We have a Hungarian Vizsla puppy of 8 months.  He is very cautious around water, but will go in if coaxed.  Last week we attempted him on our speedboat, at first he was happy nosing around, nose in the air, but once the power and engine noise increased he decided to hide under the seat and shiver.  We stopped off at the beach to let him off for a run around and he ran as fast as he could up the beach and waway from the boat.  He will need to overcome any fears as it is a regular weekend activity.  Any suggestions please?

Vizslak are known for their sensitivity and this is why you are experiences a few probs with your little boy. I suggest you approach it in the same way as you would if he was scared of the car. If you do a search on here, you will have to join first-don't worry we don't bite! Take it very slowly so he associates the boat with good things.

Also make sure, if he doesn't already, he wears a life jacket when he's on the boat, viz are good swimmers but safety comes first :) I wonder if any CDers have boats and dogs together?

Emily

Hi Guest,

It sounds like you may have just tried to push him too far and too soon.  Have you had him on land around the area where others are using speed boats and jet skis etc to get him accustomed to the sights and noises gradually?  Only when he's not uncomfortable with that should you progress to playing with him on the pier, jetty or whatever that other boats etc are leaving from.  When he's not showing any signs of distress with that stage, try sitting him in your boat when moored and then gradually progress to having him sit in it with the motor on but not increasing the power or moving off - be sure to do something pleasant with him - either a favourite treat or toy (but not much by way of mouth in case stress makes him feel sick :(   Eventually if you don't rush things you should be able move off, but don't try and go too fast or too far for his first handful of trips.  If you come to a point where he is obviously panicking then take a step back and build his confidence up again before moving onto the next stage.   It may cost you a few weekends of your ideal activity but will pay off.  Also get him used to the life jacket on land - he's unlikely to enjoy the feeling of it initially and so it would be better that he doesn't have an immediate association with "nasty life jacket" coincides with "terrifying noisy boat" :P  Better "life jacket" means game with frisbee / digging in the sand or even feed him at home with it on ;)  HTH, regards Teri