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1.What is Water Work?
2.What is Canine
Water Sports?
3.What
are the goals of Canine Water Sports?
4.Who
can participate in a water sports event?
5.Am
I required to have a dog who was bred to do water work?
6.I
have an untrained family dog--can he do water work?
7.What
kind of equipment do I need to get started?
8.What
kind of water activities does Canine Water Sports offer?
9.Is water work
competitive?
10.Does
my little dog compete against big dogs?
11.How are
the water events judged?
12.How
do I get started in water work?
13.How
do I find water training locations?
14.What is Splash Camp?
15.What
does my dog need to know before I come to Splash Camp?
16.Who
can Host a Canine Water Sports Event?
17.How
do I enter a Canine Water Sports Event?
18.Are
bitches in season welcome at a Water Event?
1. What is Water Work?
 | IT’S COOL WET FUN! Splash on in for challenges that are
FUNctional and FUNtastic to learn. |
| IT’S AEROBIC! One of the safest and best conditioning
programs you will ever share with your active dog! |
| IT’S TEAMWORK! Two souls touching, rewarding the pursuit
of giving and receiving with joy and desire. |
| IT’S REWARDING! Imagine earning recognition awards for
your dog’s natural desire to play and work in the
water! Canine Water Sports offers Merits, Certificates
and Titles in water work. |
Essentially, canine water work is any useful and solicited
behavior performed by a dog for his human while in and
around the water. A trained canine water dog is able
to do one
or more of these basic water work tasks:
| Team (dog & human) Swim |
Everybody starts here. The most important behavior a water
dog must be able to demonstrate is a safe and controlled
swim around a person in the water.
| Retrieve Work |
Not just for the natural retriever! Dogs have fun gathering
a variety of objects under a variety of conditions, including underwater and
various surface retrieves.
| Delivery Work |
Dogs make the best water couriers! Here dogs demonstrate
their ability to deliver a variety of objects to
different targets, including places and people in the
water or on shore.
| Tow Work |
If your dog loves a good tug game he may find water tow work
to be his favorite. The fun begins with light tows of small objects. Then, if
he is determined enough, he can tow of a human to shore or a boat to
safety. You will be amazed at what your dog can tow relative to his size.
| Wet Scent Work |
All dogs enjoy relating to the world through their nose. In
wet scent work we ask the dog to locate a submerged scent in varying depths of
water. The first challenge is in shallow water, second from slightly off shore
and third in deep waters where the dog works form a boat.
| Boating Skills |
Manners are essential on a boat, even a dog can create a
safety hazard. A good boating companion listens for direction, is calm and
confident enough to remain at ease on the boat’s training platform, leaps
into the water at the first signal and knows how to safely reboard the boat
with his handler’s assistance. Dogs who work from a boat can retrieve,
deliver and tow in deep waters.
The most beneficial aspect of working a dog in
the water is that it can produce a dog who is adaptive, useful, productive,
enthusiastic, physically and emotional healthy, and a pleasure to be with when
sharing a water sport or a quiet walk on a beach.
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2.
What
is Canine Water Sports?
| Canine Water Sports is a professionally run organization
that offers awareness, training, recognition and testing for canine ability
and desire to perform useful and fun water work. The main purpose of our
organization is to offer an athletic outlet for dogs who love the water and
to provide owners with a fun sport that fosters a relationship enrichment
goal. |
| Canine Water Sports is the administrator for a very
creative water test manual. The water testing areas in this manual are
divided into three divisions single water tasks, water games and water work
titles. Many of our water tests have their foundation in historic canine
water service work, such as water rescue, retrieving and courier duties.
However, unlike other water work tests, |
| Canine Water Sports offers water tests that allow a dog,
with even the slightest interest in water, to quickly earn recognition and
have fun. We recognize that not all dogs enjoy every aspect of water work.
So, our Single Task test levels allow handlers to choose a water work
category from among seven Team (dog & handler) Swim, Retrieve, Deliver,
Underwater Diving, Tow, Scent Search and Boatwork. A Water Sports Event,
(testing), can be hosted by any local dog club or training organization that
has been sanctioned by Canine Water Sports. |
| Canine Water Sports offers training information through
their web site (wet feet training), membership newsletters and their week
long training program Splash Camp! |
| Our H20 awards program provides recognition to handlers,
handlers who foster and direct natural and trained canine water abilities
while preserving canine desire and joy for water work. Handlers have the
opportunity to earn Merits and Certificates in Single Tasks & Games and
to earn titles for Rescue, Utility and Search Work |
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3.
What are the goals of Canine Water Sports?
Our goals are:
| To commend and praise those who cultivate a close, loving
and spiritual connection with their dogs. |
| To celebrate with and bring recognition to those
dogs who find joy in water work. |
| To promote canine health and well-being through water sport
events that challenge the physical, emotional and
mental strengths of water loving dogs. |
| To administer and record awards and issue Water Merits,
Certificates and Titles to teams who qualify in water
work tasks, games and trials at sanctioned Canine
Water Sports events. |
| To provide an International Canine Water Sports registry
for any dog and handler who wish to participate in
water sports. |
| To administer, record and sanction Canine Water Sports
events hosted by dog clubs who meet the CWS
application requirements. |
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4.
Who
can participate in a water sports event?
Dogs who are:
| Registered with Canine Water Sports |
| Of any breeding or mix |
| At least ten months of age see eligibility for task |
| Not in season |
| Healthy, fit and active, including dogs with disabilities |
| Love to work and play in the water |
Handlers who are
| Eighteen (18) years of age or older |
| Physically able to swim with a life jacket (Personal
Flotation Device) |
| Love to work and play in the water |
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5.
Am
I required to have a dog who was bred to do water work?
No! All kinds dogs are welcome. Many dogs which were not bred
to be water dogs are indeed excellent water dogs. All
shapes and sizes (pure and mixed) enjoy the water and most
of these dogs are capable of learning water work.
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6.
I have an untrained family dog, can he do water work?
All dogs deserve an education and a purpose, even your couch
potato! Water work is fun to learn and is an excellent way
to provide stimulation for your dog’s body and mind.
However, water work does require some training effort and
does have guidelines like any other dog sport. By the time you are ready to
enter a water trial your dog should be attentively working with you OFF LEASH,
be able to stay in a sit or down at a distance from you, come when called,
swim with you, and remain near you while in the water or on land.
These suggestions may help you
| Develop a working relationship with your dog by engaging
him in shared activities. Play games, teach him tricks, be a fun person to
be around. |
| Learn about dogs and how dogs learn! Read training books,
watch training videos, check out training info on the web, go to training
classes for any canine sport and watch. Ask questions! |
| Watch experienced water dogs at work. Ask their handlers
questions! |
| Ask your dog if he wants to become a water dog. Take him to
a lake and let him explore without your interference or encouragement. Throw
some of his toys in the water. Watch him for a while. If he appears relaxed,
curious about , playful around or enters the water, he may be ready to start
some water work. |
| Find out what makes a great water companion. Read the
Canine Water Sports Manual. Decide what behaviors you want to teach your
dog. |
| Get a good water coach, an experience friend who will help
you and give you feed back on your efforts. Take some lessons! |
| Start teaching! Water work training begins by cultivating a
dog who is happy, willing, confident, curious, and who enthusiastically asks
you to lead. Teaching the foundation for a well disciplined canine student
does not require access to water. Retrieve, Delivery and Tow work basics are
taught on land. |
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7.
What kind of equipment do I need to get started?
For Dogs:
| A canine Water Sports Harness |
| A Water durable leash |
| A Canine Life Jacket (for dogs learning to swim or jump
from a boat) |
For People:
| A government approved full body support personal flotation
devise, also know as a PFD or life jacket |
| Protective and water durable shoes |
| Swim wear that includes cover for the shoulders and thighs. |
| A water safety whistle with a neck lanyard |
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8.
What kind of water activities does Canine Water Sports offer?
1. Water Sports Testing Events hosted by local
dog clubs and training organizations and recognition awards.
Merit Awards and Certificates for:
| Team Swim |
| Retrieve Work |
| Delivery Work |
| Submerged Work |
| Tow Work |
| Wet Scent Search Work |
| Boat Work |
Merit points and Certificates for:
| Water Games |
Titles for:
| Utility Work |
| Rescue Work |
| Search Work |
2. Education:
| Splash Camp! |
| Wet Feet Training |
| Membership News |
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9. Is water work
competitive?
| The Water Work Tests are divided into three divisions
Single Water Tasks, Water Games and Water Titles. Single Water Tasks and
Water Titles are non-competitive. A dog-handler team does not compete
against another team or a point system. The team either completes the
task(s) according to Canine Water Sports standards or does not and tries
again at another event. |
| Water Games are competitive. The fastest and most skilled
dog or group of dogs is the winner. |
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10.
Does my little dog compete against big dogs?
The Single Task and Game divisions have two sets of
performance standards, Dogs which are, according to Canine Water Sports, a
giant, large, standard or medium size dog are in Group 1. Dogs who are,
according to Canine Water Sports, miniature, toy, dwarf or small size dogs are
in Group 2. Some games will have a mixture of group 1 and Group 2 dogs. There is
only one set of performance standards for dogs taking a Title test.
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11.How are
the water events judged?
Single water tasks and water games are evaluated by a single
judge. The title division tasks are evaluated by two judges. Single Water Tasks
and Title Tests require a judge to evaluate a dog-handler team for Technical and
Presentational aspects of their performance. The Technical aspect must
demonstrate the team’s ability to comply with and complete the physical and
mental requirements of a task as set forth in the testing rules and regulations.
Can the dog physically do the job to which he is being tested? Does the dog know
what to do? The Presentational aspect must demonstrate the team’s ability to
produce an esthetically pleasing and inspiring performance. Does the dog and
handler appear to enjoy working together? Does the dog appear to have confidence
and enthusiasm for his work?
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12. How
do I get started in water work?
| Ask your dog if he wants to learn water work. Take him to a
safe lake, pond, river and let him explore without your interference or
encouragement. Throw some of his toys in the water. Watch him for a while.
If he appears relaxed, curious about , playful around or enters the water,
he may be ready to start some water work. |
| Ask yourself if you want to teach your dog water work
tasks. Do you like the water? Can you swim with a life jacket? Do you have
the time to invest in your dog’s mental and physical health by
participating in a canine sport? |
| Learn about dogs and how dogs learn. Read, watch videos,
attend training lectures and observe at training classes. ASK Questions!
Teach your dog something! Teach him a fun trick or an obedience control
behavior, but start learning how to communicate with your dog. Make a pledge
to never use force or the threat of force when teaching your dog - he trusts
you to be kind, patient and fair. See Wet Feet Training - Recommended
Reading and Viewing. |
| Build a history of fun, safe and rewarding experiences with
water. Encourage your dog’s desire to explore the water. Get a child’s
pool or a stock tank if you are not close to a large body of water. Drop
toys and treats in the water and let him investigate on his own. As your dog
gains more confidence around and in the water ask him if he wants to play
with you. Play tug games, chase the owner, catch, and fetch games. Hide toys
underwater and help him find them. Keep it fun! |
| Never compel your dog to swim! Let water be a choice.
Reward and reinforce your dog’s desire to play in the water. When your dog
appears confident and attempts to swim on his own you may offer gentle
guidance and physical support with lots of praise. Be patient, rushing this
step may create fear of the water. See Wet Feet Training - Teaching the
Basic Swim |
| Encourage your dog to carry and retrieve a variety of
objects. Always praise and reward your dog for bringing you an object - even
if it’s a dead skunk! Make rewarding your dog for a delivery a lifestyle
and life time practice. Avoid reacting in anger if you see your dog with an
inappropriate object - like your new shoes. Instead praise and lure him to
you with a treat. Show pleasure and excitement when he releases the object
to you for the treat. Hand your dog objects and encourage him to follow you.
Take a few steps, praise and lure him to you with a treat. Give him the
treat for releasing his gift into your hand. See Wet Feet Training - A
Lesson Plan for the Basic Retrieve. |
| Join Canine Water Sports. Obtain a copy of the Water
Sports Manual. Learn the rules and regulations of the sport. |
| Contact trainers in your area who are teaching water work.
Check out trainers on this web site or visit the Association
for Pet Dog Trainers. Join a class or organize your own training
group. |
| Learn and practice water safety for trainers. |
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13.
How do I find water training locations?
| Contact your State’s Forest and Parks Department for
accessible water. |
| Contact local Sporting Dog and Water Dog Clubs, they may
share their resources. |
| Check State and County maps for lakes, rivers and ponds
then contact the local town for access info. |
| Make friends with homeowners on private water fronts or who
have large pools. |
| Contact Water Work Trainers though Canine Water Sports. |
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14. What is Splash Camp?
Splash Camp a six day adventure for water loving dogs and
their devoted handlers. It is a canine training program that specializes in
helping a dog and handler achieve confidence and success in canine water sports.
Splash Camp offers you the time and place to get away from
routine life and be among dog lovers and trainers just like yourself. To meet
new friends to whom you will never have to apologize for having a friendly wet
dog. You'll be able to think and talk about dogs all day without boring anyone -
hey, we know! You will discover new ways to expand and connect with your dog's
mind, body and soul. And, its in that connection that you will find success in
canine water activities!
This camp offers you the means to expand the depth of your
relationship with your dog. We can help you and your dog progress toward higher
goals in swimming, retrieving, deliver work, towing, underwater, scent work and
boat work. We can show you how to focus and channel your dog's natural energy
and desire to play in the water. And, we will be with you for six days, guiding
you and rewarding your efforts to improve your training skills and knowledge.
Splash Camp instructors have been chosen for their canine
awareness and knowledge, teaching expertise and their sincere desire to coach
people who love their dogs. You will benefit from their years of experience,
their enthusiasm, and their special ability to teach you fun, positive ways of
producing reliable and enthusiastic canine behavior.
Splash Camp guest speakers are all leaders in their fields and
offer you cutting edge information on the mental and physical needs of the
canine student and his trainer.
For more information on how to get in on the fun see SPLASH
CAMP!
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15.
What does my dog need to know before I come to Splash Camp?
1. Your dog must like to play in the water and be willing to
swim for you. (See First Swim on our training page)
2. You will benefit most from this camp if you have a working
relationship with your dog. That means, your dog finds you interesting and
rewarding enough to stay focused on you when you want to do something with him.
That kind of relationship requires sharing quality time and finding ways to have
fun and learn together.
3. Your dog will learn faster at Splash Camp if you have
already started teaching a language between the two of you. Tricks, games and
basic obedience behaviors are always a fun place to start the learning game.
4. Off leash control, while not required, will be a major
advantage at camp because leads can be a hindrance in the water. So if you have
some time before Splash Camp get out in the yard and start working on
"Come" and "Sit-Stay" behaviors with your dog.
5. Camp will require your dog to wear a canine water sports
harness and may require your dog to wear a life jacket. If your dog has never
worn a harness or life jacket, introduce the new safety wear, one at a time, in
the comfort of his home. Proceed slowly with your introduction if you have a dog
who is not confident about coming in contact with strange new dog wear. Be sure
to offer him treats and lots of praise for modeling the new equipment for you.
6. Not all dogs are natural retrievers and those that are may
need some training to get a consistent delivery to hand. Many of the behaviors
in canine water sports revolve around canine retrieve and carry work. Thus,
coming to camp with a dog who can retrieve, carry and deliver to hand would give
you a significant head start. See Training The Basic Retrieve.
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16.
Who can Host a Canine Water Sports Event?
An organized and established training organization or dog club
who:
| Maintains an active group membership in Canine Water Sports |
| Completes an application to hold a Water Sports Event |
| Is sanctioned by Canine Water Sport to hold a Water Sports
Event |
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17.
How do I enter a Canine Water Sports Event?
When you think your dog is ready to take a water test:
| Register your dog with Canine Water Sports |
| Obtain a list of up coming Water Sports Events |
| Request an entry form from a hosting club |
| Complete the entry form and return it with the entry fee to
the host. The host will contact you with an entry verification. |
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18.
Are bitches in season welcome at a Water Event?
Bitches in season are not eligible for a water sports event.
Handlers arriving at a water sports event with a bitch in season, but not
entered, shall keep such dog away from the judging and general crating areas
during the event.
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This Page Last Updated February 07, 2002.