Download Water test Regulations in Adobe pdf format here Download Section B excercises in Adobe pdf format here
Louie receives his Section B Certificate
EXERCISE 1 - Tow boat back 20 metres
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and swim 20 metres out to a boat and then tow it 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 boat will be positioned at least 20 metres from
the shore, with the handler at the front of the boat. 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, take the tow rope in his mouth and tow the boat to the shore. The Judge shall indicate
that the exercise is complete when the boat is within reach of the owner and the boat occupants could step ashore safely in less than knee depth water.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
excessive anticipation or 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 taking the rope when offered;
not towing the boat with the rope;
not swimming directly back to the shore;
not bringing the boat within reach of the owner;
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 14 out of 20.
Failure -
exceeding the 4 minute limit for completing the exercise.
handler fails to offer the rope to the dog.
Permitted actions -
The rope to be used to pull the boat can be provided by the owner, subject to the judges' approval; the tow rope will not be attached to the boat. The
handler may only hold one end of the rope; the rope cannot be held either side of the dog's mouth, or both ends
Whilst points will be lost for not towing with the rope, it is permissible for the rump to be held and thus for the dog to tow the boat indirectly.
When attracting the dog's attention the handler IS permitted to use the dog's name, no other article other than the tow rope can be used to attract the
dog.
EXERCISE 2 - Tow handler or stranger from 20 metres
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and swim 20 metres out to a person and then return with
him 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
20 metres from the shore, turn, face the shore and wait. On being given the indication from the Judge the handler/steward 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, effect a safe pick-up and tow
him back to the shore. The Judge shall indicate that the exercise is complete when the handler/steward is in shallow water near the shore.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
excessive anticipation or lack of control;
hesitation in entering the water;
the dog being physically redirected;
not swimming directly to the person;
not turning when instructed;
not effecting a safe tow;
not swimming directly back to the shore;
not bringing the handler/steward to shallow water;
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 14 out of 20.
Failure -
exceeding the 4 minute limit for completing the exercise.
attempting to climb on the handler or water steward.
Permitted actions -
The dog is encouraged 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, but not have the dog's own article.
To effect a safe pick-up when approaching the swimmer the dog may turn either close enough in front or to the side of the person for him to take hold,
or turn safely behind the person.
EXERCISE 3 - Retrieve provided object from 6 metres
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and return an unfamiliar 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 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 object are back on shore.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
excessive anticipation or 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 giving the object to the owner when instructed;
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 14 out of 20.
Failure -
Exceeding the 4 minute limit for completing the exercise.
Permitted Actions -
The object will be selected by the Judges, on the day, from a hank of rope, a life ring/buoy, a life jacket/buoyancy aid or a boat cushion and will be
the same for each dog.
EXERCISE 4 - Retrieve object from 20 centimetres underwater
Purpose - To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and retrieve an object from a reasonable depth of water.
Desired performance - In full view of the dog the owner will drop or throw the article into the water and allow it to sink, in accordance with
the Judge's instructions. When the object has sunk, the Judge will immediately give the indication to begin. The dog will be commanded to find the object
and return it to the owner. The owner's hands should not be in the water when the object is retrieved. The Judge shall indicate that the exercise is complete
when the object has been given by the dog to the owner.
Scoring - Points will be lost for:
excessive anticipation or lack of control;
hesitation in entering the water;
not homing in directly to the object;
the dog being physically redirected;
dropping the object before giving it to the owner;
not giving the object to the owner when instructed;
not leaving the water when instructed;
owners hands not being clear of the water.
The pass mark is 14 out of 20.
Failure -
exceeding the 3 minute limit for completing the exercise.
owner attempts to force the dog's head under water, however slightly.
Permitted actions -
The underwater test object will be a piece of heavy, knotted/plaited sinking rope and will be the same for each dog.
The dog is permitted to 'trawl' the object before retrieving it and returning it to the owner.
In accordance with the Judge's instructions, the object can be re-dropped or re-thrown.
To demonstrate a dog's ability to respond to the owner's commands and swim safely with the owner without interfering with them.
Desired performance
On the judges instruction the dog, off lead, and owner will leave the shore together and swim at least 20 metres straight
out from the shore. The dog will swim at the side of the owner close enough to be controlled (within 2m) but not too close so as to interfere with the
stroke of the swimmer. On reaching the required distance an indication by one of the Judges (by whistle, loud hailer, flag, etc.), will deem the exercise
complete. The dog will swim independently throughout the exercise. It will not tow the owner during the exercise.
Scoring
Points will be lost for:
excessive anticipation or lack of control.
hesitation in entering the water.
not being close enough to the swimmer.
being too close to the swimmer, so as to interfere with the stroke of the swimmer.
physically redirecting the dog.
not turning when instructed.
not leaving the water when instructed.
The pass mark is 14 out of 20.
Failure
Exceeding the 5 minute limit for completing the exercise.
Attempting to climb on the owner.
Owner swimming on their back with the dog following them.
Dog swimming off and the owner chasing it.
Owner swimming off and the dog chasing them.
Wearing fins or swimming aids, other than webbed gloves.
Permitted actions
When entering the water together the owner may hold the harness/dog only until the dog is swimming. If for any reason the owner stops swimming then the
dog is permitted to circle the owner as many times as necessary, but should not be more than 2 m (approximately) from the owners head. The dog (but not
the owner) is permitted to carry a small object, e.g. glove, whilst swimming.
The Judges will indicate a target to aim for so that they can see that the dog and handler are swimming in the right direction, but there will be no buoys
close to the test area that would act as an attraction or danger for the dog.
It is the owner's responsibility to swim or provide a person to swim with their dog; it cannot be assumed that a steward will be available to take on
this role, without prior arrangement.
Once the exercise is complete, it is the owner's decision as to how they return to the shore area. However, they will tell the Judge before the exercise
of the arrangements in order for this to be supervised by the safety boat that will be standing by. Possible options may be: - being towed back by their
dog or being picked up by the safety boat.
