I’m getting wet with Charlie, in hopes of showing him water isn’t so bad after all.

As summer winds down, Charlie is busy learning new tricks.

I taught him the most recent one. It involves chasing a ball over to a small wading pool, then dipping his nose deep enough to grab the ball.

Yes, riveting stuff.

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While researching various activities for Charlie, we’ve considered agility, fly ball and dock diving. I’m most interested in the last one; I’ve always been drawn to this sport.

The catch is that Charlie will need jump off a dock to retrieve an item and swim back. His retrieval skills have grown soft in recent weeks, and since we don’t have a full-sized pool or access to a lake, it’s hard to know how he feels about water.

After reading some introduction-to-water tips, I decided the best way to get Charlie used to water was though a puppy pool. We bought one earlier this summer from PetSmart, but other than fill it with water, we had no idea how to get Charlie in it.

I read it’s best to set an example for the dog, so I climbed in, water covering my ankles, then I coaxed Charlie to join me. He was less than excited. He basically stood still long enough for me to shoot a few photos, then he was done.

With temperatures in the low 90s, I thought he would be more appreciative.

Then there’s the ball-retrieval trick. Once I knew he had a firm grasp on this, I started bragging. Matt’s eyes glaze over as I excitedly explain — again and again — how awesome it is that I taught Charlie a trick. One that involves water! And a ball!!

I should mention Matt has taught Charlie sit, come, down, off, dance, stay and in your bed.

Show off.

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