Choose a warm pleasant day for your dog's first swimming lesson. Recruit a helper who your dog is familiar with and visit a beach or river that's not too intimidating. Avoid large crashing waves, noisy jet skis, and areas where there's lots of shouting and splashing.

If you're teaching a pup to swim, you may find that they are eager to enter the water at once. Young pups haven't learned to fear water and swimming will appear to be another fun trick to be discovered. Older dogs may appear to be frightened or reluctant to enter the water, but don't mistake this for a dislike of swimming. Your dog needs to experience swimming in a safe and controlled environment in order to gain confidence and feel comfortable around water.

The swimming lesson

Carry your puppy or dog several metres out into knee or waist-deep water. Place one hand under your dog's belly and hold the rear end up by gently holding her tail so that she is level in the water. Face toward your helper on the shore and immerse the dog's torso in the water. You'll notice its feet start to move as soon as they touch the surface. When it's paddling vigorously, remove your hand from under the belly and briefly hold the rear end up by the tail to keep the animal level.

Your helper should be clapping and offering words of encouragement as you let go of your dog's tail and watch it swim directly to the shore.

Similarly, you can also teach your dog to swim in a pool - if you are prepared to clean the dog hairs out of the filter that is! First, allow your dog to get comfortable in the pool environment with you and show them the pool steps. Then, holding the dog, take a few paces back from the edge and immerse it while supporting its belly and lightly holding the tail, and let it swim back to the steps. Repeat this exercise several times.

Canine swimming instructors are another excellent way to introduce your dog to water. Take along another dog, ideally a friend of your dog who's already confident in the water, and you will find your pooch eager to imitate its friend.

Under no circumstances should you toss a dog into a pool or over the edge of a boat. Your dog will panic and you will have difficulty getting them near water again.

Water safety

Many dogs love to fetch sticks and other buoyant objects from the water but be aware that just like us, they are susceptible to cramping or tiring. Puppies, elderly dogs, and smaller breeds will tire easily so be sure not to let them overexert themselves, especially if exercising with a fitter, more able dog.

Teach your dog to swim and both you and your canine companion will enjoy hours frolicking in the water, not to mention first-rate socialising opportunities!

Here are some guidelines to follow to make your outing a fun one:

1. Permission:

Make sure the beach you are going to permits you to have your canine friends there.

2. Bags:

Please make sure you bring plastic bags to pick up your dog's refuse. There is nothing worse to other people, than to sit next to your dog's poop! This is the main reason dogs are not permitted at many beach locations. Help out your cause, and clean it up!

3. Leash:

Make sure your dog is on a leash, and if you allow them off of the leash, make sure the leash is available readily. Many people are afraid of dogs, even if they are as small and sweet as my miniature schnauzers, so make sure to allow everyone to have an enjoyable outing at the beach, and pay attention to how others are reacting to your dog. It only takes a few people to complain to have the city revoke the permission of allowing dogs on the beach.

Also, if your dog does not get along with other dogs, children, people in general, or does not listen and obey well, ensure your dog stays on the leash as much as possible if others are around. If you are on a secluded beach, you may be able to let them off their leash. Use your common sense, as you know your dog best!

4. Bring Water:

Your pooch will be thirsty because they're hot, they will be playing, will potentially have sand in their mouth, and the body of water may be saltwater. Salt water dehydrates your pooch, and yourself, so make sure you bring water. If your dog is uncomfortable drinking from the bottle, bring a small bowl, or for a small dog, use the cup of your hand as a bowl. They'll be so busy playing, they won't want a lot at one time, but make sure to offer them water frequently.

* Tip: I also bring a bottle of water to soak their fur and skin. Just as the water cools you, it will cool your dog.

* Tip: Use a plastic water bottle, and fill it halfway with water. Freeze it. When you are ready to go to the beach, fill the rest of the bottle with cold water. This will definitely keep the water colder longer.

5. Shade:

Bring some way to shade your pooch. If you are going to spend the day at the beach, shade is a must at some point for your pet. An umbrella works well! If they are small enough, as our dogs are, they will be able to sit under your lawn chair for shade.

* Remember: Your dog has hair and has a higher metabolism than you do. They will be even hotter than you feel.

6. Water Safety:

Is your dog able to swim? If you don't know, go into the water with them. Do not go deep into the water. If they feel uncomfortable swimming, they may panic, and it will cause them undue stress.

Make sure you know the layout of the area in which you will be enjoying the water. If you aren't sure how well your dog can swim, please ensure you are close to them in the water to help them if needed. Do not allow them too far from you, as undercurrents could pull them under.

If you have more than one dog, it is a good idea to have more than one person watching them while in or around the water.

It is a good idea to purchase a life jacket for your dog. They have them in all sizes and many different colors.

7. Toys:

As you know, dogs are like children. They want to play, and can get bored easily. Bring them some toys to occupy their time. The reason you brought them is for fun in the sun, so enjoy each other's company, and bring a ball that floats or a Frisbee to play with.

8. Snacks:

Just like you, your pooch will get hungry with all that fun activity at the beach. Be smart and bring them some food or snacks (in a Ziploc). If they get hungry, they may start trying the eat the sand, and that's neither tasty or good for them. They may also start to whine, and this will cause your outing to be prematurely shortened.

* Tip: Use their Frisbee as a bowl for their food. This works well, is washable in the water, and you will only want to put small amounts out at a time for them to eat.

9. Towels:

If your dog is anything like ours, the first thing they will want to do after getting out of the water is to roll around in the sand to dry off. Yeah, not so nice! Don't panic, take them back into the water and wash them out. Then make sure you have a towel handy to dry them off as much as you can. Dogs will be dogs, and they will be sandy, so if you can't handle that in your car, bring a towel for them to sit on in the car. All in all, bring at least 1 towel/dog. You will use them for different purposes.

* Tip: Like you, your dog would probably be more comfortable sitting on a towel, than in the sand. The sand gets very hot, and they are walking barefoot, so to speak, pay attention if they are in pain from the heat. Either carry them (if they are small enough), bring them to the water to cool their pads, or change the distance of your walk to be shorter.

10. Sunbathing:

Make sure when your are sunbathing, that your dog is tied up, in case you fall asleep, which does happen, or if you are not paying full attention. We used our lawn chairs and large umbrella embedded in the sand. Another good idea may be a heavy cooler. Stay close to your dog, and don't wander off on them.

* Tip: For those of you, who have hairless varieties of dogs, make sure you apply sunblock to their skin, as they can burn easily. In fact, it is important to protect any dog. There are special sunscreens made especially for your dog.

11. Common Sense:

All in all, use your common sense, and as you know your dog best, plan according to their specific needs, as every dog is different.

For older dogs, it may not be a good idea to stay out too long with them, as the heat could be difficult for them to deal with. We have seen people use children's wagons to transport their older dogs to, from and at the beach. Puppies may have a more difficult time as well dealing with the intense heat.

12. Have Fun:

Most importantly, have fun! It is important to have fun, or it's not worth the effort!

These 12 tips to having fun at the beach with your dog will ensure you have a blast with your pooch.