California Surfing Dog Huntington Beach Winners

Surf City Surf Dog: the coolest canine surfers 
California is USA's home of surfing dogs, with amazingly skilled surfing pooches showing their board skills recently, at the 5th annual Surf City Surf Dog competition, held in Huntington Beach.
Haole, Tillman, Abbie Girl, Bentley, Kona Kai and Hanzo/Kalani took out the the top spots in the six K9 surfing divisions.
Surf City Surfing Dog participants competed in weight class categories, and were judged on a variety of skills, including the ability to complete the entire ride on the surfboard.
"We want to see him having fun with all the other dogs and coming up for a day on the beach," says Tina Walters, owner of Stickers.
Loui has been considered the "Crowd Pleaser", while the Sugar scored the "Best Wipeout".
Here is the winners list from the Huntington Beach Surfing Dog Event

5th Surf City Surf Dog Results:
XL:
1. Haole
2. Hanzo
3. Turbo
Large:
1. Tillman 
2. Louie
3. Libby
Med:
1. Abbie Girl
2. Sugar
3. Beans
Small:
1. Bentley
2. Kihei
3. Toby
Tandem:
Dog/Person:
Kona Kai
Dog/Dog:
Hanzo/kalani
Crowd Pleaser: 
Loui
Best Wipeout: 
Sugar
Best Grom/Newbie: 
Beans


California Huntington Beach Surfing Dog Competition

The spiritual home of the surfing dog is Hutington Beach.

Each year surfing bulldogs, surfing terriers and every other type of surfing dog gets together at Huntington Beach to hang 20.





We'll soon bring you official Huntington Beach Surf Dog photos, but in the meantime, check out this great clip of canines of all shapes and sizes taking part in the fifth annual Surf City Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach, California.
The Huntington Beach Surf Dog 2013 event divided the participants into four weight class divisions, from under 9kg to larger dogs weighing more than 27kg.
The dogs were judged on how long they could stay on the surf board, as well as their confidence while riding the waves.
Whilst most surf dogs donned life jackets to hit the waves, others surged in style wearing elaborate costumes.

In case you missed it, here is the surfing dog video clip from Better Homes and Gardens.


The Dr Harry surfing dog noosa video was one of the highlights of the show!

Amazing Surfing Dog Photos



Check out these amazing dog surfing photos by www.katietakesapicture.com.au . These amazing surfing dog photos from the Noosa Dog Surfing Spectacular.

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These great dog surfing photos are some of the best surfing dog photos we've seen. Check out more at www.katietakesapicture.com.au

Better Homes And Gardens Surfing Dog Video

Make sure you check out the amazing Australian surfing dogs at Noosa on Better Homes & Gardens TV this Friday night (3 May).

Doctor Harry and surfing dogs is a great combination. Found out why Dr Harry thinks dogs surfing is a great idea and see surfing star Layne Beachley and Australian surfing dogs Friday Night on Channel 7.

See clips from Better Homes and Gardens TV of the VetShopAustralia.com.au Surfing Dog Spectacular here:

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/tv-and-video/video/watch/064347c4-78ee-3e3e-ac20-60523695f865/this-week-on-better-homes-and-gardens/


Noosa Queensland Surfing Dog Spectacular 2013

Wow, did you see the awesome Australian surfing dog videos from the Noosa Dog Surfing Spectacular held in March 2013? If not, take a look:




This great event is sponsored by VetShopAustralia.com.au - discount pet products. Please support this great online pet store so they can keep bringing us this terrific Surfing Dog AU event.

Win A Dog Surfing Safari




Follow these 5 steps to be in the draw to win a pet-friendly holiday to Noosa:*
1. Purchase any 6 pack of Advantage, Advantix or Advocate from VetShopAustralia.com.au.
2. Your details will automatically be entered into the draw.
3. Keep your receipt for proof of purchase.

4. Each time you make a purchase, ensure your entry features the same email address.
5. The winner will be drawn on 02/04/2013 and contacted thereafter, so keep your paws crossed!
*The following terms and conditions apply:
  • Draw open only to Australian residents aged 18+.
  • Draw closes 11.59pm AEDST on 24/03/2013 for online purchases.
  • Draw closes 5pm AEDST on 24/03/2013 for phone purchases.
  • Original receipt must be retained for proof of purchase.
  • Each entry submitted by a person must feature the same email address.
  • The winner will be drawn on 02/04/2013 at 1pm AEDST.
  • The winner's name will be published in The Australian on 04/04/2013.
  • The prize is a holiday for 4 people to Noosa, QLD; valued at up to $5,945 depending on departure date/point.
  • The prize must be booked and taken within 6 months of the draw.

How to Teach A Dog To Surf

How do I teach my dog to surf? How do dogs surf? Teaching a dog to surf? Dogs Surfing how? What's the best surfboard for dogs?  What's the best way to teach a dog to ride a surfboard? we get asked these questions and questions like them all the time. Here are some great tips we found online. We have the simplest way to teach dogs to surf and its also the easiest way to teach dogs to surf and maybe the best way to teach dogs to surf! Read on and you will have your dog surfing in no time and stay tuned as we bring you the best dog surfing videos and funniest dog riding surfboard photos on the internet!

Introduction
"What type of surfboard to use for surfing dogs, and introducing your dog to the board"



  • The best surfboard for surfing dogs is a foam board, so we can grip it. Small surfing dogs usually get 6 foot boards, and large surf dogs go for 8 footers.
     
  •  don't force your dog on to the board. You want them to learn to jump on by themselves. This is especially helpful for big surfing 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 to 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 surf 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 surfboard. 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, or 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 your dog on the surfboard.
  • 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 a dog on a surfboard 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 dogs surf laying down, and other dogs sit on the surfboard. It's all personal preference of your dog!



Intermediate board work
"Teaching your dog to "stay" on the board"



  • 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 surfboard 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 the surfboard!
  • 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 surf 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 surfing backwards. So, you don't have to do the exercise above! I find it better for your dog to surf forwards and surf backwards... impress those judges with your maneuvers!



Distractions while surfing
What about the ball, the other dogs, the birds?



  • Now that you've got your soon to be surfing dog to "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. Part of teaching your dog to ride a surfboard is wanting your dog to be successful, and these dog surfing 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 surf board, positioning themselves in the right spot on the surfboard, staying in position on the surfboard 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. This is one of the hard parts of teaching a dog to surf. 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 surfing dog treats as they're stepping onto the surf 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 a nervous surfing dog... 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 in teaching your dog to ride a surf board. 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 surfing ... 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.



Safety first!

"Getting your dog used to a life jacket"



  • Now would be a good time to get your dog wearing a life jacket. Safety is very important when dogs are surfing, and a dogs 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 your dog. 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 dog lifejacket to your surfing 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 dog life jacket over his/her body, giving treats as you do. Don't buckle it yet.
  • If your dog doesn't seem bothered by the canine life 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 life jacket for dogs.
  • Some surfing dogs may be afraid of the canine 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 dog PFD 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 or dog PFD at pet stores, boat stores, or online. The main thing you want is a good fit for your dog life jacket. Because you may be lifting your dog onto the board after a wipe out, having good support under their belly is important.
     



Taking it to the pool

"Building confidence in the water"



  • 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 dog life jacket... even in a pool.
  • Remember, you don't want to force your dog on the surf board, let him/her make the decision to get on.
  • You can start in a kiddie pool with a puppy or small surfing dog. Larger surfing dogs you can start in a regular pool.
  • Hold the surfboard 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 dog on surf board, and give your dog treats and praise to help build his/her confidence as a dog who can surf. Go slow with this because surfing is new to your dog, and you want him/her to be a successful surfing dog.
  • 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 surfing 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 in the dog surfing lessons before you progress to the next dog surfing lesson.
     



Putting it all together

"Taking what you learned to a bay, lagoon, lake, etc"



  • After graduating from dog surfing in the pool, you should go to a calm water lake or bay.  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 means you'll get an amazing surfing dog!
  • Put the dog surfboard in shallow water at first, and give your surfing 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 when they are a dog on a surfboard. 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 your dog on the surfboard into a small wave. Let them ride their first wave!! Yipppeeee!!
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    Cutest Surfing Puppy Picture Ever?

    Is this the cutest surfing puppy pic you've ever seen? Maybe not but when we saw this surfing labrador puppy we just fell in love.



    Noosa Surfing Dogs

    VetShopAustralia.com.au sponsors Noosa Surfing Dogs

    Get Ready for Surfing Dogs Noosa!
    Get ready for the  2013 VetShopAustralia.com.au Surfing Dog Spectacular at Noosa Australia, which is set to take place for the second time running at 4:30pm on the 10th of March at Noosa Main Beach.
    To see the surfing dogs at Noosa Queensland in 2013 is awesome and many of the people who attended last year couldn't stop talking about the Australian surfing dogs.
    "When I saw that surfing puppy, I just couldn't stop smiling" said one while "surfing dogs are cool dude" said another.
    Don't miss out on your chance to see the premium Australian surfing dog event at the Noosa festival of surfing 2013.

    For event info check out  www.surfingdogspectacular.com.au

    Dog Surfing with disabled kids

    How cool is Ricochet the surfing dog? He is the dog surfing with special needs children and he is awesome. Check out some Ricochet dog surfing action in this cool surfing dog video.





    Richochet the surfing dog was even an extra in the Marmaduke movie (remember Marmaduke, the great dane who surfed?) 

    Here are some pictures of Ricochet the surfing golden retriever with Marmaduke the surfing great dane :) 

     

    Surf dog Ricochet & Marmaduke on set!


    Surf dog Ricochet on location during the filming of Marmaduke