Can Goldendoodles Swim? (Answer + 39 Owners Weigh in)

You love the water and want your dog to love it too. Some dogs are natural swimmers, diving right in every opportunity they get. Others are a bit more hesitant and cling to the shoreline. One of the reasons dogs differ so much is their breeding. A dog bred from two parents who love the water is likely to be a stronger and more eager swimmer. How does the Goldendoodle compare?

The Goldendoodle comes from two parents (the Golden Retriever and Poodle) who are bred to love the water. They love water and are naturally strong swimmers, but you should take the time to introduce them to the water slowly and adhere to safety precautions such as wearing a life vest.

If you want to learn more about how your canine companion feels about the water, here is what you need to know!

Do Goldendoodles Like Water?

While every dog will be a bit different in terms of personality and preferences, there is an excellent chance that your Goldendoodle will love to swim. To understand why the breed is inclined toward the water, it is essential to look at their heritage.

Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle love the water and are naturals when swimming. As a result of the breeding of this pair, your Goldendoodle will likely love the water if introduced to it properly. They will enjoy an afternoon spent at the beach, the lake, or even the pool if dog-friendly.

Your Goldendoodle has energy to spare and will love the rigorous exercise that swimming in the water gives them. As a bonus, you won’t need to take your dog for a long walk if you spend the afternoon at the local pool with your water-loving four-legged friend.

Are Goldendoodles Good Swimmers?

Many pet owners wonder how to train their dogs to become strong swimmers. The good news is that this skill is inherent to most dogs, but it requires you to properly introduce them to the water from the very start.

Because this breed does love the water, you will likely find that you don’t need to coax them to get in the water. Unlike the Cavachon and Yorkiepoo, you might find that your Goldendoodle will dive right into the water.

Most Goldendoodles will be just fine submerging their chest and belly in a body of refreshing water. Some may even be okay ducking their head beneath the waves. In the end, it will depend on your dog’s comfort level with the water.

Always make sure that your canine companion has a life vest in case they get tired of swimming in deeper waters, no matter how strong of a swimmer your Goldendoodle might be.

How to Introduce Your Goldendoodle to the Water

The best thing you can do to encourage your Goldendoodle to swim is to introduce them to the water slowly. While your dog may not need any encouragement to dive right in, some dogs can be a bit hesitant about something they have never done before.

Introducing your pup to water the right way is essential if you want them to develop a lifelong love of the water. Here are the steps you need to follow to introduce them to the water safely:

Start with Shallow Water

It is always best to give your Goldendoodle plenty of time to explore the water on its own. This might mean that you spend a few days simply splashing around on the shore of your local beach or lake. Play a game of fetch in the water with them, allowing them to get their feet wet with the gentle waves. Walk through the waves together, being conscious of not letting your dog get too deep right away.

Choose a Quiet Location

You may not want to start teaching your dog to enjoy the water in a crowded, noisy environment. This can cause unnecessary stress and excitement for your dog. If you have to go to a place with many people, try to visit it outside of peak hours, such as early in the morning or late in the evening if weather permits.

Start to Transition to Deeper Water

Once your Goldendoodle is comfortable with the shallow waves at the edge of the body of water, you can start to transition them to deeper waters. If you are already playing a game of fetch with one of their favorite toys, try tossing it a bit further into the water. Make sure that you use toys that will float like this bumper floating toy from ChuckIt. (link to Amazon)

Alternatively, you might encourage your canine to move deeper into the water by joining them. Make sure you are prepared to swim alongside your dog for a short time. If they seem hesitant about moving deeper, don’t force them into it. Simply retreat to the shore and give them more time to get accustomed to the water.

Water Safety

The most important thing you can do is ensure that your dog is safe from harm when spending an afternoon in the water. As the owner, you need to be conscious of your surroundings at all times.

This is particularly true if you are going to take your Goldendoodle swimming at the beach or the lake where people may be fishing from the shore. Help your dog steer clear of the areas where there may be hooks in the water. Likewise, make sure that your dog isn’t snacking on any bait that isn’t intended for them.

You should also invest in a quality life vest for your dog if you plan to go swimming often or for more extended periods of time. This allows your dog to float and take a break if needed, even if they are in deeper waters that don’t allow them to touch the bottom. A properly-fitted life vest could save your dog’s life when it comes to swimming.

In the beginning, you should also keep your dog on a leash so that you can draw them close to you again if necessary. Once your dog is more experienced in the water, you might consider letting them off-leash in areas that permit this.

Swimming at the Beach vs. the Pool

Many people wonder where the best place is to take their Goldendoodle swimming. There are benefits to both the beach and the pool, so it is up to you where you and your dog will be the most comfortable learning and exploring the water together.

The beach is lovely because the sand gradually slopes down into deeper water. This means that you can spend some great time splashing around on the shore without requiring your dog to get fully submerged in the water. There is an accessible entrance and exit point to the water that your dog can understand relatively quickly if they feel overwhelmed or want to take a break.

On the other hand, the beach is often crowded with sunbathers and fishers alike. You will have to be more cautious about what your dog is doing to prevent them from getting into something they shouldn’t.

Some dogs may also be overwhelmed by large waves, so try to go when the waters are calmer.

Pools are a great place to teach your dog to swim because they offer a controlled and safe place for your dog to explore the water. No waves and no fishermen are competing for your dog’s attention. It is pure enjoyment for them as they learn to navigate the water.

However, getting in and out of the pool may be a bit more challenging for your pup. Make sure to show them how to exit the pool as soon as they climb in so that they can get some practice in. This might mean that you need to get in the water with your dog to show them how it is done.

Are Salt and Chlorine Bad for Dogs?

It is bound to happen sooner or later: you take your furry friend to go for a swim, and he starts drinking the water. Some owners fret that saltwater or chlorinated water might not suit their dog, and they might be right.

A chlorinated pool may have no more chlorine in it than the water that comes straight from the tap at your house. If you know that the pool has recently been shocked or it has a lot more chemicals than usual in it, you might want to avoid taking your dog swimming until the level can settle back down to a more normal range.

A saltwater pool has less salt than the ocean, and it is generally safe for your dog to drink. Taking in too much salt could lead to other problems, though. It might cause excessive thirst and frequent urination that can lead to accidents later on.

Allowing your dog to swim at the beach and drink the saltwater from the ocean is detrimental to their health. It has significantly higher levels of salt that can be bad for Goldendoodles, who may have heart disease or kidney disease. If the veterinarian recommends a low-sodium diet for your dog, then steer clear of the beach.

The best thing to do is make sure that fresh water is available to your dog at all times. Always carry a couple of bottles of water with you and a collapsible water bowl (Amazon link) so that your pet can take a long drink and avoid dehydration.

Life Vests Buying Guide

One of the best things you can do for your dog is invest in a life vest. This piece of equipment allows them to take a break while swimming when they get tired without worrying about dipping beneath the waves. Swimming is an intense workout, and your four-legged friend is likely to get tired eventually. Protect them with a life vest.

How do you know what size life vest to purchase for your dog?

Every dog will be a bit different when it comes to size. Be sure to look for adjustable life vests, mainly if your dog is still a puppy. This enables the vest to grow with them to some extent. As they reach their full-grown size, you may need to invest in a larger size, though.

You should also look for a life vest with some of these attributes:

• Handles to grab hold of your dog, if needed
• Sturdy buckles that will stay clipped during exercise
• Bright colors or reflective accents that are visible in the water
• Chin float to keep their head up
• Foam that will keep your dog comfortable while standing or sitting

It is a good idea to try some of these life vests on your dog before committing to a specific one. However, you can get a decent life vest on Amazon and similar sites if you are diligent about taking your dog’s measurements.

For example, this Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket from Amazon is a top candidate for a dog you want to take swimming. It is affordable and has all the features that pet owners should expect to find in a vest. You can view the size chart, which requires that you know your dog’s girth (the measurement around their chest) and overall weight.

Survey Results

Here are a few of the quotes we got:

“Our Goldendoodle Donut is obsessed with water. It’s hard to keep him out of the pool in the summer”.

Valerie H. on FB

“My 8 year old loves to swim! I have a pool and she uses it the most!”

Lori B. on FB

“When my Goldendoodles see water they will make a bee line to it and jump in. They love, love, love to swim”.

Teri H. on FB

“We just got her on 2/15/22 and as soon as it warms up we will be finding out if she can swim”.

IG @Remithedoodleette

“I’ve taken Autumn to the beach many times and she loves it but doesn’t really go in to swim. She mainly just runs around. She’s still only a year old so there is time to learn. I’m taking her to the lake soon”.

IG @autumn_the_doodle

Thank You!

I love goldendoodles facebook group

Introducing Your Goldendoodle to the Water

Are you ready to start introducing your Goldendoodle to the water? Starting your dog off early and encouraging them to take their time getting comfortable can go a long way toward raising a dog who loves the water. Always keep an eye out for safety concerns, particularly where fishing hooks or rough waters are concerned.

As long as your dog is safely fastened into their life vest, you should have no problems getting your Goldendoodle safely in the water!

More on Goldendoodles

If you’re simply in love with Goldendoodles and can’t get enough, then check out our other posts below:

• Phantom Goldendoodles: All About This Rare Colored Hybrid Dog
• Merle Goldendoodle: All About This Rare Colored Hybrid Dog
• How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Goldendoodle?
• Are Mini GoldenDoodles Hypoallergenic? (Shedding Breed?)
• What Is A Moyen Goldendoodle? [An Ultimate Guide]
• Does Your Goldendoodle Bark A Lot? Triggers + Training Guide
• How Long Do Goldendoodles Sleep? [Answer + Training Guide]
• Do Goldendoodles Have Dewclaws? [Answer + Best Practices]
• Are Goldendoodles Good With Cats? [First Encounters leaked]
• Are Goldendoodles Hyper? How to Keep Yours Calm