When Joli was little (and I've been trying to do it with Somi too) I filled up the bath tub with water to make her learn to swim some. I wanted to make sure that just in case she was ever near water and fell in she would at least have some idea of how to swim. My BF keeps making fun of me for it though because he says "dogs just KNOW how to swim" but that's not always true and definitely don't want to risk it. And they both have life jackets if we ever do anything planned in water.
Joli is too big now to swim in the tub, but she LOVES baths and sometimes I will still fill the tub up for her to ALMOST swim in. I want to take her swimming more often because she seems to like it, but there is no good place that I know of close to me. I did sneek her into the apartment pool once, but I don't like her in all the chlorine. :(
And Somi actually had her first successful swimming bath time today! :) She usually panics and tries to get out. But I filled up the tub completely and got it at just the perfect tempature that she was happy swimming around for a few minutes. :) Also her first bath since her LP surgery and I figured the swimming would be good for her leg muscles since she hasn't been moving around as much for the past few weeks.

so like i do a lot...way to much info to say I make them swim in the bath tub JIC because I am terrified of all the random freak accidents that can occur like drowning that can be easily prevented. :(

and very good to know that Chachi can get himself out on his own without panicing!!

I bet that was quite a sight seeing Chahi swim through the pond! :)

Glad Chachi is good! From what I've seen, MOST dogs naturally can swim, but there are some dogs who won't or don't, including some breeds (I think Frenchies can't swim, and most bulldogs).

I think it's sooo important to teach our pets and children alike from a young age. Obviously, Jackson is a water freak, and I knew pretty early on that he was a good swimmer, but in the beginning, I did teach him where the steps were and how to get out. He's a swimming freak now, so I don't worry too much, but do put the lifejacket on him if he's going to be out all day so he doesn't wear himself out. I am extra cautious around pools because my little brother died drowning in 2006 and we have a foundation for the cause; so it's pretty much my life mission to prevent such tragedies.