I'm sorry what

Your dog knows how to swim

Instincts. Either your dog has the physical capacity to swim or it doesn’t.

Not all dogs know how to swim.

My dog is a puppy & she is scared of water

This is the cutest thing I have ever heard! I would search for a trainer who may help acclimate your pup to water. Once they aren’t terrified of water, I think their little puppy instincts will kick in.

My dog hated water too. But after a little training will swim for a ball, perfectly fine in a kayak and will walk on the shore like a little people. Still not a water dog, but pretty good.

Exactly. I just want her to get acclimated to water in a safe environment. So that if she comes on a kayak with me, I don’t have to worry about her freaking out.

If she’s scared of water, I’d encourage you not to pressure her in any way. Forget training her to swim.

Your job is to help your dog feel safe (and be safe).

Our dog (border collie mix) was afraid to step in the water at 4 months. Loved to walk/splash in water at 1 year. Still hates the kayak. We don’t force her.

Not all breeds love the water.

Dogs know how to swim...some simply cannot. Either way a dog life jacket in the proper size is a good idea.

True, but in her case some of her breed does swim. I understand she may not ever get comfortable enough with water to join me on my kayak or on a boat. But I at least want to get her used to water vs freaking out. Of course she will have a life jacket

I’d focus on helping her feel safe instead.

Building a trust bond between the two of you is what it’s really about.