What Happens During Your Dog's First Swimming Session

People book a first session not knowing whether they are supposed to bring anything, get in, stay dry, or how much swimming actually happens. Here is the whole thing, in order.

Arriving

You arrive a few minutes before your slot. Because sessions are private there is nobody else in the water and nobody waiting, so there is no rush to get in. We will ask a few questions about your dog, anything they are nervous of, and whether they have swum before.

The first few minutes

Your dog explores. New building, new floor, new echo, new smells. Some dogs are ready for water inside a minute, some need ten. Both are fine, and the clock is not the point.

Getting in

Entry is gentle and gradual, using the steps. A life jacket goes on if one is wanted. Nobody is lifted in or dropped in. For a lot of dogs the first visit is largely about standing on the submerged steps and working out that this is survivable.

The swimming part

When they are ready, a short supported swim, usually just a few metres at first. Some dogs then swim happily for most of the session. Others do a minute and want a break, which is normal. You are welcome to get in and swim with them, and plenty of owners do.

Finishing

We stop while your dog is still enjoying it rather than when they are flagging. Then a towel dry, and where possible we grab a photo moment, because most people want one and nobody wants to hold a phone over water.

Afterwards

Expect a properly tired dog for the rest of the day. Dry them thoroughly at home, especially around the base of the tail. If the tail hangs limp for a day or two, that is usually limber tail, which is common after a first big swim and settles with rest.