Swim Course
Teach Your Dog to Swim Safely
Our guided course shows you how to introduce water, choose gear, and teach safe swimming techniques your dog will love—at home, pool, lake, or beach.
The introductory lesson is free to start. Optional add-ons—park access, 1:1 guidance, or small-group sessions—are available; contact us for current rates and scheduling.
LESSON 1
Setting Yourself for Success
Before your dog gets in the water, you need to get your own head right. Lesson 1 of Fiona's swim course helps you define what success looks like for you and your dog.
LESSON 2
Equipment
Harnesses, life jackets, leads, and floating toys — learn exactly what equipment you need to teach your dog to swim safely. Lesson 2 of Fiona's swim course.
LESSON 3
The Heart to Heart Hold
Learn the Heart to Heart gentle hold — Fiona's signature technique for building trust and confidence with your dog in water. Step-by-step video lesson from Newflands.
LESSON 4
Water Entry & Core Strengthening
Learn how to enter any water environment as your dog's mentor. Ramp entries, lead techniques, and a core strengthening exercise for dogs. Lesson 4 of Fiona's swim course.
LESSON 5
Practice & Progress
Consistency is everything. Learn how to structure practice sessions, track progress, and build your dog's swimming distance and confidence over time.
LESSON 6
Knowing Your Limits
Learn to recognise fatigue, cold swimmer's tail, and overuse in your swimming dog. How to keep sessions safe and know when to stop. Lesson 6 from Newflands.
LESSON 7
Toys & Confidence
The right toy changes everything. Learn how to use floating toys, play, and retrieves to build your dog's confidence and keep swimming fun. Final lesson from Newflands.
