How do I teach my puppy to swim?

[nonnie browne]

We live down the street from a very nice lake. We pass it every day on our walk and when the weather improves, I would love to teach Buddy to swim. All my previous dogs/swimmers were adopted and I have not taught this before. I would rather not have to get in with him past my knees :)

[Lisa {Zoe's Mom]]

I've never had to teach a dog to swim. They actually all just jumped in and went. I would take him down there and let him get used to it. I took our min poodle down to the river where the current was slow and dropped her in about ankle deep. then walked out with her on lead and let her swim next to me. she would get to a certain point and turn around and go back to the bank. I realized since she is a small dog, this was her safety net. She would only go out a certain distance each time. Remeber dogs have their limits as us humans do. Good luck and lets see some of those pics when you do get to go in! I can't wait to go with Zoe! Come on spring!