Vandal's first water training for SAR - Page 1

I want to eventually work him in water recovery after we have certified for tracking/trailing. since he's still so young (1 1/2) I want to get him comfortable with everything I can.

I brought him for his first water training and expected that he would do the normal "exposure" work. Be exposed to the boats, landing dock, get used to swimming with a life jacket on and learn to relax when supported in the water.  He did really well with those. 

My training director, though, has a mean streak and dared me to try him on a kayak of all things. It didn't go well. :)  The first two times he sat sideways and we immediately dumped. The third time he dedided standing was a good choice. We immediately dumped. The third time, and don't ask me how, he ended up sitting facing me. It was so funny. I wish someone would have clicked a picture of that. So I asked the rest of the group (who were all on shore heckling in a most unhelpful manner) how to best get out of the situation. You guessed it.  Dumping it on purpose.  Finally we were able to do it and he did really well. Even with the whole group calling him and offering him treats if he would jump off and dump us again!

I was really proud that he kept popping back on and trying again without being afraid of dumping.  More than I can say for myself!

So, I wanted to share the pics but always post them gigantically. I sent them to Abhay and he is posting them for me when he can.

Just wanted to give everyone a chuckle.

Dawgs

Dawgs,  I have to admit, I am very jealous!! That Vandal has matured into a gorgeous Man.

first rule of search and rescue: do not put your dog in a situation you are not comfortable. it is very easy to to take a young dog or an new venue for the dog and inadvertently screw the dog up..

I really have to question your training director. . What he did was not professional or safe. You are responsible for your dogs safety , he depends on you and you took  a dare.  You are VERY lucky your dog is resilient. 

Heckeling on the side..sar is a very serious endeavor and when dealing with water situations can become very dangerous. I would strongly consider what group i train with.

I know this is harsh but what if the results did not end happily. You would either be without a dog or with a dog totally lacking confidence in the endeavor and you.

BE smart and careful

k9sar

K9 sar. I hear where you are coming from. However, my training director and I both know my dog. He has played in water his whole life.  I was not uncomfortable with this at all and neither was he. I don't take chances with my dog's body or mind. If I thought it would be more even borderline I wouldn't have done it.  And my training director wouldn't have suggested it.

I am not lucky my dog is resiliant. I know my dog is resiliant. Maybe you can see his personality come through in the pics. This was no problem for him and I'm proud he did it.  We had fun. He's not a timid dog or a weak nerved dog.  I've trained animals of one sort or another for most of my life and have enough sense to know my own animals.

My training director has been in SAR for 25 years now. Maybe long enough to read a dog?

As far as fun goes I think you take yourself way too seriously if you can't have any laughter when training.  We weren't on a callout. We weren't in the midst of serious training. We were at the end of the day and the dog had shown he was completely comfortable with the whole situation. While I appreciate your concern I don't appreciate the implication that you can arm chair quaterback an entire SAR group from a post on a messageboard.

I don't believe in Wild, Wild, West training of any animal. I also don't believe in training where you and your dog can't have fun in a safe manner (which it was) with life jackets and a kayak 20 yards from shore.  I'm wondering why you think it unsafe to kayak with a dog in a lifejacket. It is certainly not uncommon for people to do so and for SAR dogs to work from a kayak.

There are definately some dogs in the group that will not go near a kayak. There are others, like mine, who see everything to do with water as fun. Sorry if that's a frightening, and unsafe five minutes for you to think about but I'm glad we can relax and enjoy ourselves at the end of a long weekend of training. Maybe you should try it,.

Yea Dawgs,  How dare you people actually have a little fun?  And How double dare you put the poor little GSD in a new situation in the water?  Did you actually believe he may be a real dog, and have fun doing whatever you had in mind?  It just makes me so mad.  I am just so glad to learn that these damn water situations can really break a dog's confidence, and screw him up.  Double Damn!! If I had only known this when my dogs and I, tubed down the Arkansas with no life jackets several times a week.

Has the GSD breed really become so fragile? If something so simple can shatter a GSD's confidence, then what good is he as a SAR dog? or even a dog for that matter? If a GSD is so weak mentally or physically, then it should be spayed or neutered at the least. I bet Old Max Stephanitz, would have culled the poor thing. 

Kudos to you Dawgs for spending the time with Vandal, and working him and exposing him to different situations.  Many breeds have been ruined from breeding stock that wasn't used for generations and generations. If you don't think abilities,  traits, and yes, even Courage, can't be bred out of dogs, then think again!  Use it or Lose it............

Dawg...........I know nothing about water recovery,  but I know you and him had a blast         !!!!!!!!!!!!       He is turning into a nice looking guy........               Good Luck to you guys and take a dip for me..........           I wish I was there....lol      I would have laughed   my  ***  off.......... You've put in so much time and effort into this you should be PROUD   !!!!!!!!

Yup, you should be VERY proud of him, and you too.    He's one good looking young dog!

Abhay- "Has the GSD breed really become so fragile?" My thoughts exactly!! Why the heck is everyone so afraid of putting a little pressure on their dog? It isn't the end of the world, a good dog will think it through and problem solve.  Don' t train that dog in obedience, you'll ruin his drive! Gimme a break.

Dawgs- it looks like a load of fun, please continue sharing his progress with us, I think it's very interesting.

Dawgs- Could you please tell me more about your dog's swim vest.  I like that the front is open for better movement of the front legs. Thank you in advance.

From the reading of the first post I understand where k9sar thoughts came  from and you should always be careful especailly with younger dogs in training as you can ruin one very easily, more so if the pup is around the 3-6 months of age. Sounds like this one was already well socailized to water and swimming.

The other thing your post said your trainer had a mean streak and now I see you meant in a humerous way but I have seen quite a few idiot dog trainers over the years and you should never allow them to press you into doing something with your dog that you think is unsafe, I understand this was not the case in this situation.

My point is K9Sar was just trying to protect you and your dog imo.

Good luck in your training..