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.

---

Mind-Set: The Second Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

Different Dog Foods For Different Dog Ages

Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More

Good Dog Health and Happiness For Charlie

Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More

Your Kids Want a Pet, You Dont Want To Pet Anything

"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More

Basic Discus Fish Care

Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More

Rimadyl the Wonder Drug - Or Is It?

If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More

Animals Are Forever

Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More

Shock Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Shock CollarsAre you at a loss as to whether or... Read More

Train Your Dog To Be Your Frisbee Playing Buddy

On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More

The Story Of My Amazing Dog Shandy

This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More

How To Use Leading Your Horse To Get Control And Response

I've been around many people who try to lead a... Read More

The Fun of Do It Yourself Snake and other Reptile Cages

Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More

Buying a Custom Bird Cage

Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More

Boston Terrier - Special Concerns For This Adorable Breed

Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More

Raw Feed? Are You Joking?

Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More

Breeding Tetra Fish Successfully

If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More

Broken Trust

The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More

Correcting Cats Bad Behaviour: How To Discipline Your Cat; Youll Be Happy; Your Cat Will Be Too!

At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More

Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free

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

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More

Introducing a New Kitten to Your Older Cat.

So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More

Whats the Real Deal on Pet Insurance?

Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More

Winterizing Your Dog

It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!

Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More

Pet-Rabbit Information ? What Is Domesticated Rabbits? How To Care For Your Pet-Rabbit?

Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Beds for the Pets: Sleeping in Comfort

As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep... Read More

PH Levels in The Discus Tank

Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More

Train Your Dog With Respect

Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More

How To Set Up A Quarantine Tank For Tropical Fish

Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More