Water-loving pooches are hitting the waves in southern California, in training for the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in September, hosted by Helen Woodward Animal Center.

The animals recently took part in their surf dog lesson of the year. The pups, along with their owners, were introduced to the soft surfboards, canine floatation devices, and water safety guidelines.

Surf dog instructor Scott Owens, whose two Dalmatians, Bentley and Bailey, typically hang loose with him on the water, said sharing the waves with his dogs is a unique experience which regularly draws a crowd.

"You see surfers all the time, which is incredible too. But just to see a dog out there, and sometimes they do certain moves from either going backward or spinning to actually just laying down and taking the waves tight, they just seemed to know when the right time to buckle down and just catch that right wave."

According to Helen Woodward Animal Center, competitive dog surfing was pioneered by the organization 18 years ago to raise money for pets and animal programs.

The Center's annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon will be held at Del Mar Beach on September 8.

(Production: Jorge Garcia)