Dog-gone! Fancy a doggy-paddle?

Monty is one of 1500 pups photographer Seth Casteel taught to swim. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

STOP everything you're doing and look at these adorable pictures of puppies underwater.

The exuberant photos taken by Seth Casteel show wide-eyed pups trying out their doggy paddle for the first time.

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The curious canines display the full range of emotion as they take their first strokes.

Ginger gingerly practises her technique. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Popsicle learns he has new depths. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Pringles and Pickme are naturals at synchronised swimming. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Their fur waves amid the bubbles caused by their aquatic activities.

The enchanting images come from Casteel's latest book Underwater Puppies, which follows the roaring success of his best-selling debut, Underwater Dogs.

"Dogs have an incredible connection with the water that goes back thousands of years," says the 33-year-old.

"In many homes, dogs enjoy a life of luxury — sleeping in bed with us, fancy treats, the pet salon.

Iggy gets in touch with his primal instincts. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Corey is bubbling with excitement. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Reason is thrilled with the new experience. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

"As much as they enjoy these things, dogs have wild instincts and have a need to explore them. The water is simply one of the best ways for them to do this."

Casteel, who lives in Venice Beach, California, believes that snapping animals in the water is the best way to explore their emotions, whether playful or primal.

He started photographing homeless pets in 2007, but it was in 2010 that he first created underwater magic when a dog he was shooting named Buster jumped in a pool.

After realising how good the shots looked on a point-and-click underwater camera, he maxed out his credit card buying underwater kit designed for surfers — and the rest is history.

Rolley is one of 72 puppies featured in the new book. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Ruger embraces the life aquatic. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Beagle mix Ava looks like she's flying. Picture: Seth Casteel Source: Supplied

Underwater Puppies features 72 swimming pups from six weeks to six months old.

Casteel taught swimming lessons to over 1500 pooches to get the perfect images of "the most amazing creatures on Earth".

His next project, Underwater Babies, takes the subject to the next level with "whimsical shots of tiny humans".

Underwater Puppies, by Seth Casteel, is published by Hachette Australia, RRP $29.99, available 30 September. Find out more here.