Getting in the Pool With Your Dog

What to wear and bring

Bring a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a towel for yourself and one for your dog. We provide wetsuits, which are worth using even if you feel you don't need one — dog claws can scratch bare skin when a paddling dog tries to climb on you.

There's a changing room on site, so you can arrive in normal clothes and change before your session.

• Swimsuit to wear underneath
• Towel for you and a towel for your dog
• Your dog's favourite floating toy
• Treats for encouragement

How warm the water feels

The pool is heated to between 28 and 32°C all year. For most people it feels pleasantly warm — far more comfortable than a river or the sea, and much like an ordinary swimming baths. You can stand and move around comfortably while supporting your dog.

Helping your dog from inside the water

Being in the pool lets you guide your dog much more directly than from the side. A hand under the chest or tummy helps a beginner level out and use their back legs. Keep your movements calm and your voice encouraging.

Avoid letting your dog climb onto you. It's a natural instinct for an unsure swimmer, but it can scratch you and teaches them to look for something to cling to. Gently redirect them towards the ramp or a toy instead.

Safety for owners

Enter and exit carefully — wet surfaces can be slippery. If you have a health condition that affects your ability to be in water, think carefully about whether Owner In Pool is right for you; a Swim Coach Session lets a coach take the water role instead.

Keep an eye on how tired your dog is and give plenty of rests. You'll probably notice their breathing and effort more clearly from inside the pool.

After the swim

Use the drying area to towel your dog down, then change in the changing room. Pack a bag for wet kit so your car stays dry.

Games to play once you're both in

Being in the pool opens up games you can't play from the side. Throw a floating toy a short distance and let your dog swim out and back to you. Walk slowly along the shallow edge encouraging your dog to follow. For a confident swimmer, gently lengthen the distance each time.

Keep sessions varied and stop each game while your dog is still enjoying it. Short bursts with rests in between suit most dogs better than one long swim, and ending on a positive note makes the next visit easier.

If your dog seems unsure, go back to simply standing together in the water with a hand under their chest. Confidence comes first; games can follow.