YippeeSkippy said:
How do you get your dog in that first time? Mine is very leery of it but I'd love to see her enjoy it on a hot day when we're also in the pool. Do dogs know how to swim instinctively?
Yep...in fact, if you hold a small dog just above the water, as soon as its feet hit the surface, (s)he'll start dog-paddling like mad. They just...know.
As for getting them in the first time...I've seen every type. I've seen the ones that just jumped in, I've seen some think about it long and hard and then take a plunge, I've seen some give it great consideration and decide against it, I've seen them flee in terror, and I've seen them act like it's not even there. While it does seem to be somewhat breed dependent, I've known labs that hated water, and pugs that adored it. Some don't like it at first, but learn to..others never do.
Dogs are remarkably like people in that regard...some love the water, some hate it, and some couldn't care less.
From a "dog person" point of view, let me say this:
I would encourage ANY pool owner whose dogs could, possibly, get in the pool on their own, to do everything you can to get them in there at least a few times. By all means...try not to make it traumatic, but if you must, even picking them up and PUTTING them in there is an option.
The reason for this is that a great many dogs..particularly those who don't natively just take to the pool...will panic if they get/fall in, and head for the nearest edge they can find, regardless. Unless they just HAPPEN to head for the steps, that's a near certain death for the dog, and potentially significant damage to your pool. If, on the other hand, they've been in there even just a couple of times, and guided to the steps or exit, they'll know there's a way out, and will find it.
You may have a wet, angry pooch for a while...but you'll be grateful if (s)he ever winds up in there without you around.