I know most canine owners will find it challenging teaching a puppy dog to swim. I will give some advice on how to teach a dog how to swim and some general safety issues. For instance always check with your vet on any medical questions. I would suggest starting your dog out in a pool or shallow lake where you can enter the water with you. For example dogs will be more confident if you are standing with them. In addition if they are nervous about venturing out on their own your right their. I would say by walking out, you can build their confidence before letting them go. Most importantly bring a favorite canine toy with you and encourage them out further by tossing the toy short distances.
Above all else bringing another dog who knows how to swim along to help encourage your pet to try. Firstly there are life vests you can purchase to aide in teaching your dog. I know these have handles that you can hold onto easily. Best of all they are helpful for getting a canine back into a boat. For instance your puppy goes off & won’t come back.
Therefore you have two choices, swim out and get them, or wait until they come back. I would never let the puppy off leash and away from you. Besides you know for a fact they will return or start in shallow water where you can go get them. I use a two dog toy approach to retrieving and swimming. Firstly always keep one close by so I can toss it near. For instance make a lot of noise to get their attention and toss it into the water. I know most pet owners will find it challenging teaching a puppy dog to swim.