Some dogs jump right on the board, the first time in the ocean!! But
there are others who jump off, and use the surfboard as a diving board!
Others are too distracted to focus on surfing, or others who just aren't
sure about this new activity. These tips can help those that might be
having a hard time getting started, or who don't have much time to spend at
the beach. Most of these exercises can be done in the comfort of your
own home! They've been prepared as a training template by my mom, a
dog trainer. But you don't have to do each and every
step if your dog doesn't need it. We've just identified some of the
problems that can arise, and have given you tips to fix them!
There have been so many people that have helped me surf,
since mom has physical "issues"
that keep her from being able to handle me in the water. Other
people have very graciously come forth to assist me, especially friends from
the adaptive surfing organizations I work
with. In the spirit of focusing on what we can do, rather
than want we can't, we realized dog training was something we CAN do.
So, to thank all those who have helped me, I'd like to
paw it forward... and offer my help to other dogs who are new to surfing, or those who may be having "issues"
with it, by providing some surf dog training tips and videos. I figure
if these dogs learn to surf, they'll enter surf dog contests, and the
organizations that host the contests can raise more funds for their causes,
and change more lives!
Because my mom is a dog trainer, and believes in foundation training for pretty
much anything dog related, I started my training when I was just a wee
pup... but, you can start at any age! Our philosophy of training
is relationship based, meaning two way communication! Relationship
based training creates a very solid human-canine bond, and you'll have fun
exploring your dog's mind when you listen to what he/she has to say!
If you saw my inspirational
SURFice
dog video, you already know that my mom believes in letting dogs choose
their path in life. Rather than trying to mold dogs into human
expectations, she believes in allowing them to be who they truly are, even
if it's something completely opposite of the original goals. I still
like to chase birds, and mom gives me plenty of opportunities to do so, but
I can control my impulses too. So, if you're just having a problem
with distractibility, these tips can help. But, if your dog really
doesn't want to surf, don't make them.
The main
thing with relationship based training is... you'll be improving your
human-canine bond while building confidence, and having fun sharing an
activity both in and out of the water, or wherever your dog may lead you!
The tips only take a few minutes a day, and most can be performed in the
comfort of your own home!
These tips are perfect for those who...
Are new to dog surfing, and want to build a foundation
before hitting the waves.
Want to do some surf dog training at home, especially in
the winter!
Have encountered "issues" such as jumping off the board,
or distractibility.
Want to foster a stronger human/canine bond that easily
transfers to the water.
Have limited time, and can't get to the beach regularly.
Want to add surfing to their training repertoire!
Ready? Let's get started. There are videos that go with each
lesson, and appear as links under the title. You can read the tips and
watch the videos in whatever order you want, but they do go in succession.
But, the most important lesson is... HAVE FUN WITH YOUR DOG!!
The best surfboard for doggie surfers is a foam board, so
we can grip it. Costco sells Wavestorms for $99, or you can find a used
foam board, like an INT
onCraigslist. Smaller dogs usually get 6 foot boards, and larger dogs
go for 8 footers.
If you don't have a surfboard, but still want to work on
these training tips, you can use other things, such as a towel, a piece of
plywood, a boogie board, a rug, a beach mat... or anything that would be
representative of being "on" something. Plywood would probably work
the best as you can have it cut to the approximate size of a surfboard.
You would want to add carpet to it though so the dog could grip it.
You can also contact surfboard companies, surf schools,
etc to see if they have broken boards. It wouldn't work in the water,
but could be perfect for practicing at home.
One very important note... don't force your dog on the
board. You want them to offer the behavior, and learn to jump on by
themselves. This is especially helpful for big dogs that can be very
heavy to lift once you get in the ocean. Plus, if a dog is refusing to
get on the board... maybe they really don't want to surf.
Bring your surfboard in the house, and feed your dog
their meals on it. This makes a positive association with the board.
You want your dog at the back of the board, so be sure to
place his/her food bowl right in front of where you want them to be.
This will reinforce the correct position for the dog.
Dogs love belly rubs, and a surfboard is a great place to
give them! Again, you're making a positive association with the board.
Doing this also helps build the human-canine bond even more!
Don't leave the surfboard out when you're not training. You want your
dog to get excited when he/she sees the board.
Beginning board work
"Teaching your dog to offer behaviors on the board"
Some dogs can jump on a board in the ocean and surf the
first time they try. Others use the surf board as a diving board, and
jump off when the board starts to move. Others are a little freaked
out by the movement of the board, and it takes them a little longer to get
the hang of it. Still others are just used to going to the beach to
play ball, and aren't quite sure what this new game is all about.
When using treats, always treat the dog ON the board.
You want to reinforce the behavior of the dog being ON the board, not
getting off the board.
Never force your dog onto the board, and pick him/her up
to place on the board. You want your dog to make the decision to get
on the board by themselves.
Training is a good way to bond with your dog, as it
increases the communication between the two of you... creating a solid
relationship!
You can lure your dog onto the board at first, but
quickly fade it. You don't want him/her depending on the treat to get
on the board.
You can have them do a hand touch where you put your hand
palm out where you want the dog to be on the board. Dogs are curious
by nature, and will touch your hand with their nose to see what's up.
As they do, you can say "touch".
Treat them on the board, and then walk away. They
will most likely follow you. Walk back toward the board to see if
they'll get on. If not, hold your hand out again, and say "touch".
Give treats while he/she is on the board.
Your dog will quickly get the idea that being on the
board is how they get treats, and you can fade out the hand touch.
When they step onto the board you can say "yes", "good"
or use a clicker to mark the behavior of getting on the board.
Your dog will also quickly understand that good things
happen on the board because they've been getting fed their meals on it.
It won't take them long to know where to be!
Some dogs surf standing up, some lay down, and others
sit. It's all personal preference of your dog!
Once
your dog is eager to get on the board, you can start introducing a "stay" or
"wait" cue. You want your dog to stay on the board even if you aren't
near. Because once you push your dog off into a wave, he/she's on
their own. You want them to stay on the board, not jump off and swim
back to you.
When your dog is doing well with the "stay" or "wait"... begin taking steps
backwards so you put distance between yourself and the dog. Walk back
to the dog to treat on the board.
When your dog is comfortable and stays on the board when
you step back a couple feet, build upon that until you're able to walk
completely around the board. At first you may only get a few steps,
but as you progress you'll be able to run around the board while your dog
stays on it!
Use a word to release your dog from being on the board,
such as "release". You want the dog to learn they should stay on the
board until you give the release cue. Using the release cue will let
them know it's ok to get off the board.
Many dogs surf backwards because they're watching their
owner/handlers who pushed them off. If you want your dog to surf
forward, be sure to work on the "stay" or "wait" while you're behind the
dog. The key is for him/her to continue facing forward even though
you're behind them.
That said, some contests give more points for a dog who
surfs backwards. So, you don't have to do the exercise above! I
find it better to be able to surf both ways... impress those judges with
your maneuvers!
Now that you've got a great "stay" or "wait", start
introducing distractions. There are a ton of distractions at the
beach, and you don't want your dog to jump off the board to go after a ball,
another dog, or dig in the sand!
Start out slowly. Have your dog in a "stay or
wait", and just show them a ball. No movement... very low key.
At first you may only be able to do this for a few seconds. The reward
for staying is getting released to get the ball. So, say "release",
and let the dog get the ball.
As your dog progresses, toss the ball in the air,
catching it in your hands. Again, the reward is releasing them to play
with the ball.
Once your dog is doing well with you throwing the ball in
the air, you can begin bouncing it on the ground. At first, start out
with him/her staying for just a few seconds, and release to play.
Build upon those seconds until your dog can stay for minutes!
Go slow with these exercises as well. You
want your dog to be successful, and these exercises can be hard for a ball
motivated dog!
Next, you can start rolling the ball on the ground, but
just a short distance. Don't progress through each step until
your dog is successful with the previous step.
It may take weeks to work on distractions... don't get
discouraged! You will always be working with distractions, so
practice often.
You can build up the distractions to include movement
around the board by kids, running, other dogs roaming around, you playing
with another dog, etc. You want to give big praise for the dog
staying, and a big game of ball as a reward!
Building confidence on the board
"Getting your dog used to the movement on a surfboard"
Now
that your dog is excitedly getting on the board, positioning themselves in
the right spot, staying in position no matter where you are, or what
distractions there are... you can start making the board unsteady... trying
to simulate how it'll be in the ocean. You can use pillows or cushions
under the board to make it un-even where the dog has to balance.
Some dogs may be apprehensive to the movement at first,
so go very slowly with the exercises, especially if your dog hasn't had
experience on un-even or un-steady surfaces.
Start out with having your dog step onto the board as you
hold it secure by putting your foot on top of it to stabilize. Give
your dog treats as they're stepping onto the board, as this will re-direct
their attention to the treats, and away from thinking about the movement of
the board.
If your dog is nervous... just do it once to start out
with, and build upon that. As you continue working with your dog
his/her confidence will increase.
Don't overwhelm your dog by going to fast with the
exercises. Go slow. You are building your bond, and you don't
want a bad experience to harm it. If your dog has one bad experience
(in his/her mind), he/she may never get on the board again. Help your
dog be successful... lots of treats and praise can help!
When you are releasing your dog from the un-steady board,
put your foot on it again to stabilize it. After he/she builds more
confidence you won't have to do it anymore, but at the beginning don't take
any chances of your dog getting scared.
Once your dog is more comfortable getting onto an
un-stable board, you can begin moving the board very slightly as you give
him/her treats and praise. This is helping the dog build confidence on
the board, and their bond with you will deepen as they feed off your
confidence!
If you have enough people, you can lift the board while
the dog is on it. But, first start by lifting only a couple inches off
the ground, and then slowly increase as your dog builds confidence.
Go slow with these exercises, and before you know it
you'll be able to rock the board more, and your dog will be confident on it.
When you reach that level of confidence, you can put
bigger pillows under the board to make it more un-stable. When you do,
treats and praise again.
Now
would be a good time to get your dog used to a life jacket. Safety is
very important when surfing, and a life jacket should always be worn.
If your dog has never worn one, putting it on the first time might feel
funny. So, practice putting the life jacket on. Have plenty of
treats to make it a positive association. First without your
surfboard. Once your dog is comfortable with the lifejacket, you can
have her/him get on the board wearing the life jacket.
When you first introduce the jacket to your dog, let him/her sniff it.
Don't put it on yet... just acquaint your dog with it while giving treats.
Make it a positive association.
As your dog is comfortable, you can drape the jacket over
his/her body, giving treats as you do. Don't buckle it yet.
If your dog doesn't seem bothered by the jacket, buckle
the front as you give him/her treats. Then move on to the
buckles on the body part of the jacket. By giving treats as you do
this, you're re-directing their attention, and creating a positive
association with the jacket.
Some dogs may be afraid of the life jacket, or it may
feel funny on their body if they've never worn anything against their coat.
So, you want to build their confidence, and giving treats will re-direct
their attention.
To continue getting the dog used to the jacket you can
put it on, and then feed their meals while they're wearing it.
Once your dog is comfortable wearing the life jacket,
start feeding him on the board with it on. You want him/her to get
used to being on the surfboard with a life jacket.
Wiping out is part of dog surfing... just like human
surfing! Life jackets come in very handy to pull your dog back onto
the board.
You can purchase a doggie life jacket at pet stores, boat
stores, or online. The main thing you want is a good fit for your dog.
Because you may be lifting your dog onto the board after a wipe out, having
good support under their belly is important.
When all is great on dry land, you can move it to a
swimming pool. Now, the picture has changed for the dog, so you should
go back a few steps so the dog gets comfortable in the new environment.
Make sure your dog wears a life jacket... even in a pool.
Remember, you don't want to force your dog on the board,
let him/her make the decision to get on.
You can start in a kiddie pool with a puppy or small dog.
Larger dogs you can start in a regular pool.
Hold the board steady when the dog initially gets on.
You can begin by luring the dog on the first couple times if necessary.
Stop luring after the first couple times, and use praise
and treats as a reward to reinforce the behavior of getting on the board.
You can also use "touch" to help the dog understand what he/she should do.
If they fall off the board, make it positive too.
Give treats, have fun, praise in a happy voice... make it a happy
experience.
Once the dog is ready, you can begin pushing the board
around the pool while you hold on to the board.
Lightly rock the board, and give your dogs treats and
praise to help build his/her confidence. Go slow with this because
it's new to your dog, and you want him/her to be successful.
From there, you can push the dog off, so the board goes from one end of the
pool to the other. At the beginning, you may want to have a helper in
the water to catch the board as it reaches the other side. They can
also reinforce your dog with treats and praise.
When your dog is comfortable in the pool, you can begin
introducing distractions so he/she learns how to be on the board in water
while other things are going on around him/her.
Don't do all the exercises at once. Let your dog
get used to one step before you progress to the next.
Help your dog be successful... your bond will continue to
deepen!
Putting it all together
"Taking what you learned to a bay, lagoon, lake, etc"
After graduating from the pool, you should go to a calm
water lake or bay. Here in San Diego, Fiesta Island is a great place
to start because you have small waves from the watercraft, and your dog can
ride his first wave, and be SUCCESSFUL!! You want your dog to succeed
so he/she doesn't get discouraged. And a lot of praise. This is
exciting!
There will be many distractions once you get to the
beach, so really reinforce here! Lots of praise, treats, release to
play ball.
Put the board in shallow water at first, and give your
dog lots of praise for staying on the board in this new environment.
Begin pushing the board in the water so your dog can
experience what it's like to be in a large body of water on a surfboard!
Hold onto your dog, and let them know they're safe with
you. The bond you've been building with all this training really comes
into play now. Your dog trusts that you'll keep him/her safe, and it's
your job to ensure his/her safety!
Once your dog is comfortable with you pushing him/her in
the water, take him/her out just a little ways, and push into a small wave.
Let them ride their first wave!! Yipppeeee!!
SurFUR
clicker training
"Teaching your dog the correct position on the
board using a clicker"
If you clicker train, you can use the board like you do
"go to mat".
With a puppy, you can click for hand touches as they step
onto the board.
I was trained to get into the correct position through
free shaping.
Always listen to your dog. If they don't really
want to surf, try something else. If they like it, but only want to
ride a couple waves, that's ok. Don't force them to ride more.
It's all about improving your human-canine bond, and having fun!
Sometimes I surf a wave in, and then jump off the board and chase birds...
just because mom wants me to have fun! If
you have any questions, send an email to "pawinspired at aol dot com".
These tips took you all the way
to still water, but there's one more step left!! And that's getting in
the waves of the ocean and surfing!! Paw-abunga!! The
organizations below will pick up where we left off, and help you perfect
your surfing. I've taken lessons from all of them, and I can vouch for
their excellence!! Take a lesson from them, and then enter one of the
contests listed on my
surf's up/events page! It's so much fun... paw-abunga & see you in
the water!
