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WORKING DOGS

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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.

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OTHER WORKING DOG ACTIVITIES

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Therapy

Therapy animals are privately owned and visit facilities on a regular basis. Therapy dogs are normally part of a team which visits places like schools and hospitals. 

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Agility

Dog agility is a sport where you direct your dog through a obstacle course within a certain time limit. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time. 

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Tracking

AKC tracking events are the competition form of canine search and rescue. These Tracking events provide training for dogs and their handlers to find lost humans or other animals, as well as, demonstrate the high level of scent capability that dogs possess.

GENERAL TRAINING

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Training Tips for Working Dogs

  1. Subscribe to Working Dog News - Subscribe Now

  2. Latest Edition of Working Dog News

  3. Teaching your dog to take and hold: Part 1 by Sue Marino - Watch Now

  4. Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - Watch Now

Top of the Pops for Water

  1. Newfoundland Water Test - Watch Now

  2. Drone View of Water Testing - Watch Now

CNC Water Rescue Training: HELP!

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Grooming & Puppy Care

  1. Training Your Puppy on Touch Targeting   - Watch Now

  2. Grooming Your Newfoundland Part I - Watch Now

  3. Grooming Your Newfoundland Part 2  - Watch Now

  4. Trimming Your Newfoundland's Head and Ears - Watch Now

  5. Essential Tools for Grooming

WATER TRAINING

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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.

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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

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