Learned so much. Have autism, never been able to handle a hose or line, practically strangle Jo, not even going to try using a long line ever again, dangerous. Haven't wanted to because of entrapment but my own clumsiness is even worse hazard *sigh*
Autism is a neurological disorder, epidemic, brain & nervous system's wiring is haywire. I have scarce proprioception -- knowing where anything is in space or time. Motor deficit. Where Orka is invaluable as my service Newf -- steadying, maneuvering, balance, navigation etc.
Usually scout out any water training location very thoroughly -- had never been IN this lake, didn't know what the slope or bottom was like: rocks, snags, obstructions, sharp objects etc so was nervous and scared but just winged it.
Orka is a bold free happy boy, very proud and eager to learn, but innately cautious, takes a while to train a new thing. He's scared too, And extraordinarily vocal.
Orka learns best by watching other dogs. He is dog crazy. It was really frustrating for him to spend hours around other Newfs without getting to meet and greet them or play with them. But he's gradually getting used to a controlled setting. AFTER he did this jumping practice he was absolutely riveted on the Newfs training afterward, watched everything with utmost attention.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude at the Seattle folk who helped with this -- some NCA top folk, generous and patient.
I had only 15 minutes in the water with Orka allotted, and was free to choose what we worked on. Since I have no rowboat and one is used in the tests, I wanted to have Orka experience the rowboat in the water and learn a new skill: jumping from a boat. I deliberately have waited to teach him this until he became less bolt prone and also the sea lions became less of a threat. Their mating season is over and they are not as aggressive.
Once Orka learns a new skill he puts it to immediate and frequent use
It's been nice kayaking with him and never having him jump off the kayak in the water. But it's time now to seriously water train and add all the skills, one by one, baby steps.
You know you've joined the crazy Newf coterie when somebody says, "Go jump in a lake!" and you say "Now!" with a shout of glee, already geared and ready with your furbear.
Important secret of the universe: Want to learn water training? Volunteer to be a steward. Bingo.
I had good advice before going in -- thank you Megan Goldin Morrison for urging the life jacket use so no submersion = no water in ears = no freaked reluctant Newf. What one knows ahead of time and what actually happens is different -- spur of the moment, other ppl's expertise, dog's reaction etc. Glad the pros there knew what to do!
I could watch training videos all day and night. Usually ppl post the finished polished product -- which I love -- but I need to learn all the baby steps and what to do when things don't work.
Hope more ppl post training videos, waterwork drafting obedience, everything.
