From a puppy’s first discovery of water to the adult dog’s activities: learning with confidence and safety.
The Leonberger, a large dog with powerful muscles, can enjoy water activities. However, every dog has its own temperament: loving the water and knowing how to swim are two different things. At Corleone Leonberger, we favour a gradual introduction, with no pressure and no focus on performance.
8 to 12 weeks: discovering water
At this age, the goal is not to make the puppy swim. In a small amount of shallow, lukewarm water, on a non-slip surface, let it explore of its own accord. Toys and treats can make this discovery enjoyable. It must always be able to get out easily, under close supervision. Never push or throw it into the water.
3 to 6 months: building confidence
Offer short walks in calm, shallow water with no current. Teach the puppy to enter and leave the water at its own pace. Introduce a well-fitted life jacket, first on dry land, then at the water’s edge. Its rapid growth means avoiding prolonged effort, jumping and fatigue.
6 to 12 months: the first strokes
If the young dog is willing and relaxed, accompany it to a gently sloping spot, wearing a suitable vest. The first swimming distances should remain very short. Watch its breathing, coordination and ability to keep its head above water. Stop as soon as it shows signs of fatigue or worry.
12 to 24 months: developing its abilities
The Leonberger can look like an adult before its physical development is complete. Increase activity very gradually, taking into account its growth, its health and the water temperature. Swimming complements walks and work on land; it does not replace them.
Adulthood: physical activity and shared enjoyment
The buoyancy of water reduces the impact of body weight. Swimming works many muscles and can help maintain fitness and endurance. It is nonetheless real exercise: plan breaks and avoid overly long sessions.
Source: nkpleonberger.ru
The conformation Leonberger
Swimming can complement a conditioning program for show dogs, alongside controlled walks and coordination exercises. It does not replace gait work on land and does not guarantee better results in the ring.
The senior Leonberger
For ageing dogs, water exercise can be beneficial, but free swimming is not always appropriate. In cases of arthritis, weakness or neurological problems, ask for a veterinary assessment. Supervised hydrotherapy, sometimes on an underwater treadmill, may be more suitable.
Choosing a good life jacket
Check the stated maximum weight, chest girth, freedom of the shoulders, buoyancy, straps and the strength of the back handle. An XL or XXL size is not automatically right for a Leonberger. A life jacket never replaces supervision.
To explore the models: ruffwear.ca. Among Canadian companies, Salus Marine and Canada Pooch also offer equipment for dogs. Confirm directly with the manufacturer that it suits your dog’s weight and measurements.
Safety rules around water
Choose calm water with easy access to the shore. Avoid currents, extreme temperatures and bodies of water under contamination or cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) advisories. Keep the dog from swallowing a lot of water while playing. Supervise swimming at all times and teach it how to find the way out of a pool.
After swimming: caring for the double coat
Rinse the coat after swimming in a pool or salt water, then towel and thoroughly dry the undercoat with a suitable high-velocity dryer. Check the skin, ears and the spaces between the toes. At Corleone Leonberger, we insist on one rule: never line brush a dry coat; lightly dampen it with a suitable product before brushing section by section.
Recommended grooming products: pekesecret.com.
What if my Leonberger doesn’t like the water?
There is no reason to force it. Some Leonbergers love to swim, others prefer to walk along the shore. Enjoyment and confidence matter more than the distance covered.
Our philosophy at Corleone Leonberger
From the puppy’s very first discovery to the adult dog’s peaceful swims, swimming should remain a positive experience. A Leonberger who is happy in the water is above all a dog who feels safe, free to move forward at its own pace and happy to share this moment with its family.
Safety references: American Kennel Club, “Teach Your Dog to Swim” (akc.org); CDC, “Animals and Harmful Algal Blooms” (cdc.gov). The age ranges in this article are educational guidelines, not a veterinary protocol validated for the breed.
