How to Teach a Dog to Swim

在炎炎夏日，无论是对你还是狗来说（如果他是一名游泳健将），跳入泳池、湖泊或海洋都可以令人耳目一新。然而，并不是所有的狗都适合游泳。先确定你的狗适合游泳，然后按照以下建议来有效地教导他。
During the dog days of summer, a dunk in the pool, lake, or ocean can be refreshing, not just for you but for your pooch as well — if he’s a strong swimmer. Not all dogs are meant to take the plunge, however. Learn how to determine whether your dog has the ability, then follow these suggestions to teach him effectively.

潜泳和游泳
Sinkers and Swimmers

有些狗天生会潜水。如果您的狗品种名称包含“水”字，如葡萄牙水狗或爱尔兰水牛，这是一个很好的证明，即便没有任何指导，他们也可以愉快地在水中舞蹈。其他天生游泳健将包括猎犬，纽芬兰犬和标准狮子狗。
Some dogs are bred to dive right in. If the name of your breed contains the word “water,” like the Portuguese Water Dog or the Irish Water Spaniel, it’s a pretty good bet that your furry friend will happily paddle without instruction. Other breeds that usually make good swimmers include retrievers, Newfoundlands, and standard poodles.

像苏格兰和波士顿梗犬、科尔吉斯、牛头犬、达克斯猎犬、巴斯猎犬和哈巴狗等这类短小，体沉的狗更适合潜泳，而不是游泳。再多的教学指导也很难将无法漂浮的狗培养成奥运会游泳运动员。
Short, heavy-bodied dogs like Scottish and Boston Terriers, Corgis, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Pugs generally sink instead of swim. No amount of instruction will turn a dog who is physically incapable of staying afloat into an Olympic swimmer.

但是，正如很多宠物主所知道的，狗具有不同个性和独特偏好。如一些金毛猎犬可能会害怕水，而玩具大小的狗却可以像鱼一样在水中畅游。并不是所有的狗都是本能的游泳者。在你的尝试之前，给他上一两遍课程，并遵守一些简单的安全预防措施。
But as any pet parent knows, dogs are individuals with distinct personalities and preferences. Some Golden Retrievers may be afraid of the water while a toy sized dog may swim like a fish. And not all dogs are instinctive swimmers. Before yours takes the plunge, give him a lesson or two and observe some simple safety precautions.

入水之前
Before Taking the Plunge

规则是永远不要让你的狗独自游泳。即使是一个好的游泳者，也会因为不知道如何离开游泳池或因在海中游的太远而受到困扰。不要直接将你的狗扔到水中，希望他立刻学会潜泳或游泳。你可能会让它永远不想要再下水。
The first rule is to never let your dog swim unattended. Even a good swimmer can get trapped by not knowing how to get out of the pool or by swimming too far out into the ocean. And never throw your dog in the water with a “sink or swim” expectation. You could turn your dog off of swimming for life.

打湿他的脚
Getting His Feet Wet

首先，把你的狗带到湖边或浅水池的边缘，让他体验爪子被打湿的感觉。鼓励并赞美他，转过身来，把他带离水边，给他展示出水的路线。多次重复这样做，教他如何从水中走上来。
To get started, take your dog to the edge of the lake or the shallow end of the pool so he can experience getting his paws wet. Encourage him with praise and treats. Turn around and bring him out almost as soon as you get him in, to show him the way. Do this a number of times so he knows how to get out.

引诱他入水
Lead Him In With Temptation

了解什么东西可以激励你的狗非常有用。如果他喜欢某个玩具，那就利用它，把它抛掷很短的距离，让他习惯在水中的感觉。如果他喜欢零食，他入水时，给他一点零食，当他游了一小段距离距离时，再多给他一些。
Understanding what motivates your dog can help a lot. If he likes a certain toy, bring it in and toss it short distances to get him comfortable in the water. If he responds to treats, give him a bit of something special when he gets into the water, then give him more when he swims a short distance.

不愿入水的狗可以用牵引绳轻轻地引导。在用零食吸引他的同时，将狗沿着直线拉向你。因为走偏的话可能会导致他失去平衡。从下面支撑他慢慢地通过浅水区，直到他能够用自己的腿保持漂浮。
Dogs who are reluctant can be gently guided by a leash. While tempting him with a treat, draw your dog toward you in a straight line. Going sideways can cause him to lose his balance. Support him from underneath and slowly glide him through shallow water until he’s able to stay afloat by using his legs.

不想游泳
Not Getting Into the Swim

记住，游泳对于你的狗来说应该是愉快的事情。如果他想游泳，但没有特别的技能，记得给他穿上救生衣。但如果你的狗根本不喜欢游泳，想办法让他在陆地上也可以体验凉爽的感觉。
Remember, swimming should be pleasurable for your dog. If he wants to swim but doesn’t show a talent for it, put him in a canine life vest. But if your dog simply doesn’t take to swimming, find ways to keep him cool on dry land.