WATER WORK

Newfoundlands have exceptional swimming skills and an innate drive to save lives.

Teaching your Newfoundland water rescue harnesses these instincts and strengthens the bond you share with your canine companion.

Below are some basics of water rescue training, focusing on preparation, essential commands, safety precautions, and advanced exercises to hone their lifesaving abilities.

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Preparing your Newfoundland for water

Before introducing water rescue training, it's important to first establish your Newfoundland's comfort and confidence in the water.

Start in shallow waters and progressively introduce deeper waters as your dog gains confidence and experience in swimming.

Encourage them into the water using toys or treats, and always positively reinforce their efforts with praise.

Patience is key during these early stages.

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Basic commands and techniques

Before teaching your Newfoundland specific rescue techniques, it's crucial to ensure they have a strong foundation in basic commands like "come," "stay," "fetch," and "drop it."

These commands are the building blocks of effective communication during rescue situations.

You should first practice and master these commands on land before moving to water-based exercises.

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Safety during training

Always prioritise safety when training your Newfoundland in water rescue.

Make sure you're training in safe conditions—don't start with strong currents or deep waters.

Never leave your dog unsupervised during training sessions.

Consider getting a dog life vest until they become strong swimmers as this provides an extra layer of safety while they're learning.

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Advanced water rescue techniques

Introduce advanced techniques such as towing a rope or delivering a life jacket once basic skills are mastered.

Create realistic scenarios to reinforce their training.

Training not only hones their natural instincts but also provides both exercise and mental stimulation.

Remember, safety, patience, and consistency are key for your Newfoundland to become confident and capable as a water rescuer.  Taken from an article by ​​​Anujj Trehaan  Dec 10, 2024

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Please click here for some water training encouragement exercises.

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