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From Scaredy-Cat to Surfing Star: The World’s First Pro Surfing Girl Dog

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Those who train dogs, work with dogs or just love dogs know that there is no limit to what they can do. There are dogs that do tricks, assist the blind, save lives, compete in agility trials – even dogs that can dance. But a dog that surfs? Meet Abbie, an Australian Kelpie mix that was rescued from near-death at six months old. Shy and extremely fearful, Abbie went through months of rehabilitation and not only survived but is riding high – on a surfboard, that is! Abbie, or “Outback Abbie” as she is known in the competitive canine surfing world, has won more medals in surfing contests than any other dog.

Photo by Diane Edmonds

How did she go from scaredy-cat rescue dog to “Outback Abbie,” fearless surfing star? Abbie’s owner, Michael Uy, told us that he drew heavily on positive training techniques with the goal of creating a foundation of trust. He says that this is what makes a good dog a great dog. “It’s mutual understanding and trust that enables all the sports and exceptional things that Abbie does,” Michael says. 

When she’s not catching waves and sweeping up medals, Abby likes to paraglide, snowboard and herd. It’s Michael’s hope that Abbie’s success will help to educate people about the incredible potential of shelter and rescue dogs as well as spread the message that with communication and trust, there’s nothing you and your dog can’t accomplish together.  

To learn more about “Outback Abbie,” you can visit her website (yes, she has her own website!), www.abbiesurfs.com.

Dog surfing & clicker training

Dog surfing is a very popular activity in southern California, and as this article outlines, it's a great way to bring people and dogs closer together in the form of trust, communication, human-animal bonding, training, fun, and more!

I'm a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA), and the Founder & Executive Director of Puppy Prodigies Neo-natal & Early Learning program.  My early training videos http://www.puppyprodigies.org/VideoClips.htm have been featured at Clicker Expo by Joan Orr and Morgan Spector a few times.  

I use clicker training, and positive reinforcement to build a solid foundation in surf dog training for both puppies and adult dogs.  Of course, a dog should never be forced to surf, especially if he's showing signs of displeasure.  But, if you have a willing dog... it's fun! Here's a video that includes a 7 week old puppy working with the surfboard for the first time with hand touches and clicks, and an adult dog being clicker trained for the correct position on the board http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=564TBscNSUA
 
Some dogs can jump on the board the first time, and start surfing.  But, many have some fears or apprehensions of this new activity, and jumping off the board, or other stress behaviors are often seen.  Other dogs are easily distracted by all the activity on the beach, and trying to get them to focus becomes a challenge.  So training comes in handy... especially clicker training!  Getting on a surfboard is just like "go to mat"... a behavior easily trained with shaping!  But, again... if your dog clearly doesn't want to surf, don't make him.
 
There are many rescued dogs who surf, win medals, and even enter as breed rescue teams.  There are some amazingly talented surf dogs of all breed types that surf, from great danes who have recently tried it to chihuahuas. The contests typically raise money for animal charities, so the benefits of dog surfing are widespread. As the saying goes... the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.  That goes for dogs too... so give it a try!!
 
Judy