WORKING DOGS
WATER RESCUE: The Newfoundland is well built for water work. He has a water resistant double coat, a strong muscled tail, webbed feet, ears that cling close to the head and a strong swimming style resembling the breast stroke.
Great Britain first sponsored formal water tests for Newfoundlands in the late 1800's. These tests offer Newfoundlands an opportunity to perform a series of exercises to show their natural life-saving instincts. The Newfoundland Club of America encourages its members to foster and maintain working dog abilities.
The Colonial Newfoundland Club offers interested owners the activities to train and test their Newfs in Water Rescue.
For more information on Water Training: PONC Water Rescue Basics.
and NCA Water Rescue Guidelines.
CARTING: The Newfoundland has been used as a true working dog, dragging carts with heavy loads like a pack horse. Draftwork showcases the bond between dog and handler. The dogs learn many commands, and are trained to ignore distractions.
The NCA Draft Test is a series of exercises designed to promote the working heritage of the Newfoundland Dog.
You can read more about this activity on the NCA Draft Work page.
OTHER WORKING DOG ACTIVITIES
GENERAL TRAINING
Training Tips for Working Dogs
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Subscribe to Working Dog News - Subscribe Now
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Teaching your dog to take and hold: Part 1 by Sue Marino - Watch Now
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Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - Watch Now
Top of the Pops for Water
CNC Water Rescue Training: HELP!
Grooming & Puppy Care
WATER TRAINING
GETTING STARTED AT
WATER RESCUE
Here are some of the essential items for Swimming Practice at Codorus:
-Life jacket for human (Park requires this if you are more than waist deep);
-Float Vest for dog if the dog is new to swimming;
-Water shoes;
-Assorted bumpers;
-100ft. of floating rope;
-High-value stinky treats;
-Treat pouch that can attach to your life jacket for easy access.
-Crate with some type of sun cover.
More advanced training will require oar, cushion, and extra rope.
The book Water Work, Water Play by Judi Adler is a good resource. Available from Water Work, Water Play
INFORMAL TRAINING AT CODORUS STATE PARK
Open Swim Dates have been set up with Park management to allow CNC members (and members of other regional NCA clubs) to train. If you are interested in participating, please email Michele Miller at micheleodette@gamil.com. Michele coordinates who is coming, bringing a boat, etc.
The etiquette for these open swim dates is based on mutual cooperation and support. Participants share knowledge, equipment and offer help as needed. Dogs must be leashed, in control, and in a crate or X-Pen when not working. Dogs are exhausted and flooded with a lot of new information and stimulus. They need a safe resting place to recharge and get the most out of training. This is not just swimming, but a learning and training environment.
CNC usually has 2-3 volunteers experienced with Water Training Basics and Testing Exercises. They are an invaluable resource to owners starting out or needing practice.
Become familiar with Park Rules and Training Times. The Colonial Newfoundland Club does not want anyone taking an unnecessary risk. You are not allowed to train except on CNC scheduled dates.
Please don’t let your dog pee or poop on the beach.
This year every training day coincides with the Portuguese Water Training Days. Each Sunday, the Lyric
Band sets up in the Band Shell. All those training need to vacate the area by 4pm.
Open Swim Dates 2023
Saturday, May 27
Sunday, May 28
Tuesday, May 30
Wednesday, May 31
Saturday, June 3
Sunday, June 4 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Tuesday, June 6
Saturday, June 17
Sunday, June 18 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Saturday, June 20
Sunday, June 24 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Sunday June 25
Tuesday June 27
Wednesday July 5
Saturday July 8
Sunday, July 9
Tuesday, July 11
Wednesday, July 12
Saturday, July 15 Workshop
Sunday, July 16 Workshop (must vacate area before 4pm)
Tuesday, July 18
Wednesday, July 19
Saturday, July 22
Sunday, July 23 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Tuesday, July 25
Wednesday, July 26
Saturday, July 29
Sunday, July 30
Tuesday, August 1
Wednesday, August 2
Saturday, August 5
Sunday, August 6 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Tuesday, August 8
Wednesday, August 9
​Saturday, August 12
Sunday, August 13 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Tuesday, August 15
Sunday, August 20 (must vacate area before 4pm)
Friday, August 25 CNC TRIAL
Saturday, August 26 CNC TRIAL
Sunday, August 27 CNC Trail
Tuesday, September 5
Saturday, September 9
Sunday, September 10
Saturday, September 23
Sunday, September 24
Saturday, September 30
Sunday, October 1
Saturday, October 7
Sunday, October 8
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