~ INTRODUCTION TO WATER ~ PUPPY AQUATICS 101

[Irishwhistler]

Aye Mates,

The proper introduction to water for any working dog that will be expected to make retrieves in that environment is critical. Sudden immersion of a forced nature is NOT the way to go and is responsible for a number of dogs becoming aversive to water for the remainder of their lives. A retriever that is expected to make retrieves of game birds and waterfowl dropped over both land and water will only be getting half of the expected job done if it has developed an aversion to water that cannot be overcome via corrective training. All that said, the best approach is to head off problems before they start by setting the puppy up for success and that means making the pup's introduction to water a proper one.

 

[Space Face]

Makes sense.