I know most pet owners feel you want your dog to swim can be very overwhelming. I would suggest starting your canine out in a pool or shallow lake where you can enter the water. For instance many canines will be more confident if you are standing with them. For this reason they are nervous about venturing out on their own. I would be walking out with them, you can build their confidence. In addition bring a favorite toy with you and encourage them out further by tossing it short distances.
Besides bring another pooch who knows how to swim along to help encourage your canine. Therefore there are life vests you can purchase to aide in teaching your puppy dog. In addition they have handles that you can hold onto easily and are helpful for getting a dog back. For example a common problem. is your puppy goes off and won’t come back. Therefore you have two choices, swim out and get them, or wait until they get tired and come back. I wouldn’t let them off leash and away from you until you know for a fact they will return.
Above all else start in shallow water where you can go get them should you need to. Best of all use a two pet toy approach to retrieving and swimming. I always keep one close by so I can toss it near. I would try to make a lot of noise to get their attention and toss it into the shallow water. For instance I really like kong retrieving toys or retrieving bumpers. In addition you should make sure you RINSE your dog with fresh water to get out any bacteria or chemicals. Firstly puppy owners feel you want your dog to swim can be very overwhelming.