Dog's Attempt to 'Rescue' Pug During Swim Lesson Is Total Cuteness Overload

A dog's attempt to "rescue" a Pug during swimming lessons is total cuteness overload, and hilariously confusing, too.

On September 2, 2024, TikTok user Doggie Dips (@doggie_dips) shared a video of a Pug in a life jacket and a dog determined to make sure the pug stayed safe. Take a look!

In a 14-second video clip posted by Doggie Dips, we meet a Pug and an older dog who are both taking to the pool for seemingly very different reasons.

Related: 'Overtired' German Shepherd Crying Because She Can't Swim Anymore Is Just Like a Kid

"I got you, buddy," the text on the screen reads. In the clip, we see the Pug wearing his life jacket, which was released from the human holding him to allow the Pug to swim on his own.

But the older, larger dog wasn't having it. Instead of letting the Pug swim on his own, in his life jacket, with a person in arm's reach, he took over.

The older dog went into lifeguard mode, holding on to the Pug's life jacket as it swam along with him. The dog remained upright, and the pug was moved towards the ramp.

Then, the two climbed out together safely out of the water. The video is hilarious because it's hard to tell if the purpose of the two adults and two dogs in the water was to help get the Pug more comfortable in the water or if it was a lifeguard training session for the older dog.

"Just because we couldn't resist," the video's caption reads. And in the comments, people had a lot of feelings about the cute video of the dog who is trying to protect the pug while swimming.

One wrote, "That’s a good friend."

Another shared, "He had his lifeguard training."

Someone else added, "Pugs never need help. But if you insist."

One shared, "I'll save you, buddy."

Another TikTok user joked, "That’s adorable, the Mrs Doubtfire voiceover."

One added, "They know better than humans that a little guy is not too confident."

Important Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Any dog near water must consider some important safety considerations. Just like people, even dogs who are excellent swimmers need to be extra careful around water, and life jackets are essential.

"Buying your dog a life jacket is also very important! Even if they are strong swimmers, there may be a strong current, and you can’t always know your dog’s stamina," Ontario SPCA and Humane Society explains.

"Life jackets are essential if you plan on taking your dog boating. A dog overboard can quickly be lost in the waves. A life jacket will keep them buoyant, make them easier to spot in the water, and give you something to grab onto to pull them back on board."

Thankfully, the sweet Pug swimming in the pool is wearing a life jacket and has a friend watching. But there are also people around, too, who are keeping a close eye on all the dogs. Being mindful of how tiring swimming is, they're keeping watch that none of the dogs get too tired, knowing they can step in if they do.

The Ontario SPCA adds, "Don’t assume your dog will be fine in the water, and never leave your dog unsupervised by any body of water."