This September, we’re heading to the mountains for a much-anticipated camping trip—fresh air, forest trails, starry skies, and best of all, a beautiful lake that welcomes dogs. There’s just one small challenge: our 16-year-old miniature poodle has never swum a day in her life.

To get her ready for lake life—and to join us safely in the canoe—we picked out a snug little canine life jacket, equal parts safety gear and style statement. But tossing her straight into open water wasn’t an option. We decided to start small. Very small. In our bathtub.

At first, she stood frozen and bewildered, clearly unsure what to make of this unusual “bath time.” She gave us the classic “Are you serious right now?” look that only a poodle can pull off. Watching her work it out was a mix of comedy and cuteness—her first strokes looked more like a frog than a swimmer. But with gentle encouragement, plenty of praise, and a few irresistible treats, she began to paddle. She’s still far from graceful, tires quickly, and will always need me right beside her as a safety net—but she’s learning.

This trip is more than just a vacation; it's an experience. It’s a chance to share something new with our longtime companion, to let her breathe cool mountain air, feel the gentle ripple of lake water, and create another memory we’ll treasure. If all goes well, she’ll be floating happily in the canoe with us (lifejacket securely fastened) and maybe even paddling around the shallows by our side. But even if she only dips her paws in, we’ll count it as a win. After all, she’s already passed her very first swimming lesson—with flying (and slightly soggy) colours.

Karin suited up in her lifejacket before her bathtub swim lesson. I made a few adjustments to ensure a secure, comfortable fit—partly so she couldn’t wiggle out of it, and partly to prevent her from hooking her front paws into the neck strap (a move that could have sent her sinking). She has a knack for unintentionally creating her own hazards, so a little extra preparation was essential.

Come chat about what you have been up to this summer! Hope to see you soon! 

ESL Vocabulary List – Teaching My Poodle to Swim

Main Blog Vocabulary

1. Anticipated – looked forward to; expected with excitement.

2. Camping trip – a holiday spent living outdoors, usually in a tent.

3. Miniature poodle – a small breed of dog with curly hair.

4. Lifejacket – a vest that helps a person or animal float in water.

5. Fashion statement – clothing or accessories worn to show style.

6. Plop – to put something down suddenly or carelessly.

7. Frozen – not moving; stiff from fear or surprise.

8. Bewildered – very confused.

9. Stroke – a movement of the arms or legs while swimming.

10. Graceful – moving smoothly and beautifully.

11. Tires quickly – becomes tired fast.

12. Safety net – protection in case something goes wrong.

13. Ripple – a small wave on the surface of water.

14. Treasure (verb) – to value something very much.

15. Shallows – the part of a body of water where it is not deep.

16. Dip – to put something briefly into liquid.

17. Flying colors – (idiom) complete success.

18. Soggy – very wet and soft.

Extra Lifejacket Write-Up Vocabulary

1. Suit up – to put on special clothing or equipment.

2. Adjustments – small changes to improve something.

3. Secure – safe and firmly in place.

4. Comfortable – pleasant and easy to wear or use.

5. Wiggle out – to move and escape from something.

6. Hook – to catch or hold onto something.

7. Neck strap – a piece of material around the neck for holding or fastening.

8. Sink – to go down below the surface of water.

9. Hazard – something that could cause harm or danger.

10. Preparation – the action of getting ready for something.