Can Huskies Swim?

Know all about your little wolf 

Huskies absolutely love to play in the water. But can huskies swim? When the weather is hot, they’d love to splash in a shallow pool. Although, their energetic bodies and powerful working dog muscles enable them to swim well. So they can swim quite well once they are taught. 

Can Huskies Swim?-Huskies are not natural swimmers

You must have been amazed at some time or the other by dogs that jump into the water and swim to their heart’s joy. At other times, some dogs are able to rescue their humans from water bodies. Huskies are surely a powerful and heroic breed, but not when it comes to swimming. Huskies are not natural swimmers. Your Husky may be an all-rounder otherwise, but they might just be very afraid of water because of their breed’s background. 

Huskies belong to the Arctic circle region

Huskies belong to the region of the Arctic circle. Animals who thrive in these areas cannot imagine dripping themselves in the icy cold water. In those subliminal temperature conditions, their fur would freeze in a minute if it got wet. Any animal could easily freeze to death upon simply encountering a water body.

That is why your playful Husky may not be as enthusiastic about swimming as they are about every other sport. Coming from their instinct, they might be dreadfully scared of water. Swimming may be a nightmare to them! 

Huskies were originally bred as working dogs in the Arctic regions and were used to pull sleds. Coming in contact with water would mean that their fur would freeze. Their fear of water is intrinsic and justified. 

Most Huskies hate water 

Most Huskies tend to hate water. And if you are not very careful while introducing your Husky to water for the first time, they might never want to get close to it again. This is why first experiences are very important. Huskies are very intelligent. They are more intelligent and most other dogs. So rest assured that they’ll remember their first encounter with water for the rest of their life. 

If you let your dogs have a negative experience with water, they’ll always hate being near it. Even the baths. So considering that your little Husky already hates water, you must introduce them carefully. 

You can definitely teach your Husky how to swim

Huskies may not be natural swimmers. But they are highly energetic dogs and have very powerful muscles. It is definitely possible to teach your Husky how to swim. Know that Huskies are very independent in nature and it is certainly difficult to train them. So training them how to swim must be even more difficult. But it can definitely be accomplished with enough patience and perseverance. 

Be slow in introducing your Husky to swimming

It would be best if you are gradual in introducing your Husky to their new sport of swimming. You ought to be prepared from the start that it isn’t going to be an easy process. Make sure that you take all precautions and head slowly into the new sport. 

At first, you must only introduce them to the feel of water. And you must only do this in summer when the weather is hot. It is not recommended that you take your Husky swimming in the winter months. 

Ensure that they are protected with the help of a safety vest and walk them into shallow water. If they are scared to head into the water just yet, don’t force them. Let your Husky take their time to decide whether they like water or not. 

Be very supportive when your Husky is learning how to swim 

Remember that there is no need to hurry your Husky into swimming. You must support their belly with the help of your arm if they seem to be struggling with water. It is recommended that you never go harsh or use a tough tone while making your Husky swim since they might already be scared. 

Only head deeper into the water when they start paddling. You ought to provide your little Husky with all the support until they are absolutely comfortable in the water. When your Husky will feel comfortable, they’d use all four of their limbs to swim. 

Make sure that they are using all four of their legs. If they rely only on their front legs, they’ll tire out more quickly. You are responsible for the well-being of your little furry friend. So make sure that they are enjoying their time swimming.

can huskies swim

Take all the necessary precautions while swimming 

You must maintain some precaution while teaching your Husky how to swim. Huskies are not innate swimmers and their early encounters with water are bound to shape their relationship with water for the rest of their lives. 

Make sure your Husky has a safety vest 

Safety vests come in all sizes. It is very important for your Husky to wear a floating safety vest when they are swimming. No sports activity is worth risking your precious dog’s life. The safety vest must fit well and it would protect your Husky from all danger. Also, your Husky will be able to swim more properly when they have a vest on. 

Only swim when the weather is appropriate 

You must consider the suitable weather conditions while taking your Husky out for a swim. Direct sunlight could be very dangerous for your Husky. It is recommended that you don’t take out your Husky when the sun is shining very bright. 

Moreover, they’ll easily feel suffocated if they are outside when the weather is too hot. Especially hot weather could give your Husky a heatstroke. Try to select a shady area to take your dog swimming in the summer. They will enjoy this escape from the blazing heat if it is done right. 

Otherize, a Husky should remain in a properly air-conditioned and cool environment when the weather is so hot.

Don’t be too hard on your Husky

Most Huskies are hesitant to swim. This is mainly because of their intrinsic fear of water and their Arctic heritage. You ought to be very patient with your Husky when you take them swimming for the first time. Also, you need to make sure that you are not scared of water when you take your Husky swimming. Your dog can easily read your fear and this would make them even more uncooperative. 

Never leave them unsupervised 

Your Husky is not a natural swimmer. Even after you have taught them how to swim, they shouldn’t be allowed to swim alone. This is especially important if you are taking your Husky to swim in a natural water body with currents. We suggest you never take your Husky to swim in such areas unless they are very well trained. 

Don’t let your Husky get very tired 

Although swimming can easily become the activity that burns all of your Husky’s excessive energy, they shouldn’t be allowed to second all of it while swimming. Huskies are highly energetic. Being the working dogs they are, they tend to overdo whatever they start. You must ensure that your Husky doesn’t tire themselves out immensely to the point of drowning. They should be taken out of the pool within a fixed duration. 

Don’t take your Husky swimming when the weather is cold

Swimming in cold weather could be very dangerous for your Husky. Only their enormous fur guards them against the harsh cold weather. If their fur is wet, they could run the risk of getting hypothermia. 

Teach them a safe manner of leaving the pool

You ought to teach your Husky a convenient and safe way of coming out of the pool so that they can find the way out by themselves when they aren’t comfortable. You must clean their fur with normal water to rinse off the chemicals of the pool. It is best to employ positive affirmations at this time to build their confidence and encourage them. 

Make it a fun experience

It is important to make swimming a fun exercise for your Husky. It shouldn’t feel like an ordeal they have to tend to. You can make it very enjoyable by incorporating pool games and through frequent affirmations and encouragement.

Conclusion

While Huskies may not be intrinsic swimmers, they can definitely be taught how to swim. They are very energetic and athletic and have all the abilities to swim well. This is a working dog we are talking about. Your Husky can swim very well once they have overcome their fear of water and learned adequately. 

Note that many Huskies tend to have an intrinsic fear of water. Also, they are very independent by nature. Given the difficulties met in training them, making them learn how to swim will not be easier. But it will definitely be worth it. 

Your Husky would really enjoy a swim in the shade when the weather is immensely hot in the summer. While cooling them down, swimming will also be a good expenditure for their excessive energy. 

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