[CUTLIFFR]

My two year old cockapoo doesn't know how to swim and I was wondering if there are any designated doggie pools anywhere. She followed another dog into a pond where she almost drown. I can't teach her as I don't swim.
I am in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

[shazamataz]

I'm not sure about actual dog swimming schools but you could try buying a cheap swimming pool for your backyard.

We bought one last summer for $20, it is a bit over 1 foot deep and about 6 feet long. It is a bit shallow to swim in but they love to paddle about in it.

My parents bought one that is 4 foot deep and 15 foot wide for only $100 from Kmart so if you have spare cash they are well worth it (for you as well as the dog!)
Theirs has an inflatable ring that you blow up and then as you put the water in the ring rises so you can make it as deep or as shallow as you want.

To teach your dog to swim what we did was hold the dog just above the water, 90% of the time with small dogs they will naturally start doing 'doggy paddle' before they are even in the water.
After they start doing that you just lower them into the water slowly and they should start swimming.
Always keep hold of them though in case they sink!

[teachnk]

I had an Irish Setter growing up who was a terrible swimmer, but loved to be in the lake behind our house. It was very frightening always worried about her drowning. She always made it to shore again, but it wasn't graceful and we jumped in to get her so many times.
There are dog parks with lakes, "swim parks" in South Florida. The regular dog parks usually have kiddie pools to help with the heat. You might want to check around in your area. Another idea would be to start with a life vest, usually used for dogs who spend time on boats. They are easily found in pet stores. Your dog could get used to paddling around with that.