German Shepherds are fearless, energetic, and enthusiastic swimmers. They’re a joy to watch as they jump and splash around.
Yet, they sometimes pose a slight problem for your pool liner. Those bear-like paws can mess up the vinyl and lead to costly repairs.
Still, many proud owners of both German Shepherds and pools alike manage to make it work. From pool safety to dog booties, here’s how to protect a vinyl pool liner from a German Shepherd.
Protecting Your Pool
Vinyl liner pools are both highly versatile and durable. Between the customizable options, the quick and budget-friendly construction, and the long-lasting material, it’s no wonder vinyl liners are a popular choice among pool owners.
Yet, as much as they can withstand sunlight, water, and chemicals, they’re still quite susceptible to tears and scratches. Unfortunately, your dog’s untrimmed nails or overzealous kicking and paddling can lead to significant leakage over time.
If you’re thinking about taking your dog swimming, we’ve got you covered. Here are some ways to protect your swimming pool and keep it in good condition for years to come.
Clean and Maintain Your Pool Liner
Vinyl liners are designed to last years without needing to be replaced. The material itself is difficult to pierce through ordinary means.
In addition to the general cleaning and maintenance, here are a few things to remember:
- Keep toys and objects out of the pool, so your dog doesn’t go in after them.
- Remove dirt, debris, and any buildup in the water that might scratch or tug at the liner.
- Avoid completely emptying your pool to keep the liner from shrinking or getting torn up.
Put up Pool Safety Fences
Pool fence requirements may vary from state to state, but it’s generally a good idea to have one installed all the same. It keeps kids and pets safe even when you’re not around.
The fence should stand at 4–5 feet tall, surrounding all sides, with self-latching, self-closing lockable gates. If you’re stepping away from the pool, be careful not to prop it open or block the gate in any way that prevents it from closing.
Use a Pool Safety Net or Cover
Unlike ordinary pool covers, safety nets and covers are made to support a lot of weight. It’s so durable, in fact, that it can even support a full-grown adult German Shepherd or two.
In addition to pool safety, they also add an essential layer of protection. Covers not only help keep the liner clean, but can also prevent the color from fading in the sun.
Always make sure the pool cover is lying flush against the surface and anchored tightly to the fasteners. Avoid leaving gaps between the sides of the pool where objects, animals, and debris can get in.
Getting Your Dog Ready for the Pool
Most dogs will only scratch and claw at the pool liner when they start to panic and try to get out of the water. In contrast, a calm pup who knows his way around the pool is unlikely to cause any damage at all.
As long as you take the following precautions, you and your German Shepherd can enjoy some quality time in the pool without having to worry about any damage to the liner.
Trim Your Dog’s Nails Before Swimming
Even people’s toenails can sometimes scratch pool liners when climbing out of the water. Just imagine how much damage your dog’s claws can do.
Their wet fur also makes them heavier, causing them to dig their claws in as they step out of the pool. Thus, keeping those nails trimmed is crucial.
Some dog owners even file or use a rotary nail grinder to smoothen and round out any sharp edges left by the clippers. To make sure you’re trimming his nails correctly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Reward them with treats to keep them relaxed during the trimming.
- Use the right size of clipper for your dog’s nails.
- Only cut small portions at a time and remove just the hooked end of the nail.
- Trim the nails every two weeks.
Teach Your Dog How to Get In and Out of the Pool
Most dogs know too well how to get into the pool. They just dive right in!
On the flip side, if they don’t know how and where to get out of the pool, dogs will swim over to the side and kick their way out. They can easily slice and rip the liner doing this.
If your pool has steps or a tanning ledge, it’ll be safer to lead your German Shepherd in and out of the pool this way. If you want your dog to have a separate exit, you can use a stationary platform that he can jump on and off from. Alternatively, you can attach a dog ramp he can use to scamper out of the pool.
After leading your dog into the pool, take a short lap in the shallow end and point him towards the exit. It may take a few rounds for him to get the hang of it, so be patient until he’s able to do it on his own, as well as on command.
Provide Your Dog with the Right Pool Gear
Even the most confident water-loving dogs can get tired or disoriented. They can also get cold, slurp in too much pool water, or simply get spooked and look for the nearest exit.
To ensure your dog’s safety in the pool, it’s better to provide him with the following:
- A life jacket
- Waterproof dog booties
- A dog ramp or steps
- Flotation devices and pool toys
- Towel wraps
To Sum Up
German Shepherds are one breed that makes terrific pool buddies. Still, they can get into all sorts of mischief that can potentially damage your pool.
That’s why you need to use the tips in this handy guide to learn how to protect a vinyl pool liner from your German Shepherd. Once you’ve got things under control, you don’t have to worry about your pool accessories. You can just relax and spend some quality time with your pooch.