Goldendoodles and swimming go together like summer and popsicles—sometimes. While many Goldendoodles are total water babies, not every pup is born loving the splash life. If you’re wondering whether your Doodle will dive right in or give you the “nope” eyes from the deck, the answer is: it depends.

Some Goldendoodles Love the Water

Thanks to their Poodle heritage, a lot of Goldendoodles are natural swimmers. Many take to water like they were born to do it—chasing pool toys, paddling around with the kids, or happily wading through creeks on hikes. It’s one of the things that makes them such fun adventure companions.

…And Some Definitely Don’t

Just like people, dogs have preferences—and some Goldendoodles simply don’t like getting wet. (We’ve had a few who act personally offended if their feet touch a puddle.) That doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with them. It’s just part of their personality.

If You Want Your Doodle to Enjoy Swimming…

You can help by introducing water slowly and gently. Start with shallow water like a kiddie pool or a slow-moving stream. Bring treats, use a calm voice, and don’t force them in. Let them explore at their own pace and always make it a positive experience. If your Doodle is hesitant, try getting in the water yourself—dogs love to follow their people!

Floatation vests made just for dogs are another great tool when you’re introducing swimming. They boost confidence and help keep your pup safe, especially when they’re learning.

Every Goldendoodle is Different

Even within the same litter, you might have one puppy who’s doing cannonballs and another who’s avoiding the waterline. It really is an individual thing. Be patient and pay attention to your dog’s signals. You might be surprised—some pups who hated water as puppies learn to love it later, and vice versa.

A Friendly but Serious Reminder: Supervise Around Water

Here’s something I always tell new puppy families: no matter how good a swimmer your dog is, they’re like a two-year-old around water. That means you never leave them unattended near a pool, lake, or even a large fountain.
Yes, dogs can drown. Even strong swimmers can get tired, trapped, or confused. It’s scary, but it’s real—and completely preventable.

If you have a backyard pool, consider a secure pool fence, and teach your Goldendoodle where the steps are. Some families even train their dogs to use a ramp or exit platform.

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Ready to Make a Splash?
If you’re looking for some dog-friendly pool gear—like our favorite dog life jackets, floating toys, or paw-safe sunscreen—you can check out the products we personally use and love right in our Amazon store.

And shameless plug: a few of our puppies are still looking for their own personal pool to learn how to swim in… maybe it’s your pool? Click here to see our available puppies.