[Vanit]

I actually saw this on TV so I don't have a link to offer as a primary source.

But the report was of a 2 year old dog that while undergoing water safety training it accidentally learnt how to hold its breath underwater. The video footage in the report showed people throwing toys into a pool, the dog could swim down to the bottom, pick them up and return to the surface with ease.

Cool, ey?

 

[Khelben]

True, my dog hasn't been learnt how to swim underwater, but she had no problems with finding a rock thrown into the water and bringing it back And it was the first time she's ever been in water.

 

[Player-X]

Dogs can swim instinctively and they seem to somewhat use thier tails as rudders in the water, Last year there was severe flooding around my part of the city due to a faulty river gate, the high tide and poor river diversion plans, as I was checking out the damage my two dogs decided to follow me into the water and seem to swim, the one with the short tail can't seem to turn that well in the water

 

[MaZa]

I have watched as my beloved badgerdog swims (and lord, that old fart likes to swim like theres no tomorrow!!!), they use their tails as rudder and looks very effective. BUT, this is first time i hear dog to dive. AFAIK, going underwater isnt healthy for dog cuz their ears get filled with water or something...

 

[Mako Eyes]

. . . it accidentally learnt how to hold its breath underwater.

Isn't it instinctive for any mammal to hold its breath when submerged?

 

[Player-X]

I heard somewhert that some don't seem to have that reaction

 

[ShadowDancer]

I've seen human babies underwater in commercials and I have wondered how they do that! Is it instinct too for them to hold their breath?

 

[Mako Eyes]

Is it instinct too for them to hold their breath?

Yep, it is. Humans can't even inhale underwater consciously. It's one instinct that just won't override.

Haha, reminds me of a story. My father once told me he took me to a water park when I was like two years old. He took me down a waterslide and I slipped from his grip. I was found at the bottom of the pool bobbing around like Buzz on the moon . . . bloody PFDs didn't work for crap. Heh, well, he got me anyway. I was NOT happy though :lol:

Well, anyway, back on track. As PlayerX said, dogs are natural born swimmers and pretty damn good ones at that. I wouldn't doubt if they were born divers either.