Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim

Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim?

Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim? YES!  Australian Cattle Dogs are GREAT swimmers.  They love the water and they love to swim!  They love the outdoors and they excel in water sports!

So, if you’re looking for a K-9 companion to help you enjoy the great outdoors, this is the pup for you!  They will love being with you while hiking, boating, camping and swimming!

Do Australian Cattle Dogs Like The Water?

Yes, (as long as it’s not in the form of a bath), almost all Australian Cattle Dogs love the water and they can’t wait to run and play in it.

Watch this Australian Cattle Dog swim!

Playing fetch in the water is a good way to get started.

Can Australian Cattle Dogs Swim

Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim?

Dock Diving

Some Australian Cattle Dogs excel at the sport of Dock Diving.  

“Dock Diving is one of the fastest-growing dog sports.  North America Diving Dogs is an organization that has enhanced the sport by working with dock diving facilities & competitors across North America.”

Dock Diving is open to all breeds and all sizes of dogs.

Dogs do not have to be purebred or AKC registered to be eligible to compete.

(Learn more about North American Diving Dogs HERE)

Not just in North America, Dock Diving is growing in Australia as well.

(Here is a link to Doc Dogs Australia)

Check out these pictures of Spader I Found My Thrill competing in Dock Diving.

australian cattle dogs swim
australian cattle dogs swim
australian cattle dogs swim
australian cattle dogs swim

Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim?

Can Australian Cattle Dogs Swim without Your Help?

Like most dogs, teaching an Australian Cattle Dog to swim is not really necessary.

Their natural running gait is exactly the same movement as for swimming.  They are pretty much born knowing how to do the doggy paddle.

What is necessary, though, is to slowly let them build their confidence in the water.  Just like when introducing anything new it is always best to take your time and slowly build one step at a time.

They need time to experience having fun and playing in shallow water before ever going into water that is over their head.  If you are just there for encouragement they will move on when they are ready. 

Just be sure that you don’t do anything that would cause them to be scared.  After a while, they will become more and more used to it and will want to increase both the time spent in the water and the depth where they feel comfortable. 

Can Australian Cattle Dogs swim?

Australian Cattle Dogs swim and love to play in the water when introduced to water slowly.

If they experience a slow, gradual increase in the depth of the water, they will become accustomed to it without ever becoming afraid.

Don’t try to do it all at once.  Like any training, it needs to be done in small steps over a period of time.

The location that you choose is also important.  If you are using a location that very quickly drops off to deep water, it may be a good idea to have a long line on his collar. 

This will allow you the ability to pull him back to shore should he have difficulty.

Swimming and Water Sports are great ways to enjoy the great outdoors with your Australian Cattle Dog.

Whether you are hiking, camping or competing, swimming is a great way to deal with the summer heat as well as have time together to build a lasting relationship with your dog.  Not to mention, swimming is great exercise for both of you.