Making Waves: How to Prep Your Newfoundland for a Water Rescue Trial

Tis the season to start thinking of summer activities for you and your Newfoundland. One such activity that I have been researching and wanting to do with Olaf is a water rescue trail.

Water rescue trials test a dog’s ability to rescue humans in a water emergency. They involve a series of exercises that simulate different rescue scenarios. These trials can be a fun way to bond with your dog and show off their skills, but they require careful preparation and training.

Here are some tips on how to prep your Newfoundland for a water rescue trial:

Start with Basic Obedience

Before you can start training your Newfoundland for water rescue trials, you need to establish a strong foundation of basic obedience skills. This includes commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. Additional skills required for the water rescue portion are take it, hold, and drop or give.

These skills will be crucial in a water rescue scenario, where your dog will need to be able to follow your commands quickly and reliably. A well-trained dog is also less likely to get distracted or overwhelmed during a trial

Build your dog’s swimming skills

Newfoundlands are natural swimmers, but they still need to build up their endurance and technique for water rescue trials.

Start by introducing your dog to the water in a safe and controlled environment, such as a pool or calm lake. Make sure your dog is comfortable with getting in and out of the water, and gradually increase the distance they swim.

It’s important to note that Newfoundland dogs have a thick coat that can weigh them down in the water. To help your dog swim more efficiently, you may want to consider trimming their fur around their chest and belly. This does not mean to shave them completely bald in those spots. Just shorten the hair a bit. You can also use a dog life jacket to provide extra buoyancy and support during training sessions.

Introduce your dog to rescue equipment

Water rescue trials involve a variety of rescue equipment, such as ropes, buoys, and rescue dummies. To prepare your dog for these scenarios, start by introducing them to the equipment in a non-threatening way.

For example, you could play fetch with a buoy or have your dog retrieve a rope from the water. Gradually increase the difficulty of these exercises to mimic the challenges of a water rescue scenario.

Practice different rescue scenarios

Water rescue trials involve a variety of rescue scenarios, such as towing a person to safety, retrieving a floating object, and jumping from a boat to rescue a swimmer. To prepare your dog for these scenarios, start by breaking down each exercise into smaller steps.

For example, if you’re practicing towing a person to safety, start by having your dog grab onto a buoy or rope and swim towards you. Once they have mastered this step, you can add in the element of towing a person.

It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and may excel at some exercises while struggling with others. Take the time to understand your dog’s strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your training approach accordingly.

Train in different environments

In the United States, water rescue trials only take place in lakes. But that doesn’t mean a lake is the only water environment your dog may be working in someday. If there is a possibility for your dog to work in a river or an ocean, it is important to give them that exposure during a training session.

To prepare your dog for these different conditions, it’s important to train in a variety of environments. This will help your dog develop the skills and confidence to handle any water rescue scenario.

When training in different environments, it’s important to prioritize safety. Make sure the water is safe for your dog to swim in, and be aware of any potential hazards, such as strong currents or rough waves.

Work with a Club Mentor

If you’re new to water rescue trials, it can be helpful to work with a mentor in the club who has experience in this area. A mentor can provide valuable guidance and feedback on your training approach, and can help you identify areas for improvement.

Have fun!

Most importantly, have fun!

Water rescue trials can be a challenging and rewarding experience for both you and your Newfoundland. However, it’s important to remember that these trials should be a fun and enjoyable activity for your dog.

Make sure to keep training sessions short and engaging, and always end on a positive note.

Don’t forget to also prioritize your dog’s physical and emotional well-being. Provide plenty of breaks and water during training sessions, and make sure your dog gets enough rest and recovery time between sessions.

Preparing your Newfoundland for a water rescue trial requires careful planning, training, and patience. Start with basic obedience training and gradually build your dog’s swimming skills and familiarity with rescue equipment. Practice different rescue scenarios in a variety of environments, and consider working with a professional trainer to guide your training approach.

Most importantly, remember to have fun and prioritize your dog’s well-being throughout the training process.

With dedication and hard work, you and your Newfoundland can be well-prepared for a successful water rescue trial.

Have you worked on water rescue with your Newfie? Is this something you would be interested in trying?