aquatic services
Assisted Swimming
A professional canine swim coach works in the water with your dog to assist him/her with swimming, staying in the pool, or feeling comfortable being held or massaged in the water.
For an older dog, the session may consist mostly of standing or floating in a swim coach’s arms. For a young dog swimming to keep muscles strong, it may mean being carried out into the water and swimming back to the steps. Or, for the active sports dog, it may mean swimming combined with massage on the steps to keep the dog calm in between swims.
Session time includes gentle entry and exit from the water. Sessions are by appointment only.
Open Swimming
For dogs who will swim by themselves -- with the assistance of mom/dad throwing the ball or toy. Self-motivated dogs can be cleared to swim on their own after a minimum of one assisted swim to prove that the dog can swim and get in and out of the pool safely. Sessions are by appointment only.
(Sorry, swimming is for dogs and coaches only—our insurance coverage, and San Mateo County health codes, will not permit owners to join their dogs in the pool.)
Why Warm Water Swimming?
For Wellness Gentle physical stimulation and exercise can keep your elder or physically challenged dog healthy and comfortable, keeping muscles strong and essential body systems running smoothly.
For Weight Loss Swimming is an ideal exercise for pudgy pooches. It’s a safe, low-impact way to burn calories and build muscle mass.
For Conditioning Warm water swimming is the perfect solution for conditioning the canine athlete. Swimming is very efficient whole-body exercise. With the water providing resistance, a five-minute swim is equivalent to about a five-mile run. A challenging but low-impact workout, swimming keeps your dog in peak condition for trials while sparing joints. As an added benefit, warm water and hands-on bodywork relaxes muscles and promotes healing by increasing blood and oxygen flow, facilitating post-competition recovery.
For Fun Some dogs just love swimming. Let your dog swim in a controlled environment while you keep him going with our toys. You stay warm, enjoy a cup of tea, and Rover gets a great workout. Or try out a couple of swim lessons to ensure your dog knows what to do when hit by a wave at the beach.
