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Subject: Dock Jumping

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paulmeyer21 User is Offline

Posts:10

06/10/2012 6:48 PM
I have a 13 month GSP. He loves the water and will retrieve his pheasant dummy all day in the water. But as soon as I try to get him to jump off the dock he locks up the brakes and won't jump. Any suggestions on how to get him to jump?

tgatto

Lake in the Hills, IL

MH
Posts:411

06/10/2012 7:59 PM
First, give it time. Patience always helps. Second, depending on your level of trust, and the dogs trust in you, I find a gentle nudge helps. Not a lot. If the dog is comfortable going under water, that is better. Sophie, and Sadie both had jumping issues, and after nudging them both (if it sounds like I pushed him in, well, I did - maybe even a light toss...) they both loved to jump off the dock. Sadie jumps about 18 - 19 feet, as I measure it. Be careful, and watch the dog though, I tried the same with my boston (who also likes to swim) but she sank to the bottom. Luckily, she had her leash on - so I pulled her up. Maybe start in shallow water!

It is watching the dogs work that I thoroughly enjoy, and love. I could get by with just watching them work - if it weren't for all the training, and the joy they exhibit when they pick-up, and deilver to hand a bird that they pointed, and you shot. - Todd

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7851

06/10/2012 8:33 PM
I start out by getting in the water with and coaxing the dog if they are reluctant to jump. It helps too if you have another dog that likes to jump. Patience is also called for. I don't like to push them as it can scare them and set them back.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

smatulewicz User is Offline

Michigan

MH
Posts:1194

06/10/2012 9:52 PM
I started on ground with Bella at the beach where she could jump up and out from the shore but ultimately landed in water. Then progressed into having her jump while in the water. My thinking was this would let her get the hang of basically falling into water (which I think is what they hesitate about on a dock). Her first time jumping it was clear she wanted to but it was new to her and she wasn't sure of the execution. I, maybe not the best method but I see I'm not the only one lol, gave her a gentle helpful "nudge" shortly after she reached the end of the dock (if I had waited too long it may have caught her off guard. This way she didn't think too much about it). Once she realized there was nothing to it after that first time she was all about it. Now we just need to work on the couple second lag.