I was wondering if the experts out there could give me a hand. I have a chocolate lab that is 15 months old. He does very good on sit, stay, fetch and is even doing his directions out away from me very well.

A couple months ago I got a e-collar to reinforce his breaking at stange dogs and people. That took about 2 times with mild stimulation to learn that along with the down command. Here's my real dilema. I have been working him in water with a land entrance for about 6 months now. He does great going out and getting the bird. I hunt in deep water and have to train him to go out of the boat. I've tried off a dock as well as out of the boat and he wants to but just doesn't commit.

What do I need to do to get him to get excited about jumping in the water rather than walking in. I have a ramp installed in the boat but it just seems he's apprehensive. I don't want to throw him in unless tha's what needs to be done.

Need suggestions

Craig

Hi Craig,
This may sound silly but put on your trunks and jump in first. Make it look like great fun. Begin to swim away from the boat & encourage your pup to follow, use a bumper, his favorite toy or a bird. It may take several times or even a couple of days. I think you just need to build up his confidence. I wouldn't throw him in, it may just traumatize him so he would never jump in on his own.

Hope this helps.