It's hard to say-I think we need a dog whisperer in times like these just kidding. I don't understand why ours doesn't like the water either because he loves bathtime, even when it isn't his bathtime he can't resist a quick swim. I thought it could be the waves too but our waves aren't nearly as large as waves at the ocean so I am now thinking the water was too cold. Plus he is only 7 months and I don't think his foster mommy lived near water.