It depends. Like most people, Australian Shepherds can have varying levels of enthusiasm for getting in the water.
Some Aussies love swimming and will happily splash around in a pool, lake, or ocean all day long if given the chance.
Other Australian Shepherds want nothing to do with water deeper than a puddle.
And then there are those who fall somewhere in the middle – they don’t mind getting their paws wet but prefer to keep their bodies high and dry.
So what factors influence whether an individual Australian Shepherd becomes a swimming fanatic or a Pool Puppy who prefers to stay on the sidelines?
Do Australian Shepherds like to swim?
Like many other breeds, Australian Shepherds that may be introduced to water at a young age tend to be much more comfortable swimmers.
Puppy kindergarten classes that include water introduction can help get Aussie puppies off to a confident start.
Of course, early exposure doesn’t guarantee a lifelong love of swimming.
But it does make it less likely that an Australian Shepherd will develop a fear of water that’s hard to overcome.
Owners of adolescent and adult Australian Shepherds who have had minimal exposure to water will need to exercise more patience.
Slowly getting the dog used to different depths can help, as can making a big fuss with treats and praise anytime the Aussie ventures into the water, even if it’s just getting their paws wet at first.
Why are Australian Shepherds Natural Swimmers?
One of the reasons Australian Shepherds can often be trained to swim and even perform water rescue roles is their intense desire to have a job to do.
Aussies tend to be extremely food-motivated and will eagerly complete tasks in exchange for treats and praise.
An owner can take advantage of this attitude by using positive reinforcement training to teach swimming as a fun game with delicious rewards.
An Aussie who doesn’t initially love the water may start finding it more appealing if swimming earns them coveted treats, play sessions, and verbal affirmation from their beloved owner.
That signature work ethic can also manifest in a beautiful way if the Australian Shepherd understands that swimming is helpful and serves a purpose, like getting to retrieve objects or even assisting with water therapy sessions.
Some of these dogs will doggie paddle all day if it means they get to be a part of the action.
Potential Downsides
Of course, not all Australian Shepherds will automatically take to swimming.
Some may simply have minimal interest because they just don’t enjoy the sensation of being in water.
Aussies with orthopedic or joint issues may understandably find swimming uncomfortable.
There’s also the not-so-small matter of that luscious double-coat Australian Shepherds are known for.
That gloriously soft, insulated fur is prized in cold climates but can become extremely heavy and uncomfortable when drenched and weighed down.
In hot weather, a waterlogged coat that refuses to dry quickly can put an Aussie at risk of overheating.
Owners of swimming-keen Australian Shepherds may opt to have their dog’s coat clipped shorter in warm weather to help prevent dangerous overheating situations.
This can also minimize the amount of hair and dander left behind as the wet dog shakes itself furiously after a pool session.
Keeping Safety the Priority
Whether your particular Australian Shepherd turns into a good swimmer or prefers digging in the sand over swimming, safety should always be the top priority when dogs are around water.
Aussies are adventurous pups who may attempt to jump in before assessing the depth and layout of a new body of water.
It’s wise to keep even strong-swimming Australian Shepherds on a lead in unfamiliar areas until you’ve had a chance to check for hazards like currents, drop-offs, slippery slopes, and other dangers.
Life jackets designed for dogs can provide extra peace of mind if you’ll be taking your Aussie out on boats or doing any extended open-water swimming sessions.