Training Your Dog To Save a Life In Water

Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can really learn how to train your dog for different situations.

There was a program on in August, 2005 about a dog that loved to swim in a nearby lake. Whenever the dog left the house, you would find him in the water. The dog would just wade in the water for hours. The family would then need to go into the water and get the dog out.

Instead of going in a getting the dog out of the water, why not train the dog to get people in trouble out of the water. So the owners decided to teach the dog to save lives while enjoying the water at the same time.

Of course, an expert was brought in on training the dog to actually understand that if there is someone drowning in the water, what actually needs to be accomplished.

As a matter of fact, in the past, when the owner's daughter was having difficulty in the water, the dog was able to bring her to the dry ground but just left her there and went back into the water. Good on one hand, but what if she was unconscious?

So the training began with a long leash. The dog had a long leash on. The trainer just threw a favorite toy in the water. The dog retrieved it and came back out of the water.

The trainer then threw in 2 balls covered in a sheet tied at the top so this way the dog couldn't actually grab the balls but was able to take the knotted material in his mouth. That is what this dog did. The dog dragged the material with the balls out of the water to safety. The material acted just like a human's clothing where the dog would say grab a collar or loose clothing the person was wearing.

Then the next step they did was to use a boat with 2 people in it. The trainer threw in a favorite toy, I think it was attached to the rope outside the small boat. The dog brought back the toy and the rope attached to the boat to safety.

Their goal was to train the dog to possibly save lives on a boat that was unable to get to the shore safely. Also, if anyone was drowning, that the dog would pull the person to the safety of the ground and to get help.

This particular dog was very smart and was picking up what the trainer was doing. So if you are looking to train your dog to save lives in water, then using a long leash and doing what the trainer did above, can start you on your way.

Of course, you can find books on this very specific training method.

Copyright 2005 Fern Kuhn, RN
Specializing in Diabetes

http://www.dogtrainingcenter.info

http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com

You may reprint this article as long as you keep the links active.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Toby ? My Whirling Twirling Sheltie

Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More

Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style

Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More

Thats No Paris Hilton! An Overview of Dog Obedience Training Videos

Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More

The Joy Of Having Puppies!

One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More

The One-Minute Horse Training Manager

If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More

Sugar Gliders: How to Select a Sugar Glider Breeder

It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More

Dog Doors: Giving Your Pet Freedom to Come and Go as They Please Helps Solve Behavior Problems

Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More

Pet Containment: Keep You Pet in the Yard and Out of Places You Dont Want Them to Be

Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More

Tips for Finding the Perfect Family Dog

If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More

Caring for Your Dogs Teeth

A dog, like a human baby, experiences the world through... Read More

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More

Five Fast Facts About the Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More

Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free

So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More

?On Trust? & ?Paid For?: One of the Oldest Dog Tricks that Never Fail to Entertain

"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More

Im Allergic To My Cat!

Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More

Should Your Family Get a Purebreed Dog?

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More

Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish

Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More

Your Guide to Cat Breeds

For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More

Is Your Dog Fat?

Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More

Horse Care & Training Tips

Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More

Starting a Home-Based Pet Related Business

If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More

Tips to Help Solve the Three Most Common Dog Barking Complaints

Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More

Pros and Cons of Buying Pet Medicine Online

Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More

How to Choose a Dog for Children

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More

The Cat Learned How to Work the WHAT?

When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More

How to Buy a Purebred Dog

If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More

Stop Your Dog From Pulling You Down The Street

From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More

Tips For Toys

Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More

The Importance Of A Proper Correction

There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More

Chances Of A Lost Pet Being Recovered Increase

Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More

Decorating for The Cat Owner - How to Protect Your Possessions

The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More