Water Rescue

Nowhere is the bond of admiration and trust between a dog and its handler more apparent than at a Newfoundland water test. Maybe, it’s because the purpose of the event is to measure the dog’s ability to save a human life when called upon. Maybe it’s because of the intense training needed to prepare for testing. 

Whatever the reason, it allows us to witness the unique traits of a special breed. The Newfoundland’s large stature and powerful muscles, its waterproof coat and webbed toes all enable it to stroke through the water with the speed and endurance to rescue a drowning person.
There are many instances on record of Newfies saving lives in water disasters. To encourage these lifesaving instincts, in 1971, a group of enthusiasts developed plans for a water trial consisting of 12 exercises, six each in two divisions, junior and senior. Two years later, the Newfoundland Club of America sanctioned its first official rescue test in Michigan. Over time, the rules have changed, mostly from observing the dog’s natural instincts, but the original concept remains intact.

Junior division exercises are fundamental. The first one, basic control, takes place on dry land. The dog’s willingness and ability to perform its owner’s bidding are tested with heeling, a recall, and a down stay. The five remaining exercises are performed in the water and consist of retrieving a bumper, retrieving a life jacket or cushion, delivering a rope to a swimming steward, towing a boat, and swimming calmly with a handler. Accomplishing all six tasks results in a Water Dog title, issued by the NCA.

In the Senior division , the dog must retrieve two articles in the proper order, leap from a boat to fetch a paddle, discriminate between three swimmers and then carry a life ring to the one in distress, retrieve underwater, carry a line from shore to a steward in a boat and then tow that boat to shore, and leap from a boat to save its handler, who has “fallen” overboard. A dog that passes these six exercises adds the title of Water Rescue Dog to its name.

Created over the past 3 years by the Working Dog Committee of the NCA, the newest division is Water Rescue Dog Excellent, or WRDX. This test is for the elite working dog, who shows a drive and stamina and instinctive working ability beyond most Newfoundlands. The six exercises consist of searching for an abandoned boat, and returning it to land; rescuing multiple victims from the side of a boat; rescue of an unconscious victim; a rescue of a victim under a capsized boat; delivering a line to shore from a stranded boat; and taking a line to mulitple drowning victims. Dogs who complete all 6 exercises earn the title of WRDX.

Draft Work

Dogs must be willing to work with their handlers and the exercises must be accomplished efficiently. The goal of each handler is to maintain control while encouraging his dogs' natural independence; together, they demonstrate teamwork. Since a dog can perform draft work only in cooperation with a person, each handler must demonstrate an understanding of draft work with the dog's ability, training, and equipment.

Draft Exercises

Basic Control
Harnessing, Hitching and Equipment Check
Maneuvering Course and Basic Control
Freight Load
Out of Sight Stay
Distance Freight Hall
Intriguing Distraction

The Versatile Newfoundland

Is awarded to the Newfoundland that has achieved the title of Champion (Ch), Companion Dog (CD), Water Rescue Dog (WRD) and Draft Dog (DD)  

Other Events

Other events that the Newfoundland participates in are:

Obedience
Tracking
Agility
Rally
Therapy
Search and Rescue

Sources

All information taken from the NCA site.

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