JRTzoey:this might sound mean, but would pushing him in show him that it's not a big deal? or would that do the opposite?
Do NOT push a dog in. Dogs that have issues don't necessarily want their head underwater. If you push them in most likely they will go under with their head and that can scare them.
First of all not all dogs "want" to jump in. What is your dog 'obsessive' over, is there a specific toy? Find a place where your dog can walk in, take the toy (it doesn't hurt to be in the water yourself) and gain his/her confidence. If the dog doesn't have confidence in the situation don't expect him to jump. Once they realize what is up jumping may come naturally.
I do dock jumping with my dogs. I have one that has the biggest jump but she won't jump at all in certain situations. I can not force her. Keep it fun, and understand if your dog just won't. My lab (that won't always jump off docks) won't ever "walk" into water, she will get to the edge and make the biggest leap I have ever seen. She is so goofy.
I was watching a show recently that was featuring dog breeds and what they were bred to do. They featured a Newf that wouldn't jump in the water. They were trying to teach this dog to be a water rescue dog, but it would not jump out of the boat. Eventually it did but it took quite a while to gain the dogs trust to do it. All dogs learn at their own speed. Go slow and work for confidence and trust. Keep in mind their are labs and goldens who do not swim either.
Good Luck!
Ann & Art
Maxine CGC, UADNJ III, DD NJ r (11 yr old Golden)
Belle NJP, NAJ, OJP, CGC, UADSJ, UADJJ (5 Black Lab)
Teddi UADJJ, UKCJJ, CGC (1 1/2 yr old Golden)
Pete 14 yr old TB