If your dog loves the water as much as they love chasing sticks, you’re not alone. Across the UK, more pet owners are actively seeking out dog swimming destinations to keep their pets cool, fit, and entertained. Whether you’re exploring countryside lakes, heading to the coast, or visiting specially designed canine pools, the opportunities for aquatic adventures are endless.
But with the joy of water also comes the challenge of maintaining control and reinforcing good behaviour — especially in unfamiliar and exciting environments. That’s where Calmshops’ waterproof dog training collars come in, offering the ideal solution for stress-free, safe swimming outings.
Why Swimming is Great for Dogs
Dog swimming is more than just a fun activity. It’s an excellent full-body workout for dogs of all ages and breeds. Unlike walking or running, swimming is low-impact, meaning it’s easy on joints — making it ideal for older dogs or those recovering from injuries.
In addition to physical benefits, water play also helps reduce anxiety and boredom, often the root causes of unwanted behaviours like excessive barking, digging, or chewing. Just 20 minutes of swimming can burn as many calories as a one-hour walk!
1. Top Swimming Spots for Dogs in the UK
To make your next adventure unforgettable, we’ve rounded up some of the best swimming spots for dogs across the country. These are not only dog-friendly but also safe, scenic, and suited to various levels of doggy paddle experience.
Lake District – Derwentwater
A picturesque favourite, Derwentwater offers shallow shorelines perfect for safe dog entry. With stunning mountain backdrops and boat-free zones, this is a top-tier dog swimming destination.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Not all beaches welcome dogs year-round, but Camber Sands is one of the exceptions. Its long stretch of sand and gentle tides make it one of the most accessible swimming spots for dogs on the south coast.
Hampstead Heath Ponds, London
Urban dog owners rejoice! Hampstead Heath’s mixed ponds allow supervised dog swimming in designated areas. It’s a great way for city pups to cool down during summer months.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Looking for an Instagram-worthy trip? The crystal-clear waters of the Fairy Pools are a visual treat. While chilly, they’re ideal for adventurous canines used to wild swimming.
Tynemouth Longsands, North East
If you’re looking for a beach where your pup can run and splash freely, Tynemouth Longsands delivers. This Blue Flag beach is spacious and often quiet outside peak times — making it one of the best-kept swimming spots for dogs in the UK.
2. The Challenge: Managing Your Dog’s Behaviour Near Water
While many dogs take to water naturally, others may feel anxious or overly excitable. At lakes, rivers, or beaches, there’s the potential for distractions like other dogs, wildlife, or waves.
The question becomes: how do you keep your dog safe and responsive without stifling their freedom?
Here’s where Calmshops waterproof dog training collars shine.
3. Why Choose a Waterproof Dog Training Collar?
Traditional collars lose their effectiveness around water. Whether you're dealing with disobedience, excessive barking, or recall issues, these problems often get worse when dogs are overstimulated by a new environment.
Calmshops' waterproof dog training collars are specifically designed for such scenarios. Here’s what sets them apart:
✅ Waterproof Reliability
No need to remove the collar during dog swimming sessions. Our collars remain fully functional whether your dog is splashing in shallow streams or diving headfirst into the sea.
✅ Safe, Humane Correction Modes
Choose between vibration, beep, or light shock settings depending on your dog’s temperament and training level. These adjustable modes offer gentle corrections — especially useful when voice commands are drowned out by crashing waves.
✅ Long-Range Control
Perfect for open spaces, our remote collars offer long-range functionality (up to 1000 meters) so you can maintain control from a distance. This is especially helpful at large swimming spots for dogs where immediate recall is essential.
✅ Built-in Safety Features
Smart anti-bark programming ensures your dog doesn’t receive unnecessary corrections. Plus, collars are equipped with automatic shutoff timers for added peace of mind.
4. Real-World Example: Training Your Dog at a Lake
Let’s say you’ve brought your dog to Derwentwater. They’re excited — maybe too excited. They dart toward the water before you’ve had a chance to assess the surroundings. You call them, but the rush of activity around distracts them.
Instead of panicking, you calmly use the vibration feature on your Calmshops waterproof dog training collar. Your dog pauses, refocuses, and returns to your side. A crisis avoided — and your dog learns a valuable behaviour pattern reinforced by gentle correction and reward.
This is real-time training that’s both effective and kind.
5. Dog Swimming Safety Tips
Before you head out to explore your favourite swimming spots for dogs, keep these safety tips in mind:
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Check for Currents and Depth: Avoid rivers with fast currents or lakes with sudden drop-offs.
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Bring Fresh Water: Don’t let your dog drink salt water or lake water; always carry clean drinking water.
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Watch for Signs of Fatigue: Swimming is tiring. Take breaks and observe your dog’s energy levels.
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Rinse Afterward: Salt, algae, or chemicals in water can irritate your dog’s skin or coat.
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Use a Collar That Can Keep Up: Don’t risk losing control — a waterproof dog training collar gives you peace of mind.
6. Post-Swim Training Benefits
Dog training isn’t just for dry land. In fact, dog swimming often presents some of the most valuable teaching moments:
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Reinforce recall commands at greater distances.
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Teach your dog to ignore distractions like birds, boats, or other pets.
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Develop calm behaviour around water — a major issue for energetic breeds.
By associating playtime with listening and focus, you strengthen your bond while reinforcing good behaviour patterns.
7. Why Calmshops Collars Are Trusted by Dog Owners
At Calmshops.co.uk, we understand that every dog is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of training collars — from simple vibration models to more advanced multi-mode versions.
All of our collars come with:
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Waterproof construction (ideal for dog swimming)
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1-year warranty
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Free 30-day returns
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Dedicated support team to answer training questions
Whether you're teaching your dog to stay calm around water, or you simply want added peace of mind while exploring the best swimming spots for dogs, our products are built to support you every step of the way.
Final Bark
There’s no doubt about it — dog swimming is one of the best activities you can enjoy with your pet. It strengthens their body, boosts their mood, and deepens your connection.
But to make those splashy adventures stress-free and safe, a waterproof dog training collar from Calmshops is a wise investment. Combine effective training with our recommendations for the best swimming spots for dogs, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable outing.
