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Newfoundland Water Rescue - Water Rescue Dog Excellent Regulations
Purpose
Equipment
Fitness Certification
Entries
Preliminary Guidelines
Purpose
Historically, the Newfoundland has functioned as a working companion to humans in draft and water rescue work. Members of the breed have participated in many heroic water rescues. The NCA Water Dog and Water Rescue Dog titles were designed to develop and demonstrate the abilities of purebred Newfoundland dogs in an aquatic environment. The NCA Water Rescue Dog Excellent test furthers that vision by providing multi-task exercises that require advanced training, constant teamwork, and physical stamina. Not all dogs who have earned other water rescue titles will be able to attain this level of expertise. Instead, a Water Rescue Dog Excellent Newfoundland will demonstrate superior natural ability, training, and efficiency in simulated rescue situations. The working relationship between the dog and handler should be a balance of controlled performance and natural independence. The dogs should exhibit a willingness and enjoyment in their work.
Because of the required level of physical fitness required by a dog working at this level, the judges may terminate any exercise at any time a dog is deemed to be in distress or appears to be experiencing difficulty in completing any of the exercises. The decision of the judges with regard to the safety and ability of the dog to compete is final. A grievance is not applicable to any judging decision that pertains to the dog’s safety or physical ability to complete any of the exercises.
Newfoundlands entered in a Water Rescue Dog Excellent test must have earned a WRD title prior to actually exhibiting in a WRDX test. Dogs are not permitted to post enter a WRDX event offered the same day as the WRD title is earned. A WRDX event may be offered as part of a WD/WRD test; or may be offered as a stand-alone event.
Equipment
The handlers at a WRDX test will provide a leash and collar. A dog entered in the water test must wear a well-fitted, plain buckle, slip, or snap around collar while on the test grounds. Fancy collars, prong training collars, or collars that are improperly fitted are not permitted. There shall not be anything hanging from the collar. Use of a safety harness for the dog (as long as it is not a flotation device of any kind) is permitted, if desired. Standardized equipment, including bumpers, etc. may not be altered from their original state. Handlers will provide their own equipment for use during the test. However, they may share a set of equipment during testing, as long as the equipment is presented to the judges during the equipment check. Each handler will provide a 125 ft. floating line, that is knotted at one end and an additional eight (8) foot floating line with plastic or canvas (fire hose material satisfies the intent and definition of canvas) boat bumper attached. In addition, each exhibitor is responsible for providing his/her own approved Coast Guard (American or Canadian) life jacket, as well as suitable foot protection that can be worn in the water or on the beach.
The Water Test Committee will provide all of the equipment necessary to run a WRDX test. This includes the following equipment:
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An approved Coast Guard (American or Canadian) life jacket for all water or rowing stewards. All stewards will wear appropriate footwear on the beach or in the water.
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Appropriate hand and arm protection for the steward in the Rescue of an Unconscious Victim exercise. The protection should include heavyweight neoprene dry suit (OMS 5MM) “exposure protection” diving gloves for both hands, extending up towards the elbows. Uniform, heavyweight hand/arm protection may be obtained from diving shops or from websites, such as www.leisurepro.com/. Wearing of a full wet suit is required for the Rescue of an Unconscious Victim exercise, weather permitting. This requirement may be waived by the judges should the weather be too warm/hot for this to be feasible.
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A rowboat rated for three (3) or more persons with a non-slip surfaced platform securely mounted on the stern to permit a dog to safely enter and exit the boat without contacting the gunwales or oarlocks. The platform should be large enough for the handler and dog to maneuver into position and ride together on it.
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An inflatable boat/raft, rated for 4 or more persons for use in the capsized boat exercise. The shape of the inflatable boat must be such that permits the shore side of the raft to be flush with the surface of the water where required by the designated exercise.
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An anchor system that will allow the rowboat to be held in one place by anchor, if needed. Such a system will require ease in mooring and unmooring as indicated and defined in each exercise.
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Rope, tape, fencing, or appropriate material to mark off the test area. The testing area should be large enough, such that each of the exercises in the WRDX test can be accommodated.
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Two (2) sets of three (3) floating markers, placed at 75ft., 100ft. and 150ft. from shore on each side of the water testing area. They should be as unobtrusive as possible, visible to the entrants, but not attractive to the dogs.
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Three (3) flags set 35 feet apart on shore as defined in the Multiple Person Rescue exercise. It is strongly recommended that the 3 flags have identical poles placed behind them in order to give a stronger line for the stewards to line up with.
Fitness Certification
A dog must pass a qualifying fitness swim prior to exhibiting in a WRDX test. Arrangements must be made such that each dog is certified fit to compete (copy of which accompanies the test entry) prior to entering a WRDX event. The certification is good for the entire water test season. It is the responsibility of the potential handler to make arrangements to meet with an approved water test judge, as well as to arrange for a rowboat with a non-slip platform and someone to row the boat. The handler should also provide one or more toys for the dog to retrieve if this is the method of choice for the dog to complete the testing. If the handler wishes for the dog to be sent to people during the fitness testing, it is up to the handler to make those advance arrangements as well. Where unusual circumstances exist, if necessary, handlers may make special arrangements with the test committee and/or the assigned judges of a given water test to have their dog tested the day prior to the test they have entered. Handlers should not assume time is available for their dogs to be fitness tested the day prior to a WRDX event. In most situations, the judges’ travel arrangements and arrival at the test site will not allow time for fitness testing the day before the Water Test. Arrangements will need to be made ahead of time and will depend upon the schedule of the judges and test committee.
Any dog having a WRD title may be fitness tested. Dogs with a WD title who are entered in WRD level tests, desiring of an opportunity to compete in a WRDX test, may also be fitness tested. Handlers with dogs with a WRDX title who desire to re-qualify at a WRDX test will also need to be fitness tested.
Method of testing:
The dog, handler and judge (if desired) will be rowed out well beyond wading depth for the dog. The handler will command the dog to jump from the platform in order to retrieve an article of the handler’s choice thrown from the boat, to bring various persons back to the boat, or to swim behind the boat, alone, or with the handler swimming alongside the dog, as the handler directs. The method of swimming for the fitness evaluation will be defined by the handler. Once the dog has entered the water, the judge will set a timer for 6 minutes, which is the maximum time allowed for completion of exercise #2, requiring the greatest physical stamina for the dog. The handler may throw the same article repeatedly for the dog to retrieve and bring back, or he may throw any number of objects for the dog during the 6 minutes of physical stamina testing. The dog may bring persons designated by the handler back to the boat during the six minutes of testing. Or, the dog may swim behind the boat being rowed about, but beyond wading depth for the dog, with or without the handler alongside the dog. If the handler elects to swim with the dog, the handler is not permitted to touch the dog, use a leash, or any other means of restraint or aid to keep the dog at swimming depth. It is of the utmost importance that the distance from shore is beyond wading depth for the dog; since the judge will call off the fitness swim should the dog touch bottom at any time. In addition, should the judge perceive the dog to be in distress or struggling to swim at any time during the 6 minutes, the testing will be terminated. No dog failing to pass a fitness certification test shall attempt the fitness certification again in the same 30-day period of time. Instead, the dog should receive additional time in preparing for the rigors of the WRDX test before attempting certification at least 30 days later. The judge who has deemed the dog to be not physically prepared for a WRDX event shall use the certificate form to notify the test secretaries of all water tests to be held within 30 days of the rejection of the fitness certification. It is the responsibility of the judge agreeing to fitness test a dog to provide prompt notification to the test secretaries of these upcoming water tests.
If the dog is determined by the judge to be in good physical condition at the conclusion of the 6 minutes, the handler will be given a certification form, signed and dated by the judge, whose name has also been printed clearly on the form. The handler will ensure the dog’s registered name and AKC or CKC# are clearly printed on the form ahead of time, and will present the form with this information to the judge who is to evaluate the fitness of the dog prior to testing. The handler must include a photocopy of the fitness certification form, signed by a water test judge, with any entry in a WRDX test. Or, if the dog completes a fitness test the weekend of a WRDX test, the handler is responsible for providing the test secretary with a copy of his fitness certification prior to competing with the dog that day. This form will need to be included in the Water Test Secretary’s paperwork to the Working Dog Committee, and attached to the entry form for the applicable dog.
Entries
Dogs who have earned their WRD title may be entered in upcoming WRDX tests. Dogs who have earned their WRDX titles may enter as a requalifying WRDX. However any entry for requalification will be accepted only if the limit for the test (overall limit as listed in the premium list) is not exceeded.
Dogs with a WD, who earn a WRD title in a subsequent water test, and who are entered in Senior Division (WRD) upcoming tests whose entries have closed, may transfer their entry from the Senior Division to WRDX tests, if offered. To transfer a WRD entry to a WRDX entry, the handler must submit to the Water Test Secretary a signed statement listing the name of the dog, the date and location of the Water Test passed (WRD level), the judges’ names, and the name and address of the owner(s). A change of entry from Senior to WRDX candidate must be received by 6:00 pm the night before the test.
A dog earning his WRD title during a given water test is not permitted to post enter to a WRDX event scheduled to be held on the same day.
A WRDX event is optional for water tests offered by regional clubs. WRDX dogs may be tested as part of a WD/WRD/WRDX water test day or weekend without additional charge. Or, WRDX dogs may be tested as a stand alone event. Judges for the WRDX portion of any water test must be either Mentor level water test judges or members of the Working Dog Committee who are approved water test judges. If neither of the two Mentor level judges selected to judge the WRDX dogs are members of the WDC, they must have met with a member of the WDC to go over the WRDX Regulations prior to testing of the WRDX exhibitors.
Preliminary Guidelines
Pre-Swim
WRDX entrants will be allowed a pre-swim prior to the start of testing. Only a bumper may be brought into the testing area, and the dog is not permitted to use this time for familiarization with the boat or other test equipment. No food may be brought into the testing area, nor may it be used during the pre-swim. The entire pre-swim for all exhibitors will not exceed 15 minutes.
Comfort Breaks
A dog will not fail who relieves himself on the beach or in the water. Because of the amount of water that might be taken in by a dog working at the WRDX level, the judges will permit one “comfort break” during testing, should the handler request this. The dog is to be taken just outside the testing area and allowed a very brief period of time in which to relieve himself, if necessary.
Wading Depth For the Dog/Steward Comfort:
Prior to each dog being tested, the judges will determine an appropriate depth for each handler to wade into for the rescue exercises, such that the dog and victims will be met by the handler PRIOR to the dog reaching wading or standing depth. This will be for the comfort of the stewards, since the towing angle by the dog changes dramatically once the dog reaches standing depth. It is recognized that the distance into the water may be different for each handler, depending on height, etc.
Hands Off/Verbal Control Only:
Dogs working at the WRDX level will not require other than verbal control at any time while being tested. Handlers are permitted to pat and praise their dogs between exercises. The handlers will otherwise have their hands off the dogs, both on the boats, as well as on the beach.
Time Limits:
All times listed are suggested limits. A dog that is continually working and focused on the work at hand should be given the time needed to complete the exercise, provided the judges do not deem the dog to be in distress or otherwise unable to continue.
Distance Markers:
Should the dog bring in any of the distance markers, rather than the object or person(s) the exercises require; that dog will be deemed to have failed the exercise.
Exercise #1
Search for Abandoned Boat
Standard of Performance
The steward will row the primary rowboat out 75ft. from shore and will either attach the boat to a fixed anchor, or will drop an anchor from inside the boat. The boat may move freely around the anchor in the current or wind. The oars will be brought up into the boat. After signal from the judges, the steward will gently place a floating eight-foot line with plastic or canvas boat bumper attached into the water on the seaward side of the boat. The floating line will have previously been attached at one end to the bow of the boat. The steward will be primarily facing away from the dog. The handler and dog will wait on the shore in the center of the test area. The handler is only permitted to touch the dog for petting and praising between exercises, and will otherwise have hands off the dog. When the judge indicates, “you may begin”, the handler will send the dog to search for the line. The dog will commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds from the handler’s first command to swim to the boat. The handler is not permitted to enter the water in this exercise. Verbal, hand signal and/or whistle encouragement is allowed by the handler while the dog is working. Prior to the dog approaching the boat, the steward will bring up or detach the anchor system. The steward will not make eye contact with the dog and will remain quietly in the boat. The dog will tow the boat to shore by either the boat bumper or the line attached to it. The dog will beach the boat. Should the dog swim back towards shore without the boat, the dog may be re-directed by the handler after the dog reaches its wading depth. The dog has 10 seconds to respond to the redirect command by turning and swimming back toward the boat. The dog is not permitted to swim towards shore a second time without bringing in the boat.
Principal Parts of the Exercise
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The dog must commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command to begin the exercise, given by the handler. The dog will swim directly to the boat, will take the line or bumper and will tow the boat to shore. The handler will be allowed one opportunity to redirect the dog should he begin swimming towards shore without the boat, or should the dog return to his wading depth without the boat. The dog will have 10 seconds to respond to the command.
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The exercise is completed when the dog has beached the boat.
Failing Performance
The dog will fail for any of the failures common to all exercises in the general Water Test Regulations, and if:
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The dog does not wait for the handler’s command to start the search for the hidden line.
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The dog does not commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command to go to the boat given by the handler, or requires physical contact by the handler.
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The dog does not swim directly to the boat. The dog may swim in a straight line, or in an arc, according to his/her instincts.
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The dog returns to wading depth and does not obey the redirect command given by the handler within 10 seconds.
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The dog swims back towards shore more than one time without having the boat in tow.
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The dog does not take the line and tow the boat to shore. The dog fails to beach the boat.
Suggested Time Limit: Three (3) minutes from the time the judge instructs the handler to begin.
Exercise #2
Multiple Person Rescue
Purpose:
This exercise will demonstrate the superior physical fitness of the Newfoundland while performing multiple rescues of persons in distress. As such, the safety of the dog is of paramount importance. Due to the length of time the dog is continually swimming without the break of reaching wading depth, the judges will terminate the exercise at any time a dog is deemed to be in distress or appears to be experiencing difficulty in completing the rescue of the three stewards. The decision of the judges with regards to the safety and ability of the dog to complete the exercise is final. A grievance is not applicable when a decision is rendered by either judge with regards to the safety or perceived distress of the dog.
The test area will be set up similar to the Senior Division “Take a Lifering” exercise with 3 flags on the shore 35 feet apart (instead of 30ft.). There will be distance water markers at the sides of the test area at 75ft., 100ft., and 150ft. The boat will be anchored with the platform of the boat at the 150ft. line facing toward shore in line with the center marker. The drowners will be positioned, forming an irregular diamond shape with the boat, in these locations:
Drowner # 1 – At 100ft. from shore in line with the 1st marker on the shore.
Drowner # 2 – At 75ft. from shore in line with the center marker on the shore.
Drowner #3 – At 100ft. from shore in line with the 3rd marker on the shore.
Standard of Performance
The dog and handler will be on shore in the center of the test area. The judge will ask, “Are you Ready?” and then will instruct the handler to proceed. The handler must have hands off the dog and/or the dog’s collar other than for praising and petting between exercises. This includes while the dog and handler are on the boat. The dog will board the boat and will travel with the handler in a safe and controlled manner. The dog and handler have 30 seconds to board and to be ready for departure. The 30-second boarding time is separate from the suggested time for completing the rescue. The dog must willingly board the platform of the boat without physical assistance from the handler and within the 30-second time limit, and will remain on the platform, under control, until required to exit. The handler is allowed to sit on the platform with his/her feet in the water. The boat is rowed out and anchored into position 150 feet from shore as indicated above. The rowing steward may also use the oars to keep the boat in place and platform facing the shore.
Three stewards, who are not overly familiar to the dog, will be designated as the “victims” and must remain the same, if at all possible for each dog entered. While the boat is being rowed out into position the stewards will swim out to their designated locations as indicated above. The stewards will watch the rower for signals provided during this exercise by the judges, since they are facing away from the beach. Once the boat is anchored into position and the stewards are also in place the judge will ask the handler if he/she is ready, at which point the judge will signal the beginning of the exercise by using an arm signal or one short blast on a whistle directed towards the victims. The victims will all immediately begin to indicate that rescue is needed by splashing and calling for help. The victims will not use the dog’s name and will call for the dog’s assistance continuously, and in a manner consistent with being in distress. The victims need not call in the same manner as one another, as there are differences in the condition and mannerisms of those needing rescue.
The handler will command the dog to jump from the boat and to rescue the victims. The dog must jump willingly from the platform of the boat within fifteen (15) seconds from the time the handler gives the first command for the dog to jump. The dog cannot anticipate and jump before being commanded to do so. The dog will swim directly to each victim, recognizing that dogs may swim in a straight line, or in an arc, according to their instincts, although it should be clear that the dog is swimming towards or closely around each victim. It is up to the dog to determine the order in which each victim is rescued. Verbal encouragement only, as well as extra commands given by the handler, is allowed while the dog is working. It is recognized that the dogs may need to orient themselves either after the jump from the boat, or after each rescue, with the boat, handler and the group of stewards in the distance. The dog may turn back to the handler at the boat for further encouragement and direction until the judges will deem the dog to have committed to the field of stewards by virtue of swimming at least halfway towards that field of stewards. Once the dog has committed to halfway between the boat and the stewards, the dog is not permitted to turn back and begin swimming towards the handler on the boat without having a victim in tow. The dog is not permitted to swim past a victim, towards shore, which will be considered a refusal to rescue any of the designated victims. The dogs are permitted to swim closely around the victims to allow the victims an opportunity to grab hold of the dogs. The dog shall swim close enough so that each victim is able to take hold of the dog without the steward having to move from his/her position to do so. The dog is deemed to have committed to a given victim when he swims close enough so that the victim may take hold of the dog without changing position in the water. The dog is permitted to bring back to the boat one, two, or all three victims at a time. The judges will determine whether the dog is physically able to bring back to the boat any multiples of victims without undue stress, taking into consideration both wind and current at a given test location.
Once the dog has made an actual pick up of a victim, any remaining victims will soften their voices. The dog will tow each victim back to the boat, where the handler waits on the platform. Each victim will make physical contact with the handler, i.e.…touches hands or hand to arm. Each of the victims will then take a position alongside the lip of the boat, away from and behind the platform area to make room for the remaining victims being towed in to make contact with the handler, and waiting quietly until the exercise is complete. Once the dog and victim (s) reach the boat safely, and are touched by the handler, any remaining victims will resume their original volume. The dog is permitted to check all sides of the boat for potential victims before and between each rescue attempt. The exercise will be signaled complete when the final victim has made the defined physical contact with the handler.
Principal Parts of the Exercise
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The dog will board the boat willingly, without physical assistance, and within the thirty (30) second time limit for boarding.
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The dog will remain on the platform, under control, until required to exit.
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The dog will jump from the platform of the boat within fifteen (15) seconds from the time the first command to jump was given by the handler.
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The dog will swim directly to each victim and will tow the victims directly back to the boat. The dog may swim in a straight line, or in an arc, according to its instincts, but must not swim past the victims, heading towards shore unless it is clear the dog is circling behind the victim in order to bring the victim back to the boat.
Failing Performance
The dog will fail for any of the failures common to all exercises in the general Water Test Regulations, and if:
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The dog refuses to willingly board the boat.
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The dog and handler are not aboard and ready for departure within the thirty (30) second time limit.
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The dog requires physical restraint by the handler, either on the beach or on the boat. The handler should remain with hands off the dog at all times while on the boat.
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The dog anticipates and jumps before being commanded to do so.
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The dog refuses to jump from the boat within fifteen (15) seconds.
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The dog does not exit the boat from the platform or does not remain under verbal control on the platform during the exercise.
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The dog does not swim directly to each victim.
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The dog swims back towards the boat without a victim in tow each time after having committed to more than halfway towards the field of victims, or swims past the victims towards the shoreline without attempting to pick up a victim by circling behind the victim.
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The dog does not tow the victims directly back to the boat.
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The handler cannot make contact with each victim due to the dog not bringing the victims close enough to the boat.
Suggested Time Limit: Six (6) minutes are suggested for completion of the entire exercise. However, the dog must jump within fifteen (15) seconds. The timing starts when the handler gives the first command for the dog to jump.
Exercise #3
Rescue of an Unconscious Victim
Standard of Performance
The dog and handler will wait in the center of the testing area. The handler is permitted to pet and praise the dog between exercises, but must otherwise keep hands off the dog and/or his collar.
A judge will signal the steward to enter the water. The steward will swim away from shore into position at the 75ft. mark. The steward MUST be wearing neoprene dry suit Exposure Protection dive gloves on both hands, extending up towards the elbows, and wetsuit material protection from wrists to elbows, on both arms. A complete wetsuit is required for the steward, weather permitting. Once in position, the steward or victim must float naturally on his/her back starting out with feet pointed towards shore, letting the current turn and move him/her. The steward’s arms and legs should be floating as still as possible on top of the water with no motion made by strokes or kicks. The hands of the steward will be “palm up” on the surface of the water. The steward will not speak to the dog or make eye contact. Every attempt should be made by the steward to keep his/her eyes closed.
When the steward is in position, a judge will ask the handler, “Are you ready?” and then will instruct the handler to proceed. The handler will command the dog to go to the steward’s rescue, using voice commands, and signals and/or a whistle. The dog will enter the water, committing to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command to swim towards the victim, given by the handler, and will swim directly to the victim floating in the water. The word “directly” does not necessarily mean in a straight line, since some dogs naturally swim in an arc to reach a destination. Verbal encouragement and extra commands are allowed while the dog is working. However, the dog is not permitted to turn and swim back towards the handler without having the victim in tow. Upon reaching the victim, the dog MUST take either of the protected arms or hands, or the lifejacket of the victim into its mouth, using a gentle hold, and will tow the victim to almost wading depth for the dog. The dog may circle the victim once or twice to find a protected arm/hand, or to obtain proper grip on the lifejacket of the steward. The dog may let go of the victim to adjust its grip; but must immediately take hold again. The victim must remain still, free floating, and may not make any swimming strokes. The handler will enter the water to assist the victim and the dog as the dog is returning with the victim in tow. The handler will wait at a depth just prior to dog’s wading depth, as approved by the judges at an appropriate depth for each handler and dog. When the handler has a hand on the victim, the judge will signal completion of the exercise.
Principal Parts of the Exercise
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The steward (who is not overly familiar with the dog) will swim out and float in the water without attracting the dog’s attention.
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The handler will notice the victim and will send the dog to rescue the victim.
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The dog will swim to the victim, will take hold of the protected arm/hand or lifejacket of the steward, and, using a gentle hold, will tow the victim to just prior to wading depth for the dog.
Failing Performance:
The dog will fail for any of the failures common to all exercises in the general Water Test Regulations, and if:
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The dog does not wait for the handler’s command to start the rescue.
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The dog requires the handler’s physical assistance at any time.
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The dog fails to commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the handler’s first command to start the rescue.
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The dog does not swim directly to the victim.
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The dog refuses or is unable to tow the victim to shore.
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The dog climbs on or otherwise jeopardizes the victim’s safety.
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The dog takes hold of the victim by other than a protected arm, hand or lifejacket.
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The dog lets go of the victim’s hand/arm or lifejacket and leaves the victim before the handler has contact with the victim.
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The dog turns back and swims toward shore without completing the rescue.
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The dog grasps the victim too firmly, causing pain, discomfort or potential injury. The victim may stop the exercise and indicate to the judges at any time if the dog’s grip becomes painful.
Suggested time Limit: Two and one half (2.5) minutes. Timing starts when the handler gives the first verbal or hand signal command to the dog to begin the rescue.
Exercise #4
Rescue of a Victim From Under a Capsized Boat
Standard of Performance
The dog and handler will wait in the center of the test area. The handler must have hands off the dog, other than for petting and praising between exercises. A canoe, kayak or rowboat will tow an inflatable boat/raft, rated for four (4) persons, with one steward aboard into position from right to left or left to right, as wind/current conditions indicate, across the test area 75 feet from shore. For the safety of the dog, there should be no lines hanging down on the outside of the raft. When the inflatable raft is in position (75 feet out from the center of the test area, parallel to shore, with the stern of the raft to the right, as seen from shore), the craft used for towing will very quickly exit the testing area, but will remain ready to retrieve the inflatable at the conclusion of the exercise. At a signal from the judge, the steward in the inflatable raft will yell as he/she capsizes the raft, attracting the attention of the dog. Once the raft is overturned, the victim will adjust his/her position beneath it so that he/she is toward the stern of the raft. The victim should hold the shore-side of the raft with his/her left hand, raising the shore side of the raft approximately 3 inches from the surface of the water in order to be certain the raft is oriented parallel to shore and to adjust his/her position as needed. The victim will call for help while under the raft, although not calling the dog by name. The victim will not be overly familiar to the dogs being tested. Upon receiving the signal from the judge to begin, the handler will command the dog to rescue the victim. The dog will commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command to swim towards the raft, given by the handler, and will swim directly to the overturned raft. The dog may swim in a straight line, or in an arc, according to its instincts. The dog may look back towards the handler for further encouragement and direction. However, the dog is not permitted to turn back and begin swimming towards shore without having the victim in tow. The victim will drop the shore side of the raft to level with the surface of the water once the dog is approximately 10 feet from the raft. Upon reaching the raft, the dog will swim in under the raft from any direction, whereupon the victim will immediately take hold of the dog. The dog will then exit from under the raft in any direction. The victim is permitted to raise the back of the raft on the way out, if necessary for safety, and to protect the victim from catching his/her life jacket on the handles of the raft. The handler may wade into the water to the depth just prior to the dog’s wading depth, as previously determined by the judges, when the dog is in the process of towing the victim back towards shore. The dog will tow the victim to just prior to wading depth for the dog, at which time, the handler will touch hands with the victim. The judges will then signal the completion of the exercise. The canoe or rowboat will retrieve the inflatable raft and will remove it from the testing area.
Principal Parts of the Exercise
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The dog enters the water, committing to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command of the handler to start the rescue, and swims to the aid of the victim beneath the capsized raft.
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The dog swims under the raft from any direction, at which time the victim takes hold of the dog, who exits out from under the raft, towing the victim with him. The dog is permitted to both enter and exit the raft from any direction.
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The exercise is complete just prior to wading depth for the dog with the victim in tow when the handler touches hands with the victim.
Failing Performance
The dog will fail for any of the failures common to all exercises in the general Water Test Regulations, and if:
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The dog does not commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command given by the handler.
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The dog begins the rescue without having been commanded to do so by the handler.
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The dog requires physical assistance or is touched by the handler prior to completing the rescue.
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The dog turns back toward shore without the victim in tow after he has begun swimming toward the capsized raft.
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The dog does not swim under the capsized raft to rescue the victim.
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The dog returns to just prior to the dog’s wading depth without the victim.
Suggested Time Limit: Two (2) minutes
Exercise #5
Delivery of a Line From a Stranded Boat to Shore
Standard of Performance
The dog and handler will be on shore in the center of the test area. The judge will ask “Are you ready?” and then will instruct the handler to proceed. . The handler must have hands off the dog and/or the dog’s collar at all times, other than for praising and petting between exercises. This includes while the dog and handler are on the boat. The dog will board the boat and will travel with the handler in a safe and controlled manner. The dog and handler have 30 seconds to board and to be ready for departure. The 30-second boarding time is separate from the suggested time for completing the exercise. The dog must willingly board the platform on the boat without physical assistance from the handler within the 30-second time limit and remain on the platform, under control, until required to exit. The handler will have a 125 ft. line, knotted at one end, that he/she has brought with him/her to the boat. The dog and handler will be rowed out one hundred (100) feet from shore, where the boat will be turned so that the platform is facing the shoreline. The rowing steward will hold the rowboat in that position, or an anchor system may be used as well, if conditions warrant.
The judge will indicate the beginning of the exercise by an arm signal or one short whistle blast. The handler will command the dog to voluntarily take the line and then to jump from the boat. The dog must willingly take the line and exit from the platform of the boat with the line in his mouth, within fifteen (15) seconds of the first command to take hold of the line. The handler may offer the line to the dog again, should the line be dropped onto the platform by the dog prior to the dog jumping from the boat. The handler is not permitted to toss the line into the water for the dog to retrieve. The dog may not anticipate and leave the boat prior to taking the line in his mouth, or prior to the handler’s command to jump. Should the dog drop the line into the water as it jumps from the boat, or as the dog lands in the water, the handler may verbally (only) command the dog to pick up the line. The dog is permitted to orient itself in order to locate the dropped line, or in case the dog goes under the surface of the water after jumping from the platform.
The dog will be directed by the handler to deliver the line to the designated steward waiting on the shoreline. However, the handler will retain the end of the line on the boat. The steward will encourage the dog to come to him/her once the dog is in the water and beginning to swim towards shore. The steward will not call the dog by name and will not be overly familiar with the dog. The handler will feed the remaining line out to the dog swimming towards shore. The dog may swim towards shore in a straight line, or in an arc, according to his instincts; but must swim directly to shore without circling the boat, checking out the distance markers, etc. The dog will deliver the line to the steward waiting on shore. The handler may continue to direct the dog verbally as the dog works. The dog may pause and look back towards the handler once he/she reaches his wading depth; however, the dog is not permitted to turn and swim back towards the handler prior to delivering the line to the steward. It will not be the responsibility of the steward to direct the dog to hold onto the line. The dog does not have to relinquish the line to the steward. The exercise will be complete when the dog delivers the line to the steward. When the whistle is blown by the judges to signal completion of the exercise, the steward will hold the dog gently by the collar until the handler is brought back to shore.
Principal Parts of the Exercise
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The dog will board the boat willingly, without physical assistance, within the thirty (30) second time limit for boarding.
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The dog will remain on the platform, under control, until required to exit.
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The dog will wait on the platform of the boat until instructed to take the line and then to jump by the handler. The dog will willingly take the offered line from the handler when commanded to do so.
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The dog will jump from the platform of the boat within fifteen (15) seconds from the time the command to take the line, is first given.
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The dog will swim directly to the shoreline with the line in its mouth.
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The exercise will be complete when the dog delivers the line to the steward waiting on shore.
Failing Performance
The dog will fail for any of the failures common to all exercises in the general Water Test Regulations, and if:
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The dog refuses to willingly board the boat.
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The dog and handler are not aboard and ready for departure within the thirty (30) second time limit.
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The dog receives physical assistance, restraint or unnecessary contact with the handler while on the beach or the boat.
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The dog will not willingly take the line when commanded to do so by the handler.
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The dog anticipates and jumps before having been commanded to do so.
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The dog refuses to jump with the line in its mouth within fifteen (15) seconds.
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The dog does not exit the boat from the platform or does not remain under control on the platform during the exercise.
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The dog fails to deliver the line to the steward waiting on shore.
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The dog begins swimming back towards the handler at any time before delivering the line to the steward, other than during obvious attempts to orient himself with the boat and shoreline after jumping into the water.
Suggested Time Limit: Three (3) minutes are allowed to complete the entire exercise. However, the dog must jump within 15 seconds. The timing starts when the handler gives the command for the dog to take the line.
Exercise #6
Rescue of Victims Behind a Boat
Standard of Performance
The dog and handler will wait in the center of the testing area. The handler will have hands off the dog other than for petting and praising between exercises.
Two stewards will be rowed out 75ft. from shore. The boat will then be attached to a stationary anchor, or an anchor will be dropped from the boat, positioning it parallel to shore. The oars will rest in the boat where they will remain during the exercise. The anchor system will keep the boat in place during the exercise. The two stewards will quietly exit the boat, one at a time from the platform. They will then move to the seaward side of the boat, where they will hold onto the lip of the boat, with one steward at one end of the boat and the other towards the other end. After having given a brief arm signal to the judge that the stewards are in place, the rower will remain quietly in the middle of the boat primarily facing away from the dog at work. The judge will then signal for the stewards to begin calling for help. The rower will relay this signal to the stewards. The handler will be given a signal to begin the exercise by the judge after the stewards have started calling for help. The stewards will call for help in a manner realistic with being stranded and as if their boat had overturned. The stewards will not use the dog’s name. The stewards will not be overly familiar with the dog. The dog will enter the water and will swim directly to the boat, committing to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command from the handler to begin the rescue. The dog may swim in a straight line, or in an arc, according to his/her instincts. The dog may look back towards the handler for further encouragement and direction. However, the dog is not permitted to turn back and begin swimming towards shore without having the victim(s) in tow. The dog is to swim close enough to one of the victims for that victim to reach out and to take hold of the dog while still having hold of the side of the boat. It is the dog’s option to bring in one or both victims at the same time. If the dog swims close enough to the second victim while towing the first victim towards shore, such that the second victim is able to reach out and to take hold of the dog while still having hold of the side of the boat, the dog will be deemed to have opted to bring in both victims at the same time. If the dog brings in both victims at the same time, the victims will take hold of each side of the dog, towards the dog’s hindquarters. The victims should not speak during the time they are being towed to shore. Should the dog opt to bring in one victim at a time, the dog will tow the victim back to just prior to wading depth for the dog. The second victim will quietly hold onto the boat, having ceased calling for help as soon as the first victim had hold of the dog. The handler will enter the water as the dog is returning towards shore with a victim (s) in tow. The handler will assist the victim and the dog prior to their having reached wading depth for the dog at a depth previously designated for each dog and handler by the judges. Once the victim grasps hands with the handler and is helped to his/her feet, the handler will send the dog for the second victim from that point in the water. The handler may remain at the point just prior to wading depth for the dog for the second victim to be brought in. Since the second victim may not be able to see when the assistance is given by the handler to the first victim, the judge will signal to the rower to notify the steward when the second victim should begin calling again. The rescue of the second victim is to be executed in the same manner as for the first victim. When the handler has taken hold of the hands of the second victim the exercise is finished and the judge will so signal.
Principal Parts of the Exercise
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The dog enters the water on command and swims to the victims, who are calling for help in a realistic manner. The dog may swim in a straight line, or in an arc, according to its instincts.
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The dog swims close enough for the victims to reach the dog without losing their grip on the boat.
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The dog tows each victim in turn, or both at the same time, to just prior to wading depth for the dog, as designated by the judges.
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The handler enters the water to meet the dog and each victim prior to the dog reaching wading depth, and helps each victim to stand. If the dog chooses to bring in one victim at a time, the handler should remain just prior to the dog’s wading depth to wait for the dog to return with the second victim. The exercise is finished when the 2nd victim is helped to stand.
Failing Performance
The dog will fail for any of the failures common to all exercises in the general Water Test Regulations, and if:
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The dog does not commit to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the first command by the handler to begin the rescue.
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The dog turns back and begins swimming towards shore without a victim in tow after having been sent to rescue the calling stewards.
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The dog does not swim close enough to the victims so that they can take hold of the dog without losing their grip on the boat.
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The dog does not go directly back out to the boat to rescue the second calling victim upon command if the dog has not opted to bring in both victims at the same time, or does not commit back to swimming depth within 20 seconds of the handler giving the command for the dog to return to the boat to complete the rescue of the second victim.
Suggested Time Limit: Three (3) minutes. The timing starts when the handler commands the dog to begin the rescue.
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