It MUST be ingrained, as I never had to teach him this.
These are images snagged from a video, so they aren't perfectly sharp, but you'll get the idea...
( Click any image to enlarge )
Here's his starting position after the jump off the dock -- tail up, in a classic Superdog pose: As he gets closer to the water, he brings his rear legs up tight -- ready for downward thrust upon impact -- while his front legs start to come down (just like landing gear): Contact! All 4 legs are probably starting their push to keep his head up, and his neck/head are still held high: He's in here somewhere... He will do this over and over, and never seems to get tired of it.
I just think it's pretty amazing how he flies and then prepares for the landing -- all without attending flight school.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
Cheers!
Old No7