We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our indoor dog pool at All About Dogs in Toronto, offering a spacious 4-foot deep pool equipped with a gentle ramp for easy access.
Spanning 18 by 8 square feet, our heated pool provides a safe and enjoyable environment for dogs to engage in swim training session and recreational swims.
Swimming offers numerous benefits for dogs, making it an excellent form of exercise and enrichment. It promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and joint flexibility, particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those recovering from injuries. Swimming also helps dogs burn off excess energy, reducing behavioral issues related to boredom or pent-up energy. Moreover, it’s a low-impact activity that’s gentle on joints, making it suitable for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.
The first step to introducing your dog to our pool is booking a 35-minute orientation swim. This personalized experience is led by a dedicated instructor who assesses your dog’s swimming abilities and comfort level. Each dog receives a properly fitted life jacket for safety, along with toys and treats to create a positive association with swimming. The session focuses on familiarizing your dog with the pool environment, including learning how to enter and exit using the ramp.
By the end of the session, if your dog is comfortable entering and exiting the water independently, you are ready to book our recreational swim session.
For dogs needing additional support, our ongoing swim training sessions are designed to gradually build confidence and refine swimming skills over time.
🐾 Orientation Swim at All About Dogs 🐾
The Orientation Swim is the perfect starting point for introducing your dog to the pool in a safe, structured, and positive way! This session helps your pup build confidence in the water and ensures they’re comfortable with the process of swimming. It’s also a great way for you to learn the ropes of our facility and how to make the most of your future visits.
What Happens During Orientation Swim?
One-on-One Guidance:
- A trained instructor works individually with your dog to teach them how to safely enter and exit the pool using the ramp.
- If your pup is hesitant, we use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage them at their own pace.
Water Confidence:
- For dogs new to swimming, we help them get used to the feeling of water while ensuring they’re comfortable and secure.
- Dogs are introduced to a life jacket (provided by us), giving them added buoyancy and support while they learn.
Fun and Familiarization:
- We introduce toys and treats to make the experience enjoyable and engaging for your dog.
- Dogs are encouraged to follow toys into the water or retrieve them, helping them associate the pool with fun activities.
Human Participation:
- You’ll learn how to safely guide and assist your dog on the ramp and in the pool without entering the water yourself.
- Tips for managing your dog’s energy and behavior during future swims are also shared.
Assessment:
- By the end of the session, we assess your dog’s comfort and ability to independently enter and exit the pool.
- Once they’ve mastered this, they’re ready to progress to Recreational Swim sessions!
Why Is Orientation Swim Important?
- Safety First: Teaches your dog how to safely navigate the pool area.
- Builds Confidence: Gradual exposure helps even nervous or first-time swimmers feel secure in the water.
- Facility Familiarization: You and your dog get to know our setup, from the ramp to the platform and pool rules.
- Prepares for Fun: Once your dog completes the Orientation Swim, they’ll be ready for carefree Recreational Swim sessions!
Orientation Swim is a foundational step to ensure your dog has a positive and enjoyable swimming experience. We’re here to support you and your pup every step of the way!
