Golden Retriever Puppy's Unique Swimming Technique Leaves Instructor Stunned

Kali Flanagan's 8-month-old golden retriever, Duncan, tried to eat the water during his first swimming lesson, much to the amusement of his owner and the instructor.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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During his first swimming lesson, an 8-month-old golden retriever puppy named Duncan left his owner Kali Flanagan and the instructor stunned with his unique paddling technique. Instead of traditional swimming strokes, Duncan was seen trying to eat the water as it splashed in his face, a behavior the instructor said she had never witnessed before in a dog.

Why it matters

The video of Duncan's swimming lesson has gone viral on TikTok, with over 739,600 views and 94,600 likes, as viewers find his antics both amusing and endearing. This story highlights the entertaining and unpredictable nature of pets, especially puppies, and the delight they can bring to their owners and the broader community.

The details

Kali Flanagan, a professional hockey player, took her golden retriever puppy Duncan to his first swimming lesson in order to help him get comfortable in the water before summer. However, instead of traditional swimming strokes, Duncan was seen trying to eat the water as it splashed in his face, leaving the instructor surprised, as she said she had never seen a dog try to multitask in that way during a lesson.

  • Duncan had his first swimming lesson in February 2026.

The players

Kali Flanagan

A 30-year-old professional hockey player for the Toronto Sceptres who owns the golden retriever puppy Duncan.

Duncan

An 8-month-old golden retriever puppy who was having his first swimming lesson.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted him to learn how to swim before the summer and while he's still a puppy so he could get used to it and not be afraid of the water. That was his first attempt at swimming down the length of the pool, and I think he just got excited that the water was in the air in front of him.”

— Kali Flanagan (Newsweek)

“The reaction to the video has been awesome. Dogs are the best and make everyone smile and I'm so happy Duncan has been able to do that for people.”

— Kali Flanagan (Newsweek)

“We've never seen a dog try to eat their own splashes before.”

— Swimming Instructor (Newsweek)

What’s next

Flanagan hopes that by the time summer arrives, Duncan will have learned to stop eating the water and improve his swimming technique.

The takeaway

This story showcases the endearing and humorous nature of pets, especially puppies, and how their antics can bring joy and delight to their owners and the broader community. Duncan's unique swimming style has resonated with viewers online, highlighting the entertainment value of unexpected pet behaviors.