If you think that a dog automatically knows how to swim and doesn't need any kind of dog swimming training, you are potentially putting your dog at risk of drowning or other injuries. While an instinct to swim may be present, it's wise to have puppy swimming training done even if your dog is a known swimming breed.

Should you teach your puppy to swim? The answer is yes if you ever plan on taking your dog in the water. Here are signs you should have your puppy trained for the water right away.

Your dog will be trained to hunt

If you're training your dog to hunt you should have puppy swimming training done. This type of training will allow your dog to be able to cross streams and retrieve birds from the water. You want to make your dog well-rounded and rugged for all kinds of terrain so your pup is able to be the best type of hunting dog possible.

Your dog loves to play in the water

Does your puppy love to play in the water for fun or to chase balls into the water? It doesn't take a big body of water or even a large current to take a puppy away downstream. Until you take your dog to dog swimming lessons, invest in a great life jacket with a handle on it so you can easily control and monitor your dog in the water. If your pup shows any signs of a struggle or seems to be afraid of the depth of the water they're in, then get them out of the water.

Your dog fears the water

You want to get your dog into dog swimming lessons if they don't love being in the water. Your dog will only learn to fear water more or may be panicked into swimming if you don't get them the proper puppy swimming training they need to feel confident and in control while in the water. Your dog will learn how to swim in a controlled environment, and they will have your support every step of the way when you put them in the dog swimming training they need.

If you get your puppy into puppy swimming training now, you do your part to make your dog a confident and all-around safer swimmer. Puppy training of any kind is beneficial, so consider puppy swimming training while you have other training done for your dog. Your dog will be more confident and easier to be around as well.

Contact a professional to learn more about dog swimming training.