a controlled environment addresses a couple of problems, in addition to providing safety:
- 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, your pet will love it.
- 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 Sheltie 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 should do the job, especially for such an owner-oriented breed.
It is important to praise and reward regardless of how much progress your pet is making, effort is what counts.
5. Read Your Dog’s Cues
If your Shetland sheepdog is 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 Dog 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.
9. Protect Your Dog From Heatstroke
Being by the water can be a great way to cool down in the summer but spending a day on the beach in hot weather could still be a challenge for people and dogs alike.
Shetland sheepdogs are relatively hardy in hot weather but it is still important to keep safety in mind and take measures to prevent your pet from overheating. Please read our post on keeping a Sheltie cool in hot weather.
To Conclude
Shetland sheepdogs are not natural swimmers but they are very capable animals. In addition, they are athletic and sociable dogs as a breed, so there is a high probability your Sheltie will find aquatic activities very enjoyable, maybe with some continued exposure.
Be prepared for your Sheltie to never 6fall in love with water and swimming. It might not even be due to breed, some dogs just do not like water all that much. However, most dogs, including Shetland sheepdogs, are quite receptive to games in water and swimming.
