Getting a puppy comfortable around water.
by Ryan Eder
I will never forget the first time I had a Labrador puppy show apprehension and fear around water. I completely panicked. Aren’t retrievers natural water dogs? How can a puppy not love water? This puppy is broken! All these instant thoughts had me confused and worried with no idea how to proceed. Years later, there is far less panic, but how this issue is handled is very important. Many of us have grand visions of our retriever being a strong water dog and accompanying us in the boat or blind, so when a puppy seems like he would rather be anywhere but the water, the concern is understandable.
Let me start by saying that it is wrong to assume anything based on the breed of dog itself. Just because you have a retriever puppy does not guarantee the innate desire to retrieve, or to be in the water. The same is true with any breed. Not all pointer puppies are pointing birds staunchly at 12 weeks of age, regardless of how many videos or photos you see on social media. Each dog needs to be developed and taught at his own pace.
I like to treat water the same way I treat birds and gunfire in our puppy program – a gradual and positive exposure process that is entirely focused on a puppy’s attitude. The experience is controlled and has something fun happening to keep the pup enthusiastic and happy. For example, our pups will get their first experience with a bird in the yard where quail or pigeons are in a bird transport plastic crate. The birds are not able to fly or flutter, nor are the puppies able to get the birds through the crate. We bring the puppies out in a group to play and run around; some will inquire about the bird crate and some may not. There will also be toys and maybe a bowl of food in the yard around the bird crate as well. This experience is very subtle, but puppies in groups tend to follow one another and feel more confident with others around. They can run, play with toys, eat food, drink water, and explore confined live birds all in one setting. It is fun and positive with zero pressure or stress, and works toward bird exposure in one small step.
Water is much the same for us. A group of puppies, or maybe a puppy with another dog or two (you must make sure the other dogs are friendly, social, and not going to negatively impact the puppy’s experience) going for a walk near a beach, boat ramp, or pond, for example, is a great way to start. We will bring a tennis ball or bumper and throw retrieves and play as we walk. Even if the first few walks or play sessions do not involve the puppy getting wet, it is a positive experience near water, which is step one.
Once a puppy is running around and playing, we simply work closer to the water’s edge. The focus is attitude and comfort. I use anything I can to my advantage, whether it is another dog, a favorite toy, or even a live bird or other high value item. I love boat ramps, if possible, because of the gradual decline into the water. I also love large puddles an inch or two deep so the pup can walk and feel more secure. An observation I have consistently made is that a dog is much more willing to wade into the water than they might be full out swimming. In other words, if feet are touching bottom versus not, the comfort level can be vastly different. Use this to your advantage during the exposure phases of the process.
The first read to make is how comfortable the puppy is around the water. I’m not so concerned with if he is getting into the water, but rather is he confident around it or is he appearing very concerned or apprehensive around the water. If the pup is chasing another dog around the water and shows little to no regard for the water being there, then that is a good sign. If not, take your time and continue to find ways to make your time around water relaxed and fun.
Never forget the power of rewarding behavior with food. Most of us teach a lot with food rewards, and this can be no different. If a puppy even approaches the shoreline of the water, praise him and give a piece of kibble or a treat. Soon enough, he’ll realize that getting near water brings a payment. This method works best on dogs that have been conditioned for it. If you mark a behavior with a clicker or a verbal marker (such as “yes” or “good”) and then give the treat, then the sequence of marking and treating for that desired behavior can be applied to anything. This can be built on by moving from approaching the shoreline to putting a paw in the water, and so on. (Disclaimer: Do not get upset when you inevitably condition your dog to get in the water every time and expect a treat!)
Read the rest of Ryan’s suggestions for helping a pup around water in the upcoming June/July 2025 issue. What else will you find?
Down Memory Lane. By E. Donnall Thomas Jr.
The Traveling Wingshooter: Prevailing In North Dakota. By Mike Gnatkowski
Anti-Aging. By Paula Piatt
Clients: Some Advice. By Duck Caller
Upland Training: Part Two. By Charlie Jurney
Training Champions: Training strategies with setups. By Danny Farmer
The Vet’s Office: Pain in the neck. By Dr. Ben J. Character
Do It Yourself Duck Dog: No-go for H20. By Ryan Eder
The Wingshooter: Are you a good duck shot? By Steve Smith
Waterfowling North America: Waiting for duck season. By Doug Larsen
Your Dog & You: Pup’s debut. By George Hickox
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The View From the Pier. By Casimer “Cas” Cecum
