Water Rescue is a type of training which is popular with water dogs like Newfies and PWD's. Dogs are trained to perform life-saving tasks, like towing a person to shore, taking a life jacket out to a person, and towing a boat. For many years, only the national breed clubs of various water dog breeds sanctioned water rescue training and certification. In 1992, a group of people (under the leadership of Judeen Stauffer) in Texas developed WET DOG, whereby dogs of any breed could be trained for and gain titles in water rescue work.
Yes. Any breed or mix is eligible to get titles through WET DOG. The test is based on the 1982 Newfie water test. With the WET DOG version, there are variations in the test so that any size dog can have a chance. For instance, you are allowed to kick your feet to help the little dogs tow you to shore. However, it is my understanding that a certain Chihuahua was able to pass the test as it was originally designed for Newfies, so you may not have to modify the test that much to accommodate the little dogs.
The first level water test includes two parts: Basic Obedience (Novice Level) and Water Rescue. The dog must be able to pass all of the exercises in the Novice level of A.K.C. obedience. In addition, there are five parts to the Water Rescue Test:
All of the exercises are judged on a pass or fail basis, including the obedience portion.
If your dog is able to do all of these things, then he needs to enter a water rescue test. If he passes just once, he gets his certificate and his water title of WETT, which stands for Water Education and Training Tested. You may then use the letters, WETT after your dog's name, along with any other titles he may have. If you would like to go on to more training, there is also a WETX, where the dog must learn to distinguish a floundering person from one who does not need assistance, perform an underwater retrieve, and fetch a boat paddle to the handler who is in a boat.
In order for tested dogs to use the WETT title, the handler must be a member of WET DOG.
There are 2 types of memberships:
Participating - Includes membership, the quarterly newsletter, the Training Manual and a patch for $25.00 for the first year. (Renewal is $10.00 annually)Supporting - Includes membership and the quarterly newsletter for $10.00 annually.
Extra training manuals ($10.00 each) or the test form ($1.00 each) may also be ordered.
Send your name, address and dues (check made payable to WET DOG/Joanne Weber) for the membership type you'd like, to our membership coordinator, and she will send out your materials right away. Please send to:
WET DOG
Joanne Weber
5040 Nestel Road East
St. Helen, MI 48656-9568E-mail to Joanne Weber (wetdog@tm.net)