Download Water test Regulations in Adobe pdf format here Download Section A excercises in Adobe pdf format here
Enjoying the tests
EXERCISE 1 - Swim out 15 metres to boat
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and swim 15 metres out to a boat and then return to the shore without
endangering itself or any person.
Desired performance - The dog will remain on shore with the owner until instructed to begin. The handler will be in the front of a boat, with the
boat steward, at least 15 metres from the shore. The dog's attention can be attracted by calling/splashing or tossing the tow rope into the water. Upon
command from the owner, the dog will swim directly to the boat, and either take the tow rope in his mouth and tow the boat to the shore or, when within
touching distance of the handler in the boat, turn and swim back to the shore being followed closely by the boat. The Judge shall indicate that the exercise
is complete when the dog is back on shore.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
lack of control;
hesitation in entering the water;
the dog being physically redirected;
not swimming directly to the boat;
attempting to enter the boat;
not turning when instructed;
not swimming directly back to the shore;
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 26 out of 35.
Failure -
Exceeding the 3 minute limit for completing the exercise.
Permitted actions -
The rope to be used to pull the boat can be provided by the owner, subject to the judges' approval.
When attracting the dog's attention, the handler IS permitted to use the dog's name and to have the dogs own article, which may be given to the dog to
return to shore with.
EXERCISE 2 - Swim out 15 metres to handler or stranger
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and swim 15 metres out to a person and then return to the shore without
endangering itself or any person.
Desired performance - The dog will remain on shore with the owner until instructed to begin. The handler or water steward will swim out at least
15 metres from the shore, turn and face the shore and wait. On being given the indication from the Judge they will attract the dog's attention by calling
and/or splashing in the water.
Upon command from the owner, the dog will swim directly to the handler/steward, and when within touching distance of them, turn and swim back to the shore
either towing or being followed by them. The Judge shall indicate that the exercise is complete when the dog is back on shore.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
lack of control;
hesitation in entering the water;
the dog being physically redirected;
not swimming directly to the person;
not turning when instructed;
not swimming directly back to the shore;
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 26 out of 35.
Failure -
Exceeding the 3 minute limit for completing the exercise.
Attempting to climb on the handler or water steward.
Permitted actions -
The dog is permitted to wear a harness to provide a safe handhold when towing.
When attracting the dog's attention, the swimmer IS permitted to use the dog's name and to have the dogs own article, which may be given to the dog to
return to shore with.
When approaching the swimmer the dog may turn either close enough in front or to the side of the person for them to take hold or turn safely behind the
person.
EXERCISE 3 - Retrieve familiar object from 6 metres
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and to return a familiar thrown object to its owner.
Desired performance - The dog will remain on shore with the owner until instructed to begin. In full view of the dog, the owner or steward will throw
the article out at least 6 metres into the water test area. The Judge will immediately give the indication to begin. The dog will be sent to retrieve
the object from the water and return it to the shore. The Judge shall indicate that the exercise is complete when the dog and the object is back on shore.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
lack of control;
hesitation in entering the water;
the dog being physically redirected;
not swimming directly to the object;
not turning when instructed;
not swimming directly back to the shore;
dropping object before getting it back to the shore within the test area;
having the object rethrown;
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 23 out of 30.
Failure -
Exceeding the 3 minute limit for completing the exercise.
Permitted actions -
The object will be selected or provided by the owner, assisted by the Judges, if they so wish, from a hank of rope, a life buoy/life jacket/buoyancy aid,
or other piece of equipment approved by the Judge prior to commencing the test.
