SPLISH, SPLASH

Before you let your pup dive into the deep end, here's how to help her get on swimmingly in the water.

- JUNO DE MELO

Get Her Feet Wet

Some breeds were practically made to doggy paddle (English springer spaniels, retrievers, and Portuguese water dogs, to name a few), whereas those with short snouts, superheavy coats, or short legs and long bodies "are anatomically less apt to be swimmers," says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club. That's not to say they can't swim-you just have to start carefully and slowly.

The best place to introduce any dog to water is on a gradual slope, such as the shore of a lake or a pool's wading area, so she can walk in. (Being pulled or thrown in could be traumatic.) Give her a small treat when she stands at the edge, lure her in with another treat, then reward her a third time. Repeat until your dog seems comfortable in the water, advises Marti Hohmann, owner of West Palm Dog, a canine training center in Lake Worth, Florida, that offers swim lessons.