Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: rosscrazyelk on August 12, 2012, 09:45:55 PM

Title: Weird dog habit, How to break it.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on August 12, 2012, 09:45:55 PM: My Boykin spaniel loves the water. I mean loves the water.. Will swim for a hour.... NO S@#T. One hour for no reason and not even touch land.. The problem I have is when he swims he slaps the water and barks.. Constantly barks. Basically the whole time he swims.. Is there anyway to break this habit without loosing his want and need to swim?
trying to enjoy the solitude and queit this weekend in the nice mountain lake only to have my dog bark bark bark bark I realized I have to do something.. Help
Title: Re: Weird dog habit, How to break it.
Post by: pens fan on August 13, 2012, 01:40:51 AM: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is not at all unusual. Usually they are chasing bubbles they create. I had a chocolate lab that would do that from time to time. Boykins are a strange animal at times, mine all have their quirks, and my males will do the same thing if they become bored. Nothing to be alarmed about, but just tossing a stick or something is enough to get their attention on to something else.

You can try spitting on a rock and tossing it three feet of water. He will smell it and spend most of his time trying to get it. Usually, though, they will end up just grabbing a rock from the bottom and bringing it to you. Remember, you don’t want to hurt their feelings and tell them it’s the wrong one, even though they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes!
Title: Re: Weird dog habit, How to break it.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on August 13, 2012, 02:06:02 PM: It sounds like "Water-Freaking". They get into a daze and it's like their brains shut off. Most long time Chessie trainers come across it at some point or another. I've never seen it and hope I never do. It is dangerous and I've heard some stories from a few folks who have dealt with it. It isn't something which has a simple solution.

I'd do some searches on water-freaking and learn more about it before you let your dog swim.

If it is a water-freaking deal, you'll likely need to get with someone who is experienced in dealing with it. Dom and Norene in Stanwood would be a good start. Don't go to a person for help unless they've dealt with a water freak and know exactly what water-freaking entails.

Someone needs to see the dog do it and determine if it is a water-freaking issue. Just my advice.....