I have a Neapolitan Mastiff who hates water. I would like him to be able to get in the water. Is there some way I can get him more comfortable with the water?

For any kind of fear or aversion like this, I use positive association and marker training. I use whatever the dog values most, and use it to get the dog closer and closer to the water and eventually get the dog stepping on the stairs in the pool, etc… this is how I teach dogs to swim, but it can take a really long time and you can’t lose patience and push the dog past his comfort level.

The Power of Training Dogs with Markers Article and The Power of Training Dogs with Markers DVD.

You may first have to condition the dog to the life jacket, away from the pool scenario.

We put a clip on our newsletter this week that shows how to start a dog with a muzzle, the training steps for a life jacket and for getting in a pool are the same.

If you are new to our website, you may be interested in taking a look at our weekly newsletter.

Not all dogs can learn to like water, so it’s best to keep an open mind about it. Take the dog as far as he’s comfortable and don’t get in a hurry. If you’ve ever forced the dog to get in you may have lost his trust in this regard, so it may make your job more difficult or impossible.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.

Cindy