Doggie Paddle

Monday, November 8th, 2010 at 11:53 am

How do I get myself into these things, I'm a Chihuahua, not a water dog, but there's no arguing with Fido when she wants a story. So like the good little dog I am, it's off to check out the new doggie pool.

When we arrived at Lexi Dog Boutique and Social Club on Macadam, we meet with the owner of Doggie Paddle, Julie Thomas. Julie, a trained canine swim coach and certified Small Animal Massage practitioner, has too great loves; the water and dogs. She was eager to fill us in on the dream she has been working towards for years.

When Julie was laid off from Intel, her first thought was "Great now I can get a pool", she knew her dream was about to happen. She began scouting out locations for her pool and when she heard Lexi Dog was moving to a bigger building on Macadam, she knew she had found the right place. It took months of juggling contractors, plumbers, and painters, some very long days, and lots of hard work, but in September Doggie Paddle opened.

After a quick tour of the lobby, massage area , the shower area, and human changing area, Julie lead us up the steps to the pool deck.

Nobody in the pool, guess that means I'm getting wet.

"Come on Lady, let's get you a life jacket" Julie pulled a dog life jacket from the shelf. Explaining that not all canine hydro therapists believe in using the floatation devices, however she always offers dogs the option. If a dog is nervous of the water, has mobility issues, or just isn't use to swimming, the added security of a life jacket makes them more comfortable. She has life jackets for dogs of all sizes, from Tiny to Extra Large, up to 150 lbs.

Once I was ready to go, Julie carried me into the pool, sitting on the steps so just my feet were in the water. Hey this isn't so bad, the water is nice and warm!

Some dogs dive right in, but some dogs take a little time to get use to the idea of swimming, Julie explained how she takes it slow, giving the dogs time, allowing them adjust to the idea of being in the water. She works with them on moving their legs in the water, and makes sure they know where the ramp out is when they are ready.

Moving down a step so that the water covered my body, Julie continued to talk.

The water temperature is kept between 88-92 degrees, the Pool at Doggie Paddle is 9' x 21' and 4' deep. There are circulating pumps and adjustable swim jets that can be turned on to provide greater resistance for dogs that are stronger swimmers.

Julie began to walk around the pool, holding me close to her, and making sure my head was above the water.

Rather than using chlorine, which can be very harsh on the skin, and to sensitive doggie noses, they have a UV Sanitizer/Salt Filtration system to help keep the pool clean.

Hey this isn't so bad! Julie was still holding on to me as we walked around the pool, but I was paddling and getting around on my own.

Warm water exercise can be very beneficial to dogs with a variety of health issues. It provides non-weight bearing exercise for dogs with limited mobility, or ones recovering from surgery. For overweight dogs it’s a low impact way to burn a lot of calories. According to Julie a five minute swim is roughly the equivalent of a 5 mile run.

Julie led me over to the dog ramp, What? We're not done yet are we? After letting me rest on the ramp for a few minutes, Julie led me back into the water.

Assisted Swim

Doggie Paddle offers two types of services, Assisted Swim, where the dog will enter the pool with the therapist. Working with the dog to exercise the muscles and joints the therapist may also include massage as part of these session. Sessions run 30-45 minutes and with a cost of $35-$50 per session

I paddled around a bite more while we talked. This isn't bad at all, a little more practice and I might try it with out the life jacket.

Self Swim

For dogs and their owners that just enjoy playing in the water. On their first visit a dog and owner are introduced to the pool, the dogs fitness level and comfort with the water are evaluated. Once the dog and owner are approved they can schedule time to come in and use the pool together. You can schedule a 30 minute or 45 minute Self Swim Appointment for $25 to $45.

When it was time to get out Julie gave me a nice rub down with a towel and spritzed me with conditioner. I may not be ready for dock diving, but swimming isn't near as bad as I thought it would be. Had a yipping good time, got some exercise, and some good treats, think I'll take a nap on the way home.

Doggie Paddle is located at :

6100 SW Macadam Ave, Portland Oregon

Inside Lexi Dog Boutique and Social Club

Open Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday

By Appointment

Give them a call to schedule a visit to the pool. 503-245-4363

For more information on the pool call or email

503-730-0310 DoggiePaddleSwim@gmail.com