Avoid Unwanted Force
The experience itself can be a stressful one for huskies. Do not make it even more traumatic for them by using brute force, swear words or other forms of violence.
They don’t have a natural or inherent love for the water. So let them take their own sweet time and get accustomed to the water.
End On A High
Ensure to end the session on a positive note so that you’re husky is willing for another session the next time. This aspect is crucial in the first few sessions.
If the memory of the previous session is positive, the husky starts to yearn for more of such sessions. This makes the whole training session smooth for you as an owner or trainer. Having a gaming session or a quick bite is a good tactic to make them feel comfy and relaxed.
Give Them Support
Huskies are not the master swimmers among the dog breeds. Help them stay afloat in the paddling pool by holding their belly while they start swimming. This will help them to doggy paddle properly.
Giving them physical support will not only improve their swimming but also boost their morale and self-confidence. They will also feel safe and secure knowing that you are close by, especially during the learning curve.
Helpful Tips
In addition, making them wear life vests can also be helpful. This accessory will make them feel protected while they are newbie swimmers.
Ensure that the jacket is worn correctly. Otherwise, it may give undesirable results. There are a few things to consider while using a life vest:
- Pick the right size that fits your dog perfectly. Getting one that is too loose or too tight can defeat the purpose.
- Start using the life jacket from the initiation phase of the training. The earlier, the better.
Note:
- If they have already been exposed to water a lot (beaches/swimming pools etc.), making them wear a life jacket suddenly can startle them. We suggest introducing the life jacket gently and slowly.
- From our experience, taking the Huskies to a beach before the pool is a better option. Beaches provide the chance to move back onto the land quickly if there is an immediate discomfort.