Setters are famous for being excellent swimmers, but do Irish setters like water? These dogs were initially bred to hunt waterfowl, making them fantastic swimmers! And due to their exposure to the water, Irish setters have learned to love being around it. But remember that each dog is different, which may or may not be the case for your Irish setter.
Either way, here’s what you must know about Irish setters and their adoration for water. Plus, some tips on how to train your Irish setter to swim.
Do Irish Setters Like Water?
Irish setters come from different hunting dog breeds. These dogs became popular due to their ability to perform in any weather or terrain. But Irish setters excel best at hunting waterfowl, exposing them to water a lot. So, do Irish setters like water? Since swimming had become a part of their hunting duties, these dogs learned to love water over time.Â
They often retrieved fallen prey or game birds that went into different bodies of water. So, not only did this help their swimming abilities, but it also helped these dogs become fit! Hence, many dubbed Irish setters as one of the best breeds that can swim.Â
So, even if Irish setters had a late development than other breeds, they were already some of the best “water dogs.” Nowadays, Irish setters still have the natural talent to swim in rivers, oceans, or lakes.
So, Can all Irish setters Swim Well in Water?
But remember that even if Irish setters are natural-born swimmers, that doesn’t mean each one can swim! Nor does it indicate that all Irish setters love water. After all, each dog is different and has unique preferences like you and I.Â
So, never toss your Irish setter in the water if they haven’t learned how to swim! Luckily, Irish setters, no matter the age, are still eligible for swimming lessons. However, they can take their time to learn, but it’ll be worthwhile in the end. Plus, it exposes your Irish setter to the water more, curbing any possible fears they may have.Â
You don’t have to teach your Irish setter how to swim immediately. Instead, you can encourage your dog to play in the water. You can throw some of your dog’s favorite toys or treats there to bait your dog. This way, you can teach your Irish setter to enjoy being in the water more. And from there, training your pup how to swim should be a breeze.Â
How to Teach Irish Setters to Swim in Water?
Although most Irish setters know how to swim thanks to their instincts, it’s better to be safe. After all, no dog owner would want to lose their furry companion by leaving it to “chance.” You can teach your Irish setter how to swim without prior experience.
You only need a doggy paddling pool, a controlled space, and patience. It would be best if you taught your Irish setter at a pace that’s comfortable and easy for them to follow.
I suggest waiting until your Irish setter reaches 4 to 5 months before exposing them to water. This way, you can be confident that your Irish setter can handle themselves in the water.
Here’s what you can do to make it easier for you and your Irish setter when teaching them how to swim using a doggy paddling pool:
1️⃣ Keep The Water Levels at Your Irish Setter’s Belly
Before bringing your Irish setter to the water, ensure the water levels at their belly. I recommend doing it halfway like this, as it’s likely your dog’s first time getting submerged in water. Although this won’t get your Irish setter’s entire body wet, it’s enough to help your dog familiarize itself with water.Â
It’s also best to get in the paddling pool and play with your Irish setter or give them some treats afterward. These actions help create several positive associations with water. I suggest doing this activity for a couple of days before teaching your Irish setter to swim.Â
Note that the better your dog’s starting relationship with water, the better swimmer they’ll be in their lifetime. So, be patient and take it slow.Â
2️⃣ Raise the Water To Under Your Irish Setter’s Chin
Raise the levels under your Irish setter’s chin once they become more comfortable in the water. At this point, your dog should be able to stand firm and keep its head out of the water. I recommend donning a life jacket on your Irish setter at this part to keep them safe.Â
The point of doing this is to show your Irish setter that water won’t always be shallow. After your dog settles down, grab the life jacket and raise your dog gently. From there, your Irish setter should be padding its legs on instinct.Â
Check that your Irish setter is paddling four of their legs, and keep this up for at least 20 seconds at a time. After that, lower your dog and let it rest—and repeat.Â
3️⃣ Raise the Water Out of Depth
The last step is to teach your Irish setter how to do the actual swimming. Like the previous step, ensure your Irish setter has a life jacket before putting them in the paddling pool. Slowly lower your dog into the paddling pool until the only part above the water is their head. As you submerge your Irish setter, they should begin paddling their legs.Â
If you see any of your Irish setter’s legs not moving, touch them gently to trigger your dog and get them going. In the start, expect your dog to splash around and paddle harder than needed. That shouldn’t be an issue unless your Irish setter is hurting itself. After all, your dog is familiarizing itself with the feeling of floating.
Swimming can be exhausting for Irish setters, so only let your dog paddle for 10 to 20 seconds at a time. And always be ready to lift your Irish setter in case they panic.Â
Even after teaching your Irish setter to swim, never leave them alone in the water. It’s best to keep an eye out on your dog while they’re swimming or playing in the water. And this is especially recommended if your Irish setter doesn’t know how to come out of the water.
Aside from paying attention, ensure the body of water your Irish setter is swimming or playing at is safe. For instance, if you’re bringing your dog to a swimming pool, ensure it has little to no chemicals. If not, these can harm your Irish setter’s coat and skin over time.
How to Keep Your Irish Setter Safe in the Water? 10 Safety Tips to Remember
From a trip to the beach to the neighbor’s pool party, your Irish setter is the perfect swimming companion! But in these situations, you must always ensure your dog’s safety. After all, water can be unpredictable and can be dangerous to your Irish setter.
Check out the following safety tips to keep your Irish setter safe while in the water:
🌊 Remember, Not All Water is Good.
Water always finds its way into our dog’s mouths and nostrils when swimming. But did you know that dirty water carries millions of bacteria and parasites? Your Irish setter might be lapping up different pathogens such as E. Coli or Salmonella. So, to avoid the dangers of untreated water, be wary of it before bringing your Irish setter in it.
You can lower the risk of infecting your dog with these pathogens by sticking to clean bodies of water. Never let your Irish setter go in soapy-looking, discolored, or dirty water. And always bring your dog’s drinking water to stop them from drinking from the swimming hole.
Also, remember that though treated water is safer for your Irish setter, it isn’t ideal for everything. For instance, chlorinated water may cause bowel issues or excess vomiting. Or, if your Irish setter is a habitual swimmer, expect your dog to develop skin irritation.
Regardless, I suggest rinsing your Irish setter in freshwater before going home. Doing so prevents skin irritation and matting in the coat. But if your Irish setter already got exposed to untreated water and became sick, go to the vet—fast!
🌊 Safety Begins with You.
Even the best Irish setter swimmers can get into an accident when in the water. Unfortunately, this accounts for the majority of canine drowning deaths annually. And this is especially common for those Irish setters with open access to bodies of water like pools. You can keep your dog safe by securing your swimming pool or property (if you live close by the beach) with gating.
Aside from that, never leave your doggy paddling pools full. After teaching your Irish setter to appreciate water, they’ll likely want to dive in now. And though it’s ideal for swimming lessons, it can be dangerous when your dog is alone. So, always keep your paddling or regular swimming pools blocked off.
Finally, don’t forget to install easy-exit ramps on your pools. After all, teaching your Irish setter how to exit bodies of water is part of water safety. So, help your dog get used to going out of the water alone.
Since Irish setters are enthusiastic dogs that love water, your priority as an owner is their safety. So, always be a step ahead and plan the things mentioned to keep your Irish setter safe.
🌊 Keep the Swimming Lessons Short.Â
It’s best to keep your Irish setter’s swimming lessons brief. I recommend letting your dog swim for only around 10 to 30 seconds straight. After, bring your Irish setter out of the water and let them rest for a while. Doing this prevents them from getting exhausted, ensuring their safety in the water.Â
Swimming will always be an intense time for Irish setters, especially those who haven’t swum. So, keep the lessons short, fun, and full of rewards!
Aside from that, give your Irish setters breaks to play longer in the water. These won’t only help your dog’s muscles to relax, but they will also encourage them to drink from potable water instead of the swimming hole. So, you’re saving your Irish setter from drowning and consuming the water.Â
🌊 Give Your Irish Setter Plenty Of Rewards.Â
One of the best ways to guarantee your Irish setter doesn’t act out and stay in the water is by giving them lots of rewards. You can make their experience with water better—and filled with treats! So, remember to praise your dog before and after their swimming lessons. At this point, your Irish setter will be a pro swimmer the next time you chuck them in the water.Â
🌊 Always Be Aware Of The Temperature.Â
Always check the temperature first before letting your Irish setter in the water. And yes, this applies to both the water itself and the surroundings. After all, having your dog submerged in water in the cold can only lead to bad things. So, ensure the temperature is at least 17 degrees Celcius or (60 degrees Fahrenheit). If not, it’ll be easy for your Irish setter to freeze—fast.Â
Aside from that, remember to consider the water’s temperature as well. Ensure your pool or the beach down the street doesn’t have too hot or cold water.Â
🌊 Be Wary of Surf and Turf.
Water isn’t the only danger when bringing your Irish setter into the water. You also must pay attention to the land surrounding it. For instance, as many offers natural beaches have, some may harm your dog. Your Irish setter might consume dead wildlife washed up on the shores.Â
So, always watch your Irish setter in the water or on land. Also, regularly check your dog’s body to ensure it’s free from any injury. And if you spot one, treat it immediately to avoid further infection.Â
🌊 Don’t Expect Your Irish to Dive into the Water Immediately.
While Irish setters are famous for being strong and natural swimmers, not all can swim from the get-go. Your dog might need to learn how to swim from scratch. And as good as it is to teach your Irish setter via a doggy paddle, you must expose them to deeper waters. Doing so trains your Irish setter’s body for swimming for long periods.
But as trainable as these dogs are, don’t expect yours to dive into the water immediately. You can make this positive and fun for your Irish setter by letting them get into a body of water on their own. Aside from that, you can also offer positive reinforcement to help your Irish setter associate water with fun things!
So, take it slow and let your Irish setter get used to water at their pace.Â
🌊 Lifejackets Are for Irish Setters, Too.
Lifejackets can be the difference between life and death among Irish setters when in the water. So don’t hesitate to strap your Irish setter into a doggy lifejacket to keep them safe from drowning. Aside from ensuring safety, having your dog wear a lifejacket can help them move more naturally—keeping them afloat.Â
Also, lifejackets can be lifesavers whenever your Irish setter becomes exhausted while in the water. Although it won’t entirely save your Irish setter, it assures you of not worrying about your dog drowning.Â
🌊 Always Apply Sunscreen to Your Irish Setter.Â
Irish setters are sensitive to the sun despite their thick coats and can get sunburnt fast. So, apply sunscreen to your Irish setter before letting them enter the water. And this especially applies to those with light-coated Irish setters as their fur has higher chances of burning under the sun.Â
Aside from protecting your Irish setter’s skin from sunburn, applying sunscreen can also reduce your dog’s risk for skin cancer. After all, repetitive sunburns on Irish setters make them vulnerable to developing cancer cells. So, invest in a pet-safe sunscreen and apply it the entire time your Irish setter is in the water.Â
🌊 Be Familiar with Doggy First Aid.
Finally, familiarizing yourself with doggy first aid can go a long way. Prior knowledge helps you address concerns that may arise while your Irish setter is in the water. For example, learning how to do CPR on dogs can help you revitalize your Irish setter in case of drowning. Aside from that, it’s also best to know how to check vital signs on dogs to help you determine if your Irish setter needs immediate care or not.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Irish setters like water and swimming?
A: Due to the unique mixes of the best traits from different dog breeds, the Irish setter became an excellent swimmer. And they have as much fun as other dog breeds made for swimming. So, you can say that these lovable dogs love to spend time in the water.Â
Q: Can Irish setters swim well?
A: Initially bred to hunt waterfowl, Irish setters are excellent swimmers. And these dogs like to consider the water their happy place. If your Irish setters can’t swim, it’s never too early or late to teach them! With some training, swimming can become one of your Irish setter’s favorite pastimes.
Q: Can Irish setters drown?
A: Irish setters are excellent and strong swimmers, but they can still drown. For instance, your Irish setter might panic when confronted with an overwhelming current. Or your dog might become exhausted when trapped in water, causing them to drown.Â
Q: How long should I let my Irish setter stay in the water?
A: Irish setters are an active breed, so you can let them stay in the water and swim for 20 to 30 minutes. This timeframe should be enough to give your Irish setter a decent workout for the day. Meanwhile, some may only need 10 to 15 minutes in the water. The time depends on your Irish setter’s age, personality, and health.Â
Q: How often should I bathe my Irish setter?
A: Irish setters love water, so you don’t have to worry about bathing them. Still, washing these dogs every three months is best to keep their coats luscious and long. Be sure to use quality shampoos for Irish setters to avoid harming your dog’s skin. Either way, regular baths shouldn’t be an issue with this breed.Â
Final Words
Do Irish setters like water? Since Irish setters were bred to hunt waterfowl, this dog breed has learned to love water over time. And now, Irish setters are among the best dog swimmers of all time! So, if you’re considering bringing your Irish setter to the beach or pool this summer—don’t hesitate!
