Pool Games You Can Play With Your Dog

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 21 December, 2022

Pool games are one of the best ways to enjoy the summer with your dog. Today, you can read about some water-based activities that will cool you down and add some fun to the hottest part of the year.

3 ideas for pool games you can play with your dog

Swimming

Swimming is a complete, low-impact exercise that’s good for both people and dogs of all ages. Just remember, to adjust the swimming style according to your physical conditions and overall health.

If your dog likes being in the water, swimming might be the best summertime activity to keep it at a healthy weight. In fact, this activity can help you if you’re trying to watch your weight as well.

Another favorite summertime pool game is racing. Get your family together and have your dog race alongside you. They will love doing this shared activity. Just remember that there always needs to be an adult around to prevent any accidents from happening.

Unfortunately, some dog breeds have a hard time playing water sports and pool games. For example, swimming can be a major challenge for brachycephalic dogs. Their noses are too flat, which makes it harder for them to breathe and reduces their lung capacity.

Dog diving

Nowadays, a lot of dogs are playing water sports and some can even learn to dive in open and/or enclosed spaces. If your dog knows how to swim and likes to play in the pool, teaching them to dive can be tons of fun.

All you need to train your dog to dive is a medium- or large-sized pool. It should be deep enough that your dog can dive headfirst and have their entire body underwater without hurting themselves.

But you don’t want it to be so deep that your dog has trouble reaching the surface if it stands on its feet. If need be, it should at least be able to push itself up to the surface easily.

But remember: diving is a completely new experience for your dog. Be patient and give them time to adapt and encourage them with positive reinforcement.

Playing with a ball in the water

One of the more traditional pool games you can play with your dog is just to throw a ball in the water. Training your dog to jump in and find the ball is also the first step in training it to dive. So, you can use it to have fun and also to prepare your dog for that higher-level activity.

It can help even more if you use one of your dog’s favorite toys in the pool. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a ball, as long as it floats, is water-resistant, and gets your dog excited. There are also tons of water toys at pet stores.

First, sit beside your dog and show it the toy. Then shake it around to call your dog’s attention and make it want to chase the toy. Next, throw the toy into the water and encourage your dog to jump in after it and bring it back.

Each time your dog does this successfully, reward it with a treat, petting, or praise. Positive reinforcement is always the best way to get a dog to behave the way you want them to.

Steps to take before playing pool games with your dog

Before you try any of these activities, there are some things you should do beforehand:

1. Check the chlorine levels in the pool and don’t let your dog go in right after you’ve done a chlorine treatment.
2. Put sun screen on your dog’s body to keep them safe from UV rays.
3. Use appropriate toys: they should be water-resistant and a manageable size for your dog’s age and physical abilities.
4. Put a harness or collar on your dog before they get in the water and never let them play alone in the pool.
5. Make sure your dog has all their shots up to date.
6. Make sure to de-worm your dog and look for parasites on their skin during the summertime.
7. Give your dog a bath in clean water after being in the pool, in order to get the chlorine off. Dry them off well to keep their fur and skin from being too damp.