The Newfoundland is considered one of the best water rescue dogs that there is.
Newfies do well with water rescue because of their muscular build, thick double coat, webbed feet, and their unique swimming abilities.
They are known for being natural-born lifeguards in and out of the water and they will risk their lives to save yours.
With Water Season being underway across much of the country right now I thought it would be fun to highlight some Newfies and their owners who are working hard towards earning their water titles and some Newfies who are just working hard at loving the water.
In case you were wondering, Newfies that are training and testing are going for the following titles:
WD (water dog title)the basic water rescue work -fetching, towing a boat, delivering a line, swimming.
WRD(water rescue dog) the advanced water rescue work -rescue, jumping from boats, directed retrieving.
And/or WRDX (water rescue dog excellence) the highest title a dog can get in water rescue work. The exercises include high-level rescue, jumps from boats, diving under rafts, saving comatose swimmers, and directed retrieving.
We’ve been watching Boomer and his mom train all summer and his water drive is strong:
Duke’s training too!
Cass is towing in a boat!
Winter. Because logs need rescuing too.
Scarlett’s working on her retrieving.
Guggenheim is practicing hard and just about ready to go for it on his own!
One day these sweet little fluffers are going to grow up and rescue someone, I just know it.
Hudson proving that he may be little but he’s born with it!
Larry’s almost got that jump down!
Look at Paddy go!
Murphy. There will be no drowning of any creature or leaf while Murphy is on duty!
Look at the smile that Sariah has put on her Dad’s face! I’m melting <3
Rosie is learning how to retrieve a life jacket!
Winn’s been training all summer too and she’s working up an appetite.
Moose. Every stick will be saved
Brody conquering his fears and making it happen!
Sebago Lake is safe with Hugo
Kisses. Loch Ness Newf!
It looks like Keva is gliding!
Seymour ready for launch!
If you’re interested in learning more about water training with your Newfoundland you can visit the Newfoundland Club of America and reach out to your regional club to see where they train. Have a puppy puppy that you want to get started on water training with? Check out Starting a Puppy in Water Work.
Wondering why some Newfies wear life jackets when training? Check out this post from our friends Maisie The Newfie And Company.
Want to follow Molly, Boomer and Duke while they train? Follow them on YouTube!
And special thanks to all of our Newfie friends for letting us feature them in today’s post. Go check them all out and show them some love!
Arlene Broker
Wednesday 5th of June 2019
Boomer will jump in and "save" me the first time I dive under the water. He swims out to me and turns around in front of me and I must grab his tail and be dragged in or he will just keep circling around in front of me until I do. However if I swim out again I'm on my own. Lol. Apparently I only get one save per day!
Sherrie Marshall
Friday 10th of August 2018
Aspen is always aware of where I am at the creek. He was playing and I went to sit down on a rock. The rock was slimy and I slid down to another rock about 6-8,inches lower. He saw me, shoved John out of the way to see if I fell in the water or if I needed help. He leaned over me to see if my face was out of the water. Unfortunately he doesn't realize how much water is in his hair. When he leaned over, he dumped a gallon of water directly in my face and almost drowned me!! He was happy that I was OK and went back to playing:)
Tails Around the Ranch
Sunday 5th of August 2018
These guys are so impressive! Despite his breed heritage and webbed feet, Sam would likely let me drown rather than jump into water. LOL
Jen
Monday 6th of August 2018
Leroy would do the same as Sam. Hahahaha