Okay, I took Tanner and Dakota swimming today in my above ground pool. Dakota has gone with me before, but I don't know if Tanner ever has gone with his previous owners before. It turns out that Tanner absolutely loves swimming, but hates being picked up to be put into the water.

So my question is, do any of you take your dogs swimming and if so, how do they get in the water? I've looked at the Skamper Ramp, but it's awfully pricey.

Also, should I invest in life jackets for them? Right now I walk along them while they swim, making sure their heads stay above the water.