When do Golden Retriever puppies usually learn to swim?

Question

My Golden boy is 3 months old, and I love him dearly! He's also my first dog. This weekend we had him out at the cottage, and he had a blast. He's been in the water before, but never really over his head. He seemed a bit hesitant to swim over his head, but I pulled him into deeper water with me for a bit, because I don't want him to grow up being scared of it! I left his collar on so I could support him if he needed it. He started swimming good, and I used a positive voice and lots of praise so he wouldn't be worried. However, after only one minute, he started to stop paddling and started sinking, so I grabbed his collar of course and put a hand under his belly to keep him up. I'm like, come on Sunny, keep paddling! But when I let go, he did the same thing, just started half-paddling and sinking slowly. So we got out and dried off, and he fine again. So I'm wondering, is this normal for his age? And if so, when do they usually learn to swim properly? Also, should I continue encouraging him, or just let him decide on his own? And advice is much appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

Let him decide on his own.  Swimming should be a fun activity for him and forcing him into deeper water is probably not a real joy for him.  Unless you are in a hurry to get him into deep water, let him play and venture out with you until he gets it.

Answer 2

yes its pretty much normal for him to kinda sink. hes not used to it very much and is a little scared. what i would do is take him little by little encouraging him and he will soon learn. and his age has nothing to do with it. if you never take him to a pool he will never learn. hope it goes well and keep near him just in case.

Answer 3

well dog usually know how to swim. when you go into the pool let him go at his own pace so then he get use to the idea. don't worry about the sinking it is most likely because he is still young and getting use to him self. my friend has a puppy and he is about 13 weeks and he has not got the idea of turning at catch the ball and ends up on his back most of the time!

so do the same thing a baby does when they fall over let them get back up and try again! or in your case let the puppy swim at his own pace.

Answer 4

He is still very young and you don't want to force him  to swim yet.  You could make him nervous and frightened of water.  I would suggest waiting until he is over 6 months of age before you attempt to take him swimming again.  When he reaches 6 months he will be strong enough to swim unaided and I'm sure that if you start throwing a dumbell in the water when he is that age he will start to jump in himself and retrieve it for you.

Goldens normally love to swim but give him time and you'll find you won't be able to stop him from jumping in at every given opportunity.

If you start throwing a toy or ball for him  in your own garden and ask him to 'fetch' it he will eventually begin to understand what is required of him.