My name is Indigo and I got a McNab from Terry Garcin. I use her for Bird Abatement, we chase Seagulls away from many different environments also using Birds of prey to displace the nuisance birds. Four days a week I am staying in my trailer that sits on a friends ranch of 4 thousand acres... there are tributaries that run into a larger river which empties into a large bay. My dog is a water lover, as a puppy at Terry's ranch the dogs were introduced to water troughs to cool off...I guess I was lucky that my McNab always liked the water. I took her into a wading pool at home and played with her with toys and floating balls and always verbally reinforcing praise and with a treat when she would go in the water and fetch her toy...later I took her to an estuary and on a leash would walk her in the shallows to make her comfortable never rushing her into deeper water. If you rush your dog or throw them in the water you will ruin your dog from ever wanting to go near water for the fear you have instilled upon her. I found kind words of praise and reaffirming their confidence is long lasting. Not all dogs like the water. I recommend a dog leash,vest and a long leash when training your dog. In the shallows once your dog is playing with a ball etc. and you manage her to deeper water take your hand and place it under her so she doesn't just use her front feet to paddle with you want your dog to use all four legs to swim with. If she is already chasing Geese, her hearding instincts will take over but when the Geese seek safety they retreat to the water that's when your dog must enjoy the water with no fear...she will instinctively pursue the Geese making them uncomfortable and soon after take flight. My dog works with trained Falcons and Hawks, they are a team. I had a Border Collie that helped me trained my McNab. I found using a Shepards Whistle and hand signal to work for me...I found that sometimes the dog is at a distance so yelling is out....plus I never yell at my dogs in anger because they did not perform the task I asked of them or ever raise my hand to strike them....that is the quickest way to lose trust and love from you dog. Repeat the exercise...they will understand and get it sooner or later.... patience will turn to success...reward your dog with enthusiasm and kindness and your dog will love to work with you...but remember always be firm...I only use a few simple commands and hand signals....even if they are not the hearding dog forms of commands.... as long as you and your dog understand what you are asking that's all that matters....good luck with your McNab. I love my McNab beyond words and she is with me day and night...Terry Garcin has the best McNabs, she is the best in this field.
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