Here is a problem that just popped up. Maggie won't cross a creek (any creek) and I am talking creek, not river...She is a year old now and since it has been winter here in Colorado, creeks have been frozen, under snow and just not noticed by my dog. We are not talking anything big, or even rushing for that matter. And I'm not sure if it is the actual water itself or the uneven boulders that one must maneuver around.

Here's what she does: we are walking, she's on the long lead and I hop across the creek. She sits down and won't budge. I pull a bit (prong is on) she whines. I go back across she lays down and rolls over - another way of not budging.

Here's what I've done so far in the 3 instances this has happened in the last 2 days: First time, I was with my husband who pushed her from behind while I held the line on the other side of the creek. Gave her a treat when she came across. She didn't even get her feet wet. Second time, I showed her her kong and tossed it a few feet when I was on the other side, she jumped across (at least a 5 foot standing broad jump), gave her a treat. The third time, I sat on the other side and tried to wait her out, showing her the treat and encouraging her. She eventually came over with MUCH trepidation, she may have gotten a toenail wet . But we must have been there at least 15 minutes. Several dogs even came by on my side and she was not even interested in getting out of her sit.

I know we need to practice, but need some tips. I don't think I should force her, should I? When I tried she pitched a fit, fought the prong and made quite a scene.

The place where we are practicing is really not that scary. But I want her to be ready for encountering water on hikes.

We have a small spring that runs next to our driveway. For months, Pink (the ACDxchihuahua) would go near it,certainly NOT GET FEET WET!!!. It's 6" deep and 1-2 feet wide.


The breakthru came when I was standing in the stream for about an hour in my
rubber boots pulling out weeds. His curiosity got the better of him, I guess. Now he runs up and down it.
So, maybe you could find a small stream and just stand in there and act like you are having the best time. Picking up small stones, nosing around with your hand in the cold water.

I agree with Betty. Also, the creek where you were practicing -- why not cross back and forth for a half-hour or so, high-value treats, calm demeanor, maybe a paperback to read on each side for a minute or two to make you less anxious or tense ....

I do way better with this no-push desensitizing approach than with any flooding (haha), even at this level of not-really-petrified.

It's pretty much guaranteed not to turn a minor or moderate issue into a big one.

Find another dog who loves water and loves to play. Pull out a frisbee or kong and start playing retrieving games in/around the water. Quite possibly she'll forget all about the water...

But a big ditto on the "don't make a big deal out of it"

Great ideas. I was thinking of just going up to one calm canal near my house, about doggie knee deep and just hanging out playing (maybe a picnic or a good book! now). I also thought the hotter it gets, she may see the good side in getting wet. I'm not expecting her to swim, after all, just not be a weanie. And you are right, Connie, I don't want this one to blow out of proportion.

Other dogs in the water can help.

With bird dogs, often the trainers just recommend running the dogs some on a warm day, then EVERYBODY walking out into shallow water that is comfortable temp. Eventually, they all want to get in. First step is just walking into 3 inch deep water. Eventually, she'll see it's no big deal.

I wouldn't draw alot of attention to the dog for not crossing and I personally would not punish the dog either. Just cross yourself, ignore her, and hang out on the other side some. Do your best not to even look at her. Eventually, she'll want to be included so badly that she'll come along. Hey - when the weather warms up, go play frisbee or catch with a tennis ball on the other side. That should get her interested. When she does get in, don't make a big deal out of that either. Just go about your business.

Good luck. She'll get it.

Connie mentioned a long time ago about a shallow pan of water at a door's threshold as a means to wash pollen or mud off of paws. You might be able to use this combined with marker training away from the stream and reward for getting feet wet - give it a "name/command" and then work this into the stream situation.

second(third) the "get another dog in the water" motion. worked well for me

Yes, other dogs are a big help!

We frequent Maine, and every year someone seems to have a dog that is unsure of the water. Once they see the other dogs playing and having fun, they eventually, slowly, join in.

Don't make a big deal of it as others have mentioned, and she will catch on. I have used wading pools and they have helped.

I am curious to see how Roger will like the water, our pool is still covered, and I haven't been to Maine since the thaw. I may be needing this advice myself!

Well sure, other dogs in the stream will help, but how about other dogs in the shallow pan of water??? Just think of the fun! LOL!