How do doodles (dogs) learn to swim?

[jenn D]

We are contemplating getting a pool due to my son's orthopedic needs. We have a area already sectioned off with a 6 foot fence so that might be its spot so doodles and my son cannot get to it randomly. But pools got me thinking about dogs and I was wondering how do dogs learn to swim? I don't think my doods will ever get into that pool (I buying them their own shallow pool for summer) but I was wondering. I know some people let their dogs in their pool but I can't imagine that going over well here.

[Liz]

Sadie hated going in the pool.  She'd put her paws on the first step or two to try and get a frog or a toy, splash a bit (which she loved), but wouldn't go in.  I took her in with me once or twice but she never got the hang of it.  I taught swimming for a number of years, and realized that muscular people always had a harder time floating.  She was very very muscular so I kind of wondered whether she just had too hard of a time keeping herself afloat even when paddling.

I plan on taking Cooper to the beach this summer and seeing how he does.  Maybe starting him early will help.