Eric Lesnick wrote 07/27/2009 12:00 PM Fear of the ocean #248177 - 07/27/2009 12:00 PM
Eric Lesnick Webboard User Reg: 02-09-2008 Posts: 39 Loc: NY Offline	We are lucky enough to be on the beach in the summer. I plan to do a lot of walking down by the water with Captain. Right now he is showing avoidance/fear of the water. I understand that he is just a baby 11.5 weeks, but how do I go about desensitizing him the right way. Here's the situation now: When I walk down by the water line he will walk with me but be constantly leaning away from the water. When I tried it this morning I didn't want to move away and reward this leaning away so I just walked parallel to the water and kept moving. Keeping the kids out in front and closer to the water than we were. I was thinking I should feed him down by the water for positive association. Any thoughts on how to ease him into this without causing trauma. I'm willing to take all the time in the world but just want to make sure I'm stepping in the right direction. Thanks
Top
Aaron Myracle wrote 07/27/2009 12:03 PM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Eric Lesnick ] #248179 - 07/27/2009 12:03 PM
Aaron Myracle Webboard User Reg: 06-06-2008 Posts: 5062 Loc: WA, USA Offline	New, stressful situations are best approached in drive. Get the dog into drive, playing with the tug, lots of movement, etc. Run with him, get him real worked up and slowly edge your way down by the water.
Top
Eric Lesnick wrote 07/27/2009 01:12 PM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Aaron Myracle ] #248188 - 07/27/2009 01:12 PM
Eric Lesnick Webboard User Reg: 02-09-2008 Posts: 39 Loc: NY Offline	Thanks alyssa. This was my first thought. But he goes into avoidance about 25 feet from the waves. Won't take a toy or treats. Should I just start that far away and get him amped up as much as possible?
Top
Anne Jones wrote 07/27/2009 02:23 PM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Eric Lesnick ] #248197 - 07/27/2009 02:23 PM
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004 Posts: 3825 Loc: Northeast Offline	All mine just walked in waves or not, so I didn't have the problem.....but maybe if someone else is there with a dog it might help. He can walk on the outside of the other dog & owner & work your way closer to the water over time. He might be more interested in the other dog & pay less attention to where you are walking him. I would only try this on a day that the water was calm & no real waves. The sound of the waves breaking on the shore may be scaring him, even if they seem small to us. MY DOGS...MY RULES
Top
Aaron Myracle wrote 07/27/2009 08:45 PM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Anne Jones ] #248235 - 07/27/2009 08:45 PM
Aaron Myracle Webboard User Reg: 06-06-2008 Posts: 5062 Loc: WA, USA Offline	Starting with a kiddy pool in the yard might help. Work as far away as the dog can stand, and get the dog in drive. Once the dog is high in drive, end it and go home. Next time, a little closer. Playing in a kiddy pool or at a quiet lake may also help. Teach the dog to associate water with drive, and it will be a positive thing.
Top
Melissa Thom wrote 07/28/2009 03:35 AM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Aaron Myracle ] #248251 - 07/28/2009 03:35 AM
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007 Posts: 2781 Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA Offline	My advice at this point on such a young puppy is to not force it. I didn't start water work with the lab until she was much older at about 10 months old, and on my current puppy about 9 months. Now she's happier in the water than anywhere else because I didn't force it, I kept swimming directional and purposeful and motivational. At this point you want her to begin to trust you and let her mind work out the world she's in aka be a puppy. Her instincts are telling her that she's not ready for saltwater, swimming and walking wet. It's best imo not to fight that with a 12 week old puppy. It'll just cause problems later if you force her now, let her grow up a little first.
Top
Eric Lesnick wrote 08/19/2009 09:42 PM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Melissa Thom ] #250435 - 08/19/2009 09:42 PM
Eric Lesnick Webboard User Reg: 02-09-2008 Posts: 39 Loc: NY Offline	I got the baby pool for the yard. Once he got in it and figured out it cooled him off he loved it. I'll take a walk on the beach tomorrow and go in the water myself, I won't force him in though. Thanks
Top
Anne Jones wrote 08/20/2009 06:57 PM Re: Fear of the ocean [Re: Eric Lesnick ] #250514 - 08/20/2009 06:57 PM
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004 Posts: 3825 Loc: Northeast Offline	I don't know if all dogs will equate a baby pool in the back yard with the water at the beach. My female HATES the baby pool that I have in my yard for my dogs, always has, but will walk or run right into the water, waves & all at the beach, always has from 10 weeks old. My male loves both, always has from 9 weeks old. I think it might be worth a try, but may not work for all dogs. I would just be patient & let the pup take it at it's own pace. It may in time learn to like the water, it may not. Not the end of the world either way. MY DOGS...MY RULES
Top

Previous Topic

Index

Next Topic

Page 1 of 1 1

When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.

Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional. The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.

Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc. By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.