Jack Russells are one of the most popular breeds of dogs, especially in England. They have been bred for many years for their intelligence and faithful nature, and they deserve a lot of credit for their bravery.
One thing that is often overlooked about these dogs is that most of them are excellent swimmers by nature, and if you have a large enough pool, you might find them enjoying a quick dip on a summer day or after a good walk outside.
Can Jack Russells swim?
Yes, Jack Russells can swim and they are excellent swimmers by nature. However, not all Jack Russell Terriers have an affinity for water, so it’s still a good practice to introduce your dog to water at a young age so they are comfortable with it.
Do Jack Russells like the water?
Just as with cats, a dog’s love for water will depend on its personality. As with any other dogs, you want to introduce your pup to water from early age so that they are comfortable with it.
How can I make sure my Jack Russell is a good swimmer?
There are several steps you can take to increase your Jack Russell’s swimming abilities:
1.) Start your dog’s swimming lessons early
The best time to start is when the dog is still a puppy. If they enjoy it then, they will continue enjoying it as they grow older and be better swimmers as a result.
2.) Get them fit and conditioned for swimming
Little Jack Russells who are otherwise healthy and well-conditioned can go into the water without a problem and enjoy it immensely; however, an overweight young dog may not be able to keep up in the water for long.
If they are overweight then you should increase walks and playtime so they can lose weight before starting swimming lessons. Getting fit will prevent any health issues that might arise while exercising in the pool or during regular walks outside.
3.) Teach them to be safe in water
While you should always supervise your dog when they are swimming, you can still encourage them to be safe by teaching them the “get out” command. With this command, they will know when the pool is getting too deep and need to get out of the water.
4.) Consider getting a life vest for your dog
Life vests aren’t required, but they do make it easier for dogs to enjoy swimming. They can help with buoyancy and make dog owners feel more comfortable as well.
The Benefits Of Swimming
Children and adults of all ages enjoy swimming, and Jack Russells are no exception. Swimming is a great way to exercise as well as have fun.
Check out these benefits:
1.) It’s good for their health
It’s not just good for their weight; swimming is also good cardiorespiratory exercise. It strengthens the heart and lungs, improves balance and coordination, and stimulates the muscles in their abdomen, back legs, and front legs as well as contributing greatly to muscle tone.
Swimming is also beneficial for older dogs who may be suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia.
2.) It helps their mental health
A swimming session will help your dog’s mental well-being as they will be able to expel any pent-up energy. They will be able to have fun while exercising, which is also advantageous in itself.
3.) It encourages your dog to get out more often
If you are worried about your dog becoming lazy from staying inside too much then getting them into the pool will help get them out more often and get them more comfortable with being outdoors.
Safe Swimming Tips
Swimming is not all fun and games, though; it is a great form of exercise and water can be dangerous if not handled properly. Please follow these safety tips to keep you and your dog safe:
1.) Never leave your dog alone in the pool
Even if they have been trained to “stay”, never leave your dog alone in the pool or ocean; they may go into a “panic mode” and could injure themselves while trying to get out of the water by injuring themselves on the deck.
2. Never let your dog drink saltwater
While most dogs don’t like saltwater, they can accidentally ingest it while swimming in the ocean.
3.) Encourage your dog to use the “get out” command
If you have a pool or live near a lake, river, or ocean then you should encourage your dog to get out of the water when they start to struggle so they don’t injure themselves trying to get out once they have become tired.
Teach them the “get out” command and use it often until they understand what it means.
4.) Train your dog to swim in the shallows
If you are worried about your dog swimming in deeper water, train them to swim in the shallows. This can be done by throwing a toy a few feet from the pool edge for them to retrieve it and help them understand that it is safe to go into the water.
You can also swim with your dog as well and let them follow you into deeper water, which should alleviate any fears they may have.
5.) Get All The Moisture Out Of Their Ears
During and after swimming, you should get all the moisture out of your dog’s ears. If left alone for too long they can become infected.
6.) Be patient when training your dog to swim
Don’t put too much pressure on them to learn how to swim and remain patient as they need time to understand the concept of swimming; it is completely different from walking on land and dogs take time to understand this.
What about taking Jack Russells on boats?
Boating in general should be a fun time with the dog so you want to make sure they have some fun as well. This means you will want to make sure they enjoy boat trips as much as possible.
Here are a few tips to help ensure your dogs boat trip is a memorable one for both you and the dog.
Here are some pointers:
1.) Make sure your dog is conditioned for swimming and comfortable in the water before taking them out on a boat trip.
2.) Consider getting a life vest for your dog. While this can be optional, it is still a good safety precaution.
3.) Make sure that the boat has a ramp where your dog can jump in and out of the water without getting in the way of passengers or damaging anything on the boat.
4.) If you are going on a longer boat trip, make sure that your dog has gotten used to the water before going.
5.) Let your dog get used to the boat slowly and carefully. They may be anxious or uncomfortable at first, but they will calm down over time if you go slow.
Conclusion
Jack Russells are a very active breed and love to hunt and play with their family members. It’s often said that most dogs that aren’t familiar with water or the swimming part of life won’t be fond of water.
This isn’t true, however, for Jack Russells — most Jack Russells are excellent swimmers by nature and often enjoy getting into the water for a swim.
It’s still good practice to introduce them to water from a young age so they are comfortable with it since some won’t be fond of water if they haven’t had a good introduction to it.
Swimming is a great way to bond with your dog and keep them active. It is also a great way to get them healthy, fit, and happier. If you are worried about your dog swimming with you in the pool then there is absolutely nothing to worry about as if you train them correctly they will be able to swim with you in no time at all.
