Sea Lion Flippin Waves Flipper Hi at Kayak Cool Orka

Cascadians

Cascadians

New member
Orka's been training around sea lions for a while now -- sea lions also watching and learning but there's always new ones so new introductions.

This one actually rolled over and waved his flipper Hi to Orka yesterday! Got some of it on video, slowly learning to use GoPro Hero2 to document Newf training. Wearing on shoulder harness for now. Have experimented with Orka wearing it too, will get underwater housing.

Will get whisker to whisker footage soon. Meanwhile, watch a kayak loving service Newf cruise past a slightly vocal sea lion with cool as cucumber aplomb.

Yesterday was an epic marathon day for us, started before 8/a and went until 7/p with so many events honoring the historical re-opening of the Arch Bridge between Oregon City and West Linn.

Please ignore mutterings, was dealing with wake from speed boats.

 
hsemko

hsemko

New member
It's funny, I was just thinking I hadn't seen any post from you lately and just as I opened this tread there you were. I love seeing pictures of Orka and your adventures. AWESOME!!!
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

New member
I'm really sorry, haven't been able to post much lately. Been really busy and am behind on everything. First priority is getting Orka out every day and training and walking etc. It was really hot, dry and sunny here for months, set records, presenting a big challenge to us. But it's finally gotten cooler and started raining so now we can go out whenever we want, makes everything much easier.

Had 100s of boxes hadn't unpacked and Lynn finally put her feet down and has been helping me unpack -- still lots of boxes to go, have to have a place prepared for everything, etc. Great gear, every day like Christmas, but a lot of work.

Have a bunch of pix want to post to this thread, after Lynn has gone to work, LOL Computer addiction gets in the way of unpacking.
 
dumainedogs

dumainedogs

New member
That's very cool. I love seeing Orka ride so calmly like a Newfy masthead on your Kayak. The sea lion's barking would have made Obie crazy. Very impressive work you've done with him. I remember some previous videos when you were just introducing him to them.
 
Shel

Shel

Active member
Awesome video. Okra is such a good boy. Does he ever try to change position... stand, turn, lay down? If so, what happens??? He looks like he could tip the kayak if he caught you off guard.
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

New member
Orka does change positions frequently. Easiest for me is when he is laying down but he does not like to. He is very alert and likes to survey everything. I searched hi & lo for a kayak wide and stable enough to allow him to be able to sit, stand, lay, turn around, reposition, jump, dive, get on and off via ramp, shore, docks, other boats. This is the only one that works and has foot protrusions big enough to brace.

He knows to be slow and careful. He knows the command "Don't rock the boat!"

Orka learns best by imitating other dogs. After Sam met Bettina he trained his 2 dogs to swim and kayak with him and takes them absolutely everywhere with him, including some kinds of boats Orka has not been and I won't be putting him on, like salvage crane barges, a little too risky for my nerves. Mojo and Sapphire taught Orka to run around the kayak and sit right in my lap. Orka had to un-learn this because he's bigger and it just doesn't work -- no way to place paddle.

Usually he will look back or make a vocalization before changing position so I know to brace with my feet and shift my weight for trim. Sometimes he gets lazy and plops his butt way to the side so I have to tell him to sit and he knows it means get centered.

Orka does not want to get dumped so he's very good about being careful. He loves to swim but is fussy and cautious. Full of wild adventure yet careful -- good combo.

He loves kayaking so much that when we command him to get off, he does then tries very hard to get back on even when he knows our training session is over. He never wants to stop. When we're out in the boonies and stop at an island to play, explore and train, he's fine, but when we're at a ramp or dock, or at our berth, he wants to get back on.

His adamant condition before paddling: He insists on a walk so he can poop before he will get on any boat. He considers marking #1 and #2 his primary necessary obligations in life and won't proceed until these are met to his satisfaction. He has a fenced in yard but no, pooping is an announcement for the world so it must be broadcast in a walk. So in all planning I have to have time and place for The Walk first.
 
2Paws

2Paws

New member
I also remember the earlier videos and his reaction to the sea lions. He sure has come a long way and I know it's because you've worked so diligently with him. Loved the video!!!! You guys make a great team!
 
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