Equipment

Keep it simple

One of the biggest mistakes people make is overcomplicating their setup. You do not need a boot full of gear. You need a well-fitted harness, a suitable lead, and one or two floating toys your dog already likes. That is it for most sessions. Everything else is optional.

Harnesses

A harness is essential for water work. Never use a collar alone — if your dog panics or gets tired in the water, a collar puts pressure on their throat and can restrict breathing. A harness distributes the load across the chest and shoulders, giving you a secure grip point without causing distress.

Look for a harness with a front clip point. This gives you better directional control when guiding your dog in and out of the water. The harness should be snug but not tight — you want to be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your dog's body. Check the fit when it is wet, because some materials stretch.

Life jackets

A life jacket is recommended for beginners, heavy breeds, dogs with low body fat, and any dog swimming in currented water like rivers, lakes, or tidal coastlines. Even strong swimmers benefit from a life jacket in unfamiliar environments.

A good life jacket has a handle on the top of the back so you can lift or guide your dog, bright colours for visibility, and adjustable straps at the chest and belly. Make sure it does not ride up over your dog's head when they are in the water — that is a sign it is too loose.

Leads

Use a lead in the water for recall and safety, especially in the early sessions. A standard flat lead works fine — avoid retractable leads as they can tangle and you lose control of the distance. The lead gives you a connection to your dog without having to grab at them, which can cause panic.

Clip the lead to the front of the harness, not the back. This way when your dog swims towards you, the lead does not drag under their belly or wrap around their legs.

Floating toys

Toys are your motivation tool. Choose something that floats, is easy for your dog to see and grab, and that they already enjoy on land. Bright colours work best because dogs can spot them on the water surface. Start with toys your dog already loves — do not introduce a brand new toy on their first water session.

Good options include floating rubber balls, buoyant tug toys, and floating sticks designed for water retrieval. Avoid tennis balls in deep water as they can become waterlogged and sink, and sticks from the ground which can splinter.

What you do NOT need

You do not need a pool. A shallow beach, a calm lake edge, or even a large paddling pool in the garden is enough to start. You do not need expensive breed-specific gear. You do not need treats in the water — your voice, your energy, and a favourite toy are better motivators when your dog is learning something new and potentially scary.