photos by Pam Saunders, Marc Saunders & Steve Urback
Basic Control
Following the judge's instructions, the handler commands the dog to walk with him/her without a leash on the beach parallel to the water for 60', do an about turn and walk back 60'. An additional halt will be somewhere in the pattern. All exhibitors will complete basic control even if they have a CD
Single Retrieve
The handler throws a boat bumper 30 feet out into the water. The dog has 60 seconds to swim out, retrieve it, and deliver it to the handler who waits on shore.
Drop Retrieve
Two stewards in a boat, kayak or canoe row parallel to shore, 50 feet out. One steward silently drops a boat cushion or life jacket onto the water on the far side of the boat. The boat is then rowed away. The handler on shore draws the dog’s attention to the dropped article and sends him to retrieve it. The dog has 90 seconds to swim out, retrieve it, and deliver it to the handler.
Take A Line
A steward treads water 50 feet from shore, splashing and calling the dog. The handler gives the dog the knotted end of a 75 foot line. The dog takes the line, swims out to the calling steward, and comes close enough that the steward can grasp the line. The dog has 90 seconds to deliver the line to the steward.
Tow A Boat
A boat is positioned 50 feet from shore with two stewards and an 8-foot line attached to a bumper. One steward splashes the bumper and calls the dog. The handler commands the dog to swim out to the boat, take the bumper from the steward, and tow the boat to shore until it touches bottom. The dog has 90 seconds to complete the exercise.
Swim With Handler
Dog and handler enter the water together and swim out approximately 20 feet beyond swimming depth for the dog. The dog must not swim onto the handler or interfere with them in any way. At the judge’s signal, the handler commands the dog to swim toward shore. The dog turns and tows the free-floating handler directly to shore. The dog has 90 seconds to complete the exercise.