Depending on the time of year, our pups will be exposed to water either in a child's wading pool or the bath tub. At 4 weeks we put about an inch of tepid water in the pool or the tub. The pups all are placed in the tub, two or three together for the first few times.
Their reaction to the water varies from displeasure to curiosity, with an occasional pup who just freezes in place not knowing what to do. Most of them will lift their paws one at a time and attempt to shake off the water. Some will react with great pleasure and scoot around drinking the water and shoveling the water with their mouth. We try to group the enthusiastic pups together and the less enthusiastic pups together. This way the ones who are less enthusiastic will not be discouraged by the splashing of the pups who are having a great time.
We make it a fun time with lots of encouragement, praise and some special toys reserved for water play. These toys consist of splash balls, and small squeaky toys. As the pups relax and start to play, we increase the depth of the water an inch or so each day. We keep track of any pups that are not ready to advance to deeper water. These pups are not forced to water, but are encouraged to play in the shallow water.
When the water is deep enough for swimming, we work with the pups on an individual basis. The pup is gently lowered into the tub and supported from beneath with a hand. We gently glide him around in the water. When the feet start to paddle the lift on the supporting hand is gradually decreased. If the pup begins sink in the rear, just enough support to keep them afloat is provided. This must be a fun time, not a scary time. When the pup is swimming fairly well, we encourage them to swim by pulling a floating tennis ball on a rope just in front of them.
By the time they are 8 weeks old and ready to go to new homes, most of the pups are at least playing in water, some will be swimming.
