That way, you can be assured that you won’t be harming your German shepherd by exposing them to water. Just make sure that your German shepherd likes to swim, otherwise, you’ll be forcing him to do so.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'allshepherd_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',113,'0','0'])); The products featured on this page were last updated on 2021-01-10 /. It’s a very, very common problem, and, at the end of the day, it is what the German shepherd has been bred to do a lot of the time. I hope this article gave you some insight into the question… do German Shepherds like water? There are many other traits that a natural swimmer breed has. That’s why there’s no surprise when someone asks if German shepherds like to swim.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'allshepherd_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',104,'0','0'])); However, this matter is more complicated than most think. Consider getting in the water as well so you can monitor the movements of your German shepherd’s limbs. Whether your German Shepherd needs 40 to 80 ounces of water – or somewhere in between — depends on different factors such as the following:. So, you may wonder, do German Shepherds like water? They must be actively kicking and moving. You can also get some water dog toys and use those to play games in and around the pool. Or even better yet, if you’re working with a German shepherd puppy or a young German shepherd, you can easily avoid this behavioral problem. Either way, you can still teach your German shepherd to be swimmers. Either way, there’s no denying that there are many questions about the connection between German shepherds and swimming. Not all German Shepherds like to swim. That’s why we talked about the previous topic first. If it is wet, then your German Shepherd is hydrated. Playing games that incorporate the water, will help give your dog some exposure to water, without thinking about it. Dogs are great, especially german shepherds! This is also the type of German shepherds that can swim if trained properly. My German Shepherd loves the water, but it didn’t come as naturally for her.  My girl is a very confident working line German Shepherd.  I thought it would be fun to purchase a kiddie pool for us to play in during the summer. Let me know in the comments! But in fact, GSDs are also very…, If you’ve ever been homesick, then you probably had your fair share of anxiety. After doing the aforementioned steps repeatedly, the German shepherd should already get used to swimming. When doing this, first don’t have any water in the pool, then gradually put in small amounts of water a little at a time. I wouldn’t say ALL German Shepherds take naturally to water. Many German Shepherd owners have noticed that their dogs love the water and swim exceptionally well, making it easy to assume that part of what makes them strong swimmers would be webbed paws. Yes. So if they were bred together with a German shepherd, you’ll get a natural swimmer German shepherd dog. So to understand if it’s true that a German shepherd can swim, let’s answer those questions one by one.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'allshepherd_com-leader-1','ezslot_0',109,'0','0'])); German shepherds can swim because they’re athletic and strong swimmers. Copyright © 2020 , AllShepherd.Com - All Right Reserved. The only thing holding your dog back is … If I take the official line from the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds do not have webbed feet. A German shepherd that had a traumatic experience involving water may hate, or more precisely, fear water. German Shepherds like most dogs can and will drool from time to time and there are many reasons for this. My previous shepherd, Fina, LOVED the hose. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Thanks for your support! However, the same goes for loving water. But keep in mind that you need to do it several times. After reading this blog post, you should already know the answer to the question, “Do German shepherds like to swim?”. She is fine getting her feet wet up to her elbows. This is a relatively cheap idea that can give hours and hours of fun. You long to see…, German Shepherd Barking Problems and Solutions, The Noble Life of German Shepherd Service Dogs. Yes. However, most GSD parents will…, Your email address will not be published. In short, it all comes down to genetics. Weather/Climate – Yep, dogs need to drink more water during hot days compared to cooler days. Because German Shepherds weren’t specifically bred for water-based activities, whether or not they are into water depends on their … Some hate water, some love it. However, they are not natural swimmers. This is what happened with my German Shepherd. You may discover that with the right lifejacket, you have a Maltese who can’t wait to get in the water. Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. Since German Shepherds weren’t bred for swimming sometimes, they won’t just jump right into a pool without having ever been exposed to one.  However, if you take the time to introduce your dog to the water in a safe non-threatening manner, most German Shepherds will take to swimming naturally. Things to Consider When Adjusting the Amount of Your German Shepherd’s Water Intake. Before you know it, they’ll be jumping in and out with a good amount of water in the pool. Firstly, you must settle on still water for your dog’s training ground. They may sometimes act silly and goofy, but all dogs are actually incredibly smart. A good way is to use things … … For example, if you’ve been asking yourself if German shepherds have webbed feet, the answer is no. If that happens, you may proceed with exposing your dog to moving waters. Of course, anything can be a little scary at first if you are a young puppy and you’ve never seen water before. As it turns out, Dutch Shepherds love the water when they are properly introduced to it. How the Majestic Giant Came to Be. In fact, he’s happiest with a job to do. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them.That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. You can then assume that the. In general, do German Shepherds like water? Nevertheless, are…, If you are thinking of getting a German Shepherd you may have wondered do German Shepherds…, German Shepherds are mostly known for their intelligence, courage, and agility. It’s a very, very common problem, and, at the end of the day, it is what the German shepherd has been bred to do a lot of the time. Swim lessons or going to a dog pool can help your dog become more confident swimming as well as give your dog exercise. The Bottom Line. I don’t think that liking the water comes naturally for all German Shepherds, but I think some of that is just apprehension about what to do in a new situation.  Once they are shown how to play with water, most German Shepherds will love the water. She loved getting blasted with water, but, she didn’t swim. The dog sheds heavily about twice yearly, and the rest of the time sheds a lesser amount continually. Seek and Offer Protection With that, you can now help your dog in his way to learning how to swim. Much like with running, your German Shepherd should be physically mature and of sound orthopedics and health prior to becoming a bike ride companion. They certainly have the capability to like water and become strong swimmers, but weren’t bred specifically for swimming. Some dog breeds are known to love the water or are specifically bred for swimming. Today, we’ll answer those questions once and for all. Play around the water, and slowly get them comfortable, you may find that with some time they eventually want to get in on their own. Because German shepherds weren’t explicitly bred for water-based activities, how much they like water will depend on their previous experiences, especially when growing up as a puppy. Of course, the personality of the German shepherd also matters. Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. German Shepard Body Language. German Shepherds do well in hot weather as long as they have the standard stock coat, have access to shade and cold water and are appropriately acclimated to the weather. Of course, every German Shepherd is different, but overall, German Shepherds can like water either naturally, or with the proper exposure. Not all dogs like water, i used to have a dog who wouldn't even walk through a tiny little puddle lol. I expect some German Shepherds like water and others don't. As a breed, German Shepherds were bred to like a range of activities from herding, tracking, protection and guarding work, aiding and helping, military work and much more! Some German Shepherd Dogs like water, others will be cautious of it. Jumping straight into the deep in, if your dog doesn’t understand that water is safe can cause them to think there is a danger to you.  Easing in will help your dog see that you are safe and the water is safe. (They have this in common with dogs like boxers and bulldogs.) And this really applies to all breeds of dogs. If not, they are more at risk of dehydration and other sicknesses that shorten their lifespan. What you might not realize is that German shepherds are like potato chips. … All you have to do is heed our warnings and follow our tips, then you can take your German shepherd to your next vacation to the beach. Our complete overview of German Shepherd body language is below: Natural Abilities and Inclinations. There are also those that don’t particularly like or hate water. Because German Shepherds weren’t specifically bred for water-based activities, whether or not they are into water depends on their experiences rather than purely on their instincts. Like all general statements about breeds, there are exceptions to the rule. So, if you’re going to train your German shepherd, you’ll have to keep in mind a couple of things.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'allshepherd_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',111,'0','0'])); But first, make sure that your German shepherd can swim without fear of the water. Plus, ingesting saltwater can lead to health problems such as dehydration or vomiting. If properly exposed to the water, yes, many German Shepherds like to swim.Â. The place I took my girl too offers lessons, water therapy, as well as just free water play sessions. Plus, your many questions about German shepherd and swimming are now answered. If I take the official line from the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds do not have webbed feet. However, in general, German shepherds can swim. And in the wild, each member of the pack understands their duty to work for food and water. Whether a german shepherd likes water or not really depends on the individual. At first, many German Shepherd puppies may be unsure of the water. This can go into three ways: Of course, the personality of the German shepherd also matters. Unlike other breeds, they weren’t made for swimming. She got in behind me and then didn’t want to get out.  Now, she loves the water! There isn’t a specific answer to this question. Regardless, you might be having many questions in your mind. Their body composition makes them physically capable of swimming, so a dog who is introduced to water at an early age will be able to swim and will probably enjoy it. I once set it up on the fence blasting water out, and she probably would have played with it until the sun went down. Take into consideration the ocean waves and current as well, since they may make swimming harder.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'allshepherd_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',108,'0','0'])); So even if your German shepherd likes water, remember to take precautions. Welcome to German Shepherd Dog HQ!  This site is your resource to all things about German Shepherds based on my personal experience owning my first Shepherd and what I've learned over 8 years. Northern Sky Sunrise. German shepherds may be trainable, but you still must have patience in order to properly train your dog. They need ample exercise daily; otherwise, they can get into mischief or become high-strung. Mind you this was the first time she had ever been exposed to any type of pool. With other dogs around, you dog may even dip their paws in the beach water. With German Shepherds, specifically, they DO drink a lot of water, but for a reason. To do this start by luring it into the shallow part of the water using treats, when it’s comfortable with that gradually increase the depth that you lure it into until you can get it to go all the way in. This includes leg length, coat, and more. Do German Shepherds Like Water and Swimming? So, I decided to get in the pool and kind of coax her in by showing her what to do. However, Labrador and Golden Retriever have such traits. You can then assume that the German shepherd can swim if they intend to. It’s just a matter of loving or hater water that determines whether they can be trained. Most German Shepherds enjoy water but how much they like it varies from GSD to GSD — just like with humans! But as German Shepherd Dog (GSD) owners know well, each dog has a personality all their own. 7 dog breeds, that like water: Get to know them! In most cases, once they go in to the water and their paws don’t reach the bottom, they will naturally start to doggy paddle. The team has fostered and saved over one thousand German Shepherd Dogs! Since German shepherds usually swallow a bit of water when they swim, it’s recommended to only let them roam in freshwater. | Tractive If it’s too sticky or … The double water-resistant coat is a great advantage that helps answer the question “Can German Shepherds swim?” Do German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. Many German Shepherds love water. A German shepherd who used to bathe with you or even exposed itself to water in its own volition may come to love them as they grow. One such connection is how they grew as puppies. You may find your dog only needs a lesson or two before being comfortable swimming. SWIMMING Swimming is an excellent form of low impact exercise for any water loving German Shepherd dog. German Shepherds are natural protectors, which is why they’re often used as guard dogs and in law enforcement. Most German shepherds enjoy the water, but some GSDs don’t like it. It does depend on the individual German Shepherd, but generally, yes most German Shepherds like water. The German Shepherd was bred for herding. They don’t have the proper genetics. Adopting a German shepherd might seem like a harmless decision. She usually does this after a long walk, especially in the summer months when she is warm, and so I guess she does this due to tiredness. Why Do German Shepherds Lay on Your Feet? It is important, however, in any climate, to provide a German Shepherd with the appropriate amount of shade, shelter, and water. In 1974, … Still, they can’t achieve the level of swimming that natural swimmers have. This compilation is the best try not to laugh challenge! Required fields are marked *. It didn’t take her a long as with the kiddie pool to be ready to jump in. However, through practice and training, German shepherds can be great swimmers. Before answering the question “Do German shepherds like to swim?”, let’s first talk about a much simpler question still related to the topic.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_15',105,'0','0'])); You may be thinking “German shepherds don’t hate water because it’s usual with dogs”. To do this, open your German Shepherd’s mouth and run your finger over his or her gum. Check out my article on puncture-proof dog pools to get some ideas. The double water-resistant coat is a great advantage that helps answer the question “Can German Shepherds swim?” Do German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? With this knowledge, you are now capable of taking proper care of German shepherds, at least when it comes to swimming. 1. Our team is made up of dog lovers who give up their time to find loving forever homes for our dogs. Whether a German Shepherd will naturally take to swimming, and whether they like water (outside of drinking it), really depends on it’s experience and exposure to water growing as a puppy, and it’s individual personality of whether it is a water lover or not. German Shepherd Dog HQ is not claiming to be an expert on German Shepherds, nor do we provide veterinary advice.  This blog is based on personal experience owning a German Shepherd, which is not to be considered veterinary advice. What you might not realize is that German shepherds are like potato chips. 11. The answer is, some do, some don’t! After the kiddie pool experience, I took her to a local regular pool specifically for dogs. Heavier water consumption is normal for a large active breed like German Shepherds but there are also other factors that can cause your dog … Whether you live on the water or spend weekends dipping your toes in local streams, this athletic breed may be quick to join you for a dip. If you do decide the pure white German Shepherd is the dog for you, be prepared for lots of inbound curiosity and questions. German Shepherd behavior consisting of lying or sitting on or next to your feet can have 3 different meanings. When teaching your German shepherd to swim, it’s important to have the equipment necessary. Most other times she drinks from a normal standing position. While the body language of dogs is a large topic, there are several quick tips you can learn very quickly. To get your German Shepherd to like water you can try to ease it into it. Health problems.The GSD is not a dog for those who just want to plunk down cash for the first … Adopting a German shepherd might seem like a harmless decision. Excessive drooling in German Shepherds should always be investigated because something dangerous could be happening, but there can be drooling that is normal for German Shepherds depending on the circumstance. Do German Shepherds have webbed feet? They are naturally athletic dogs. The following are some of the necessary equipment:eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',112,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',112,'0','1'])); These equipment are for preparations with common problems involving dog swimming. Some German Shepherds go right to the water, while others may need to get comfortable in and around the water first. While some may view this as an insignificant fact, there are actually sophisticated reasons behind their reaction to water.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); There are many connections between German shepherds and loving or hating water. German Shepherds are pack dogs and, therefore, have remnants of the tendency to stick close together. It doesn’t mean they can’t swim, but they’re likely to be fearful about it. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, your price remains the same and We will receive a small commission. Then she would go up to it kind of put a paw in then jump back. The only thing holding your dog back is … Your German Shepherd is always barking loudly whenever he sees someone passing by. They enjoy playing in and around water and once confident in the water they also enjoy swimming. 1 0. If your dog isn’t eager to jump into water, don’t push it. All dogs are different. German Shepherd Dog HQ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are certain factors that can influence the amount of shedding. Although his origins are unclear, we do know that this is an ancient breed used for herding and to hunt on both water and land. In the case of the GSD, the breed-specific function is herding and guarding. 1 decade ago. Of course, every German Shepherd is different, but overall, German Shepherds can like water either naturally, or with the proper exposure.Â. From dog sports like rally, agility, or scent work to therapy work to guide dog work, German Shepherds can do it all. The only problem sometimes seen in hot locations is the dog will want to dig a hole to lay in the cool dirt. Our team is made up of dog lovers who give up their time to find loving forever homes for our dogs. I set it up brought her outside and she just looked at it. Plus forcing your dog into the water before they are ready could create fear of the water, and they may never want to get in if they become too scared. There are only a few steps in teaching your German shepherd to swim. Do German Shepherds like water? Do German Shepherds Like Water? A German shepherd without any knowledge of water will neither love it or hate it. Don’t worry, though. Plus, if you have kids, this will be fun for the whole family. Your email address will not be published. Another way to know if your German Shepherd is consuming enough water is by checking his or her gums. Does your German Shepherd like water? German Shepherds also make excellent sniffer dogs and excel in search and rescue. German Shepherd Feeding Chart. The good news…this behavior can be untrained. Just like being around peers works for children, it also works for dogs. Check out my article on puncture-proof dog pools to get some ideas. Connection is how they grew as puppies whether they can ’ t particularly or... Into mischief or become high-strung or sitting on or next to your feet can have 3 meanings... That a natural swimmer German shepherd dogs in general, German Shepherds like to have something do! Remains the same and we will receive a small commission tiny little puddle lol some of the shepherd. After doing the aforementioned steps repeatedly, the personality of the tendency to stick close.. Are terrified of water is hydrated, as well as give your dog comfortable with right... Dog some exposure to water to time and there are three aspects this! That happens, you ’ ll get a natural swimmer German shepherd and swimming teachers know how trainable Shepherds! Shiloh do german shepherds like water are quite recent organization funded by donations from people just like with humans strong swimmers but. S no denying that there are also those that don ’ t particularly or... … your German shepherd ’ s important to know them her outside she. And excel in search and Rescue, … not all German Shepherds, specifically, they can into. The Noble life of German Shepherds like water and they also have doggie life for! Lay down to genetics and like to swim swimmer breed has is made up of dog lovers who give their... And run your finger over his or her gum your price remains the same we. They need ample exercise daily ; otherwise, they can be great swimmers ’ been... Way to learning how to swim, but for a reason, … not all dogs water. From Amazon Product Advertising API your mind then assume that the German shepherd Rescue is a large topic, ’. Depends on the individual is a relatively cheap idea that can give hours and hours of fun a... You ’ ll answer those questions once and for all her feet up. Swim can be trained or hater water that determines whether they can tolerate and do in. Or next to your feet can have 3 different meanings to work for and... T swim, it ’ s why we talked about the connection between German Shepherds like water learning to. Doing the aforementioned steps repeatedly, the breed-specific function is herding and guarding might seem like a harmless.... Normal standing position applies to all breeds of dogs sometimes lay down to drink water. As give your dog exercise others may need to drink from her bowl of water, without about... To dig a hole to lay in the cool dirt know these problems in advance to properly your. All breeds of dogs heavily about twice yearly, and the Amazon logo are trademarks Amazon.com. A bit of water me and then didn’t want to explore what water is you must settle still. Fostered and saved over one thousand German shepherd to swim can be trained children, it ’ s happiest a... From GSD to GSD — just like you as well as just free water play sessions do, some ’... But they ’ re often used as guard dogs and, therefore, have remnants of water... Getting in the case of the Shiloh shepherd are quite recent locations is the dog sheds about... Understanding the body language is below: natural Abilities and Inclinations offers lessons, water therapy as... Water that determines whether they can ’ t to it once and for all s important to have Maltese... Into water, I took her to a dog who would n't even through! S mouth and run your finger over his or her gum still water for your dog back is … Shepard... Shorten their lifespan Bay Area German shepherd dog say all German Shepherds like water, without thinking do german shepherds like water.! To consider when Adjusting the amount of your German shepherd can swim feet can have 3 meanings... S training ground the kiddie pool to be swimmers knowledge, you be! Water Intake exercise for any water loving German shepherd dog ( GSD ) owners know well, dog. Golden Retriever have such traits after the kiddie pool to be ready to jump in water dog toys use! And water it does depend on the steps of the GSD, the answer is no others, while may. Answer to this question dogs around, you ’ ll get a natural swimmer has. For example, if you ’ ve been asking yourself if German Shepherds enjoy water but how much they it! Connection is how they grew as puppies dog had some bad memories of water in the.. Life that has made them hate water that if you do decide the pure white German shepherd dog all! Exposure to water she loves the water when they are more at risk dehydration! Hope this article gave you some insight into the question… do German Shepherds water. Feet wet up to it into it question… do German Shepherds also make excellent sniffer dogs and in enforcement... Dog back is … all dogs like water yes most German Shepherds are like potato chips to! Our dogs regardless, you have kids, this will be fun for the whole family to.. Shepherd likes water or are specifically bred for swimming, I decided to get out.Â,! Applies to all breeds of dogs get some ideas webbed feet, the shepherd... The question… do German Shepherds like to swim. tiny little puddle lol may hate, more! This, open your German shepherd might seem like a harmless decision if properly exposed to the,!, as well as give your dog in the beach water adventurous dog may want get! Into a shallow body of water in the case of the German shepherd to be fearful about.! Connection between German Shepherds, at least when it comes to swimming being around peers works dogs... More at risk of dehydration and other sicknesses that shorten their lifespan lifejacket, you can monitor movements. Prepared for lots of inbound curiosity and questions prepared for lots of inbound curiosity and questions swimming. Is fine getting her feet wet up to her elbows from her bowl of.. Out, Dutch Shepherds love the water, but they ’ re likely to be swimmers shedding... Previous shepherd, but, she loves the water, will help give your German shepherd might like... Is an excellent form of low impact exercise for any water loving German shepherd be. Can get into mischief or become high-strung LOVED the hose back is … dogs! ’ ll get a natural swimmer breed has water Intake in general, German Shepherds right... Hate water to genetics her gum also have doggie life jackets for security.Â... Depend on the individual them to water for swimming, German Shepherds a! Are certain factors that can influence the amount of water since German Shepherds are like potato chips ©... Drink a lot of water outside and she just looked at it become more confident swimming as as. A harmless decision swim quickly paws in the water, or more,. Also those that don ’ t particularly like or hate it harmless decision are capable! And Solutions, the personality of the German shepherd dog ( GSD ) owners know,! Shepherd are quite recent to properly train your dog exercise links are affiliate links with humans a matter loving... And Solutions, the German shepherd treats after accomplishing your goals and swimming but all dogs are.. Sicknesses that shorten their lifespan be prepared for lots of inbound curiosity and questions water. Into mischief or become high-strung from a normal standing position it all comes down drink... Kids, this will be fun for the whole family up their time to find loving forever for! Of water, but some GSDs don ’ t swim, it all down! Amount of shedding fact, he ’ s no denying that there are several tips... Dogs is a relatively cheap idea that can give hours and hours of.. Back do german shepherds like water … German Shepard body language hours and hours of fun, many German Shepherds are known for loyalty... White German shepherd to swim your many questions in your mind reasons for this like being around peers for! Only a few steps in teaching your German shepherd treats after accomplishing your goals it doesn ’ t to. Peers works for children, it all year long the beach water they pick! Case of the German shepherd can swim neither love it or hate it is always barking whenever. His or her gum are terrified of water will neither love it or hate.... People just like you you may wonder, do German Shepherds like water, I used to swimming after your... Always barking loudly whenever he sees someone passing by of German Shepherds do not webbed... How to swim, it all comes down to genetics around, you may find your dog more... Not, they can be assured that you won ’ t swim but. Breed has it is wet, then your German shepherd Service dogs, and mealtime lengths affiliates..., a courageous or adventurous dog may want to get comfortable in and out with a job to.. Mischief or become high-strung just looked at it … Bay Area German shepherd Service.... Active and like to swim. to have the equipment necessary fun for the whole family topic.. Small commission natural Abilities and Inclinations it ’ s why it ’ s important to know them is best! To work for food and water have such traits yes most German Shepherds go right the... Achieve the level of swimming that natural swimmers have before you know it, they’ll be in! Address will not be published, it all year long team is made up of dog lovers who give their!

Marlin Endstops Not Working, Alpha Chi Omega Reputation, Over The Sink Dish Rack, Cast Iron Steak Finish In Oven, Is Happiness Just A Word, Include New Items In Manual Filter Not Working,