[~Karla~]

Bickie has had her 3rd puppy vx so once the kids go back to school, I want to start her swimming (we live 500m from the beach). I don't trust her recall and won't for a very long time so want to have her on a harness/collar and lead to swim. I haven't come across any specific swimming ones and the one we have runs colour. Anyone know what the best options are?

[JRA]

Can't you just use a normal lead and walk in with her. I must admit I would struggle to let a dog in the water with a long lead while you weren't right beside them in case they get tangled.

[Flibbertigibbert...]

I bought a long line for my boy for when I take him to the beach, it is 15 metres, which gives him plenty of freedom but I still retain control. He is happy to just plod along beside me so most of the time it just drags along in the water lol.
The salt water should stop the dye from running.

[minimae]

I know what you mean about the colour running! My poor big dog had a stained pink neck for a month from his red leather collar!

[*Spikey*]

What about these?

Dog Life jacket

And this webpage has a few similar products that might work.

Use it with a long line, and it should do the trick. Buttercup doesn't 'do' swimming. She wades up to her tummy and that is it.

[~Karla~]

JRA - her lead runs and dyes her coat pink (because the kids insisted on red accessories), so I want to buy a new lead for swimming anyway. I wasn't planning on getting one so long she'd get tangled and I would be more than a few meters away.

Unicorn - where did you get it from? I bought a 5m retractable leash but she chewed through it in less than 3 minutes the first time i put it on her. I don't want one 15m long, but at least i know that brand holds up to the water.

[~Karla~]

Thanks Spikey. I didn't even think about a life jacket, I was just thinking a nylon chest harness or similar.

Minimae - same here - red collar and pink neck. Because she's a gold lab, it was quite obvious.

[Flibbertigibbert...]

JRA - her lead runs and dyes her coat pink (because the kids insisted on red accessories), so I want to buy a new lead for swimming anyway. I wasn't planning on getting one so long she'd get tangled and I would be more than a few meters away.

Unicorn - where did you get it from? I bought a 5m retractable leash but she chewed through it in less than 3 minutes the first time i put it on her. I don't want one 15m long, but at least i know that brand holds up to the water.

I can't remember, I was looking at the dogzonline site as well as ebay when I bought it, it is a cloth woven type one I do have to keep the clip oiled because the salt will cause it to seize.

But since then I have looked at our local saddlery and they have horse leads that would be suitable too and if your pup has a tendency to chew they might be a bit more durable.

[~Karla~]

That's a good idea unicorn! Thanks!

[~maryanne~]

We just use a harness and long line. I think if you soak it in vinegar it should set the dye. We rinse the metal clip of the long line carefully after use in fresh water as sand gets stuck in it and the salt will rust it.

Tangling has never been a problem. He does have a rust stain down his front from where his martingale has rusted and run into his coat though, so it might pay to take off and rinse his collar after swimming as well.