My Labs consider any body of water fair game for dog-paddling, but since pups aren't allowed to swim at public beaches, parks or just anywhere they please, it takes a little digging to find cool places to let them venture into the water.
For outdoor swimming within the Seattle city limits, Magnuson Park [0] provides beach access within its fenced, nine-acre off-leash area -- the only one in Seattle with water access.
At this popular and often crowded swimming hole, dogs and their owners pour into Lake Washington from the small beach, the dogs fetching balls and the owners sometimes fetching overenthusiastic pets that refuse to come in from the chilly lake.
The water near the shore is shallow enough for less confident swimmers or those just looking to get their paws wet. For bodysurfing pups, there's the occasional wake from a passing boat.
Outside Seattle, the 40-acre off-leash area at Marymoor Park [0] in Redmond -- the largest in the state -- offers pups and their owners five access points to the Sammamish River. The well-maintained dog park is often packed on weekends, but with so much waterfront access, dogs still have plenty of room to spread out.
Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island, Marina Beach Park in Edmonds and Howarth Park in Everett also offer water access for dogs within their off-leash areas.
When taking your dogs swimming, bring your own bags, balls or other toys -- like Kent-based Canine Hardware's [1] line of Chuckit! Amphibious toys -- and a portable water bowl. These items are sometimes available at the park, but not all dogs (or their owners) are happy to share.
I learned this the hard way when I mistakenly thought my dog Cooper was welcome to fetch any of the dozen abandoned yellow tennis balls littering the beach at Magnuson. I received a stern headshake and a hand reaching into my Chuckit! for the stolen ball.
Also, be sure to bring along your dog's leash for going to and from the off-leash area, and a towel for a post-swim rub down, making sure to thoroughly dry ears to prevent infection. And even if your pup is swimming in fresh water, you'll want to bathe him after a swim to ensure that you remove any bacteria or debris.
Some dogs are a little more discriminating when it comes to where they'll get their feet wet -- and some can't swim at all. But that's no problem at the Spawz [1] summer swim camp, open to all dogs regardless of their affinity for the water.
Spawz owner Ann Marie Shields points out that swimming at dog parks, in lakes or at the beach doesn't provide the best environment for some dogs -- the water isn't always sanitary, the chaos of having so many other dogs around can be overwhelming, and the heat on a sunny day can be detrimental to pups.
So recently, instead of one of our usual trips to Magnuson to take a dip, my dogs and I headed to Spawz to see how the other half -- the indoor swimmers, that is --lives.
When we arrived, wetsuit-clad swim coach Amy Hall greeted 4-year-old Marley and 11-year-old Cooper, inviting them into the 88-degree water one at a time via a ramp that allows dogs to ease into the pool.
Hall remains in the pool with the dogs at all times to ensure that they're safe and supported, as even the most water-acclimated dog can have a "freak-out" moment. And if your pooch can't dog-paddle, Hall can teach him. She's taught Chihuahuas, toy poodles, Newfoundlands and Italian greyhounds not only to swim, but to love the water.
Hall had Marley and Cooper happily swimming figure-eights around the 11-by-18 pool, guiding them with a tennis ball; and when it was time for a break, she guided them back to the ramp.
Owners who want a more hands-on role in their pups' swim session at Spawz are welcome to stay with their dog, playing fetch or just being on hand with treats or a favorite toy for encouragement.
For pups who are up for an extra challenge or need some additional exercise, the pool also has a swim current feature that can increase the speed of the water flow, in turn increasing resistance, giving your dog more of a workout and allowing her to swim in place.
The pool does have a minimal amount of chlorine in order to meet state department of health standards, but the pups get a spray-down after swimming. Owners are welcome to bring their own shampoo if they'd like to give their pets a more thorough cleaning.
Rates for Spawz's swim camp are $45 for a half-day (up to five hours) or $55 for a full day; both include a half-hour private swimming lesson, a half hour of group swim and playtime in the indoor/outdoor doggie day care play area. You can also purchase individual swimming sessions for $25, or five for $100.
For another indoor swimming experience for Fido, head to Helene Madison Pool [1] on Aug. 23. Each year, the pool closes for maintenance, but before the pool is drained, Seattle Parks and Recreation lets pups dive in from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $12 per dog, and all pups must be at least six months old and up to date on vaccinations. Humans get in for free but are not allowed in the pool.
Wellsprings [1] in West Seattle, Happy Tails Resort & Spa [1] in Auburn and Heavenly Spa [1] in Fall City also have heated indoor pools for pups.
Whether indoor or out, it's time to hit the water!
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
