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Come swim and learn more about how your dog can live a healthier lifestyle!

Nutrition/ weight management, conditioning for competitive dogs and most importantly swimming!

We are in the water guiding your dog until they arecomfortable. We use lifejackets and a number of techinques (treats, toys) to make the experience a positive one. We encourage owner participation. Our pools are large enough to allow lap swimming, fetching and plenty of room for partnering up with a swim buddy.

 

Many dogs have little/no motivation when swimming. Dogs are much more motivated when they have a purpose to their swim. We utilize different motivational techniques specific to each dog. The dogs respond well to the owner calling them or when fetching a toy (they have FUN!)

 

 

Reasons why swimming is ideal:

  • Swimming is the safest way to exercise; especially for high energy dogs with the extra "crazy gene"
  • Is non-weight bearing; allowing a painfree workout which promotes muscle regeneration and improved function
  • Reduces canine obesity thus decreasing the risk of other health related problems
  • The cool water temperature (80-82 degrees year round) allows extended exercise without overheating
  • Allows dogs with arthritis, dysplasia, obesity and injury to exercise without the pain experienced on land
  • Provides excellent conditioning for competitive, working and show dogs

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

Whether you have a dog who has had an injury or surgery that has made them lame, weak or paralyzed or an senior dog who is struggling with mobility, we will cater the workout for your dogs specific needs.

  Introduction to the Water

Most dogs do not know how to swim. If they have no purpose or focus it can be a frantic experience. Throwing them in the water can be dangerous; dogs CAN easily drown. We are in the water with your dog providing hands-on instruction to both you and your dog. We want this first experienceto be positive for everyone! It usually only takes about ten minutes for dogs to become comfortable with the swim experience.

 

 

  Pool Safety Training

Important if you own a pool! We will teach your dog how to find the stairs (they need to know where they can exit safely) and that the side of the pool is not a way out. An attempt to climb out on the side can result in panic and possible injury. This training will increase your dogs confidence in the water and in general! This is especaily important in our city of San Diego as we have so many homes with pools. BACK YARD DROWNINGS ARE A PREVENTABLE TRAGEDY. Please help us spread the word. It usually takes only one session to teach a dog to be safe.

 

  Swimming Lessons for all Ages

It is best to introduce your dog to the water around 4- 6 months of age. We provide a hands-on protocol that will allow your pet to become comfortable in the water. Young dogs usually do not have the fear that older dogs have which makes it ideal but we can teach any age. The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is definitely not true! Swimming is an ideal exercise for our senior citizens with worn out joints and they adapt very quickly!

 

  High Level Workout Plans

20-30 minutes swimming = a long run (extended cardio without the overheating experienced with running on land.

Stairs, hills, plyometrics and core work (advanced training)

Stretching, warm up and cool down

 

 

 

 

  Nutritional Counseling

How nutritious is the food you are feeding your dog? Read the labels!

How much do you feed them a day? Most suggested serving sizes are double what is necessary!!!  Two feedings are much better than one a day.

What types of dog treats do you give them? Many dog treats are like candy bars---empty calories and full of fat!!!

***Many dog foods have a large % of fillers and little/no nutritional value. Note that most of the "low calorie" foods for weight reduction fall into this category. Please ask to discuss.

You can significantly extend your dogs life expectancy by giving them the exercise (and proper nutrition) they need!