I had to teach my pitbull mix to swim. I let her stay by the side of the river barking and throwing a fit when my golden swims out to me. I finally got out and took her firmly by her collar and made her stand paw deep in water which she was always willing to do. I then took her a bit deeper to mid hock or a bit higher and made her stand there until she calmed down. Remember to remain calm and don't get frustrated because the dog can sense it lol. That day we made it just over her hocks before I let her go back up to the sand. Next time we went swimming we started all overagain only going deeper to her elbows then release. I kept doing this until she would wade in to her chest by herself then I put my hand under her belly and pushed her out a bit until she could not touch still holding her up and holding on her collar. She tried to sink like a rock lmao! Didn't even try to swim until I stared moving her in the water. I guided her in a circle several times then let her kinda paddle to the shore. I slowly got her to where she would swim next to me without my holding her. She still does not really LIKE to swim but she will do it if I ask it of her now without problems she also will get her toys from the water too. Dunno if this will help but also when I let her back to the shore I always made sure to throw a stick.