Test Opportunities
Newfoundland water tests are scheduled around the country during the warmer months.
In 2009 our group have the privilege and pleasure of hosting two official tests at Grangewaters, details can be found on our Diary page.
The Newfoundland's natural swimming ability, size and stamina make it the ideal water rescue dog. To ensure these natural assets are preserved, promoted and enjoyed to the full, structured training is necessary. This is best achieved by belonging to a working group, such as Muddy Paws, that has experienced members who can ensure you and your dog train in a safe environment with the emphasis being on fun.
What's this wet stuff then?
Most Newfoundland owners who take 'the plunge' for the first time with their dogs are soon smitten by the experience. Each dog differs in his initial reaction to the water and it's a common misconception that all Newfoundlands instantly dive in. However most newcomers generally take to it quickly and it's great to see a Newfoundland discovering its abilities. From thereon, progress largely depends on the owners desire and commitment to involve themselves in the training, not only of their own dog, but to assist with the training of the more experienced dogs within the group, as in this way the novice owner can learn training techniques that will be of benefit to them and their dog.
Training for Tests
The majority of exercises used to train our Newfoundlands are those that form the UK Newfoundland Club Water Tests. Water Tests are held up and down the country, hosted by various working groups. See our separate page about Water Tests with details.
The formal test exercises are far from a complete list of what you can train your dog to achieve and some owners choose not to train specifically for tests, but to practice other exercises that they or their group devise. It doesn't matter if you don't want to enter tests, training is still fun and you are just as welcome with Muddy Paws.
Consideration for others
We are very conscious that we train in an area used by other people and not everyone in and around the venue, wherever you train, in necessarily fond of large, hairy, often noisy and soaking wets dogs so all members and visitors are asked to control their dog to avoid complaints. Instances of model boats being 'retrieved', people walking past a training session wearing previously smart clean clothes, children losing their ice cream or sandwich to a hungry newfie (they are notorious for never turning down a snack!), have been experienced. Many people are good-natured about these type of mishaps, others not so!
Consideration for our dogs
After a day's training you will be left with a wet or damp dog. If there is a facility to rinse your dog down with clean water, please use it! We're happy to have such a facility at Grangewaters. Many training waters are not particularly clean and a good soak with clean water may help your dog avoid skin complaints that sometimes are caused by pollutants in the water remaining in the dog's coat. NEVER let your dog swim in water that has, or you suspect has blue/green algae in it, it's a killer of dogs.
The thorough drying of dogs as soon as possible after training is recommended. Limbs or joints that are left damp can become stiff and ears with moisture left in them can become infected. Also, coats are more likely to mat if left damp and un-groomed. Do not feed your dog immediately before or after exercise as this can increase the risk of Gastric Torsion (Bloat) which is not uncommon in Newfoundlands. Ideally, do not feed your dog for about two hours before or after training.
Training tips
It is usual for us to work one dog at a time, the rest being staked well away from the water. This avoids the dog being worked getting distracted by the presence of another dog close by and 'switching off'.
Watching and learning
Land training away from the water, in your garden or in a park can have great benefits. For example, if you are having trouble getting your dog to perform an 'underwater retrieve' (see exercise B4). Use a large bowl of water in the garden with a favourite toy as the retrieve object and praise the dog and or give it a reward whenever it lifts the object out of the water. The dog will soon realise what is required and this often overcomes a reluctance to put it's nose and mouth underwater. Or if your dog is struggling with a basic retrieve of a provided object (exercise B3), take the problem object(s) to a park - the bewildered looks on people's faces are amusing when you are carrying a life-jacket, or a life-ring over your shoulder miles away from the nearest water. But if your dog begins to successfully retrieve these 'strange' articles there and transfers this confidence to the lake, it was time and effort well spent!
Don't get frustrated
Water training can be rewarding and great fun for you and your dog. It is one of the best forms of exercise for a Newfoundland. It can however be frustrating when your dog does not do what you know it can, or what you think it should do. Even well trained and experienced Newfoundland's have the habit of performing an exercise perfectly one week, but a week later they appear to never have done it before! Remember, they are not machines and can get distracted, bored, or on the day be just not bothered. A sense of perspective should be maintained and harsh handling or bullying of your dog is unacceptable. All this will achieve is to make your dog fearful, hesitant and reluctant to perform at all. With most newfies, firm and consistent verbal commands are necessary to successfully control the dog, however some dogs become confused when an unusually firm tone is used, or a number of instructions it has never heard before are shouted at it.
Newfoundlands are multi-purpose working dogs
Apart from water work, Newfoundlands were bred and used for draught work where their large size and exceptional strength allowed them to pull heavy loads. Although Muddy Paws focus only on water work, some of our members also train for obedience and draught work and there are organised tests for these disciplines too.
And finally ...
Success in water training, like most worthwhile activities, is largely achieved by work and dedication. You usually only get out what you put in. We are proud of our group, members and dogs alike, so if you live in our area and would like to be part of a group that loves their Newfoundlands and enjoy working them in a fun and friendly atmosphere, you know where to come!