Waterwork

As total stangers to the hobby, we started with the Belgian Newfoundland Club's trainings. We continued there because that was our only option: we didn't know much about anything. Eventually we found other clubs practicing waterwork in Belgium. They had different ways of training and we learned a lot.

Now we are a part of the International Water Rescue Dog Academy (IWRDA). We train every week for 2-2.5h from March untill November every Wednesday and every other Sunday. The IWRDA trainings differ from the usual way of trainings. Instead of just staying on land and commanding the dog from there, we guide the dogs from water and swim with them (when learning new things or when necessary). It's easier and much more rewarding to actually work with the dog, not just command it. Unlike in most training groups, there's usually more than one of the dogs in the water at the same time doing different things.

The goal of the academy is to restore and further develop the use of newfies and landseers in water. IWRDA is a part of the Belgian Rescue Federation. We have to participate in courses and pass tests and get diplomas in order to stay in the club and train.  The main idea for the club is not to participate in tests, but to be able to work in real life situations.

Land training is a part of the process of becoming a true rescue dog. It is very similar to normal obedience training, with the addition of a boat, a rope, and "drowning people". Using your own initiative you can find new ways of training and ways to correct mistakes made in water.

During our summer holidays in Finland, we have been to Teija Lakka's water work trainings in Valkeala. That is the only time of the year when we train specifically for tests. It is hard for the dogs to understand that we cannot swim with them and not use too many commands. Usually it takes a while for them to get used to it.
We prefer the IWRDA method though.