Instructions (daunting for a newbie but we'll do it)
OK, here are the instructions we've received thus far. To me they are soaking in "Audition the humanimals." I am giving it my all, trying to comply with everything.
" PRE-WATER TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR JUNIOR LEVEL NEWFOUNDLANDS
WHEN: Sunday, March 11
WHERE: Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland, WA
WHAT TIME: 9:00AM
WHO SHOULD COME?: Whether you have trained a dog for water rescue or not; you should feel welcome to come to this workshop if you have a dog who is just starting water training.
IS THERE A PRICE?: Yes; each person pays $5.00 (one dog per person limit). All $ collected is donated to the PNNC water test. Future water training workshops will alternate both locations and whether the proceeds go to the NCS or the PNNC water tests.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING WILL BE OFFERED?:
*Dogs and puppies will learn Take/hold/give & carry reliably if they already hold on command
*We will offer the start of basic control, such as is required at a water test
*The dogs will learn the basics of the Take a Line exercise without the line…and on land. This will transfer very well to water training later on, with the dogs understanding what the exercise is about long before water is added to the equation.
*We will have a boat on the grass so that the dogs and puppies can learn to interact with a boat steward. Junior level dogs who retrieve may take a bumper from the steward.
*Dogs can learn to climb up on a boat platform under control, turn and sit; also under control, and to leave the platform on command with the boat sitting right on the grass.
*Everyone will learn what equipment is necessary to have their dogs in a water test.
*All owners will learn to steward for other dogs so that they are more likely to be included in established training sessions once water season begins. Owners who have value to offer to other people and their dogs are more easily included in training sessions.
WHAT SHOULD EACH PERSON BRING?:
*If you have a retrieving bumper, life jacket, knotted rope and long line; please bring them. If not; this first session there will be items that can be borrowed. All future training workshops will require trainers to bring their own equipment.
*All dogs must have a crate to stay in when their owners are helping other dogs. A secure crate is necessary for all water training. Please bring a crate with you to the first workshop. If you have an ez-up for shelter in case of rain, please feel free to bring that with you as well.
*Please bring treats that your dog will consider delicious….and plenty of them. Most beginning training is taught with food, to keep the dogs interested and motivated. Baggies of cut up treats, or small containers with lids work best. Please do not underestimate the power of a food motivation.
*Please bring drinking water from home and a dish for your dog.
*Please plan for rain…rainproof coat, hat, gloves, boots are essential, as well as towels to wipe hands.
ALL ARE WELCOME; but advance registration is requested."
"Good evening!
I'm so looking forward to your attendance at the workshop planned for your arrival at 9:00am on Sunday, 3/11. I thought I would take this opportunity to go over some pointers and answer some questions:
*Is there anything that I can do with my dog to prepare for the workshop? YES! Here are some suggestions for you. They are only suggestions:
1. figure out your dog's very favorite treat and plan ahead what quantity there is no chance you would run out of on workshop day. Better yet; plan for 2 different kinds!
2. go shopping. in person or on line. Heading to a Target, Fred Meyer or Wallmart is a fine idea. Try looking for a child size orange life jacket and a square boat cushion. If you decide to do water training, you will need this equipment. The life jacket you ultimately use can be child size, junior size or adult size of any style. Plan to devote this set for cheap play with your dog. It's ok if it gets trashed as part of the fun.
You can look for small boat bumpers (retrieving dummies) if you like. However, I STRONGLY encourage purchasing the SOFT plastic or soft canvas ones in a pretty small size (or at least not huge). They are easier to grip. Unsure of what to get? No problem, I will have some retrieving bumpers with me for sale at $7.00 each, which reimburses me for the order and postage. I might also have some knotted ropes with very short lines for use as practice knotted ropes for sale if I can find time to make some ahead of time.
Lastly, go ahead and see if you can google the Dog Works website to check out the water training equipment that is required for the junior and senior level titles (just for fun). You don't have to buy anything you don't want to at this point. It's really ok if you wait to see if you and your dog enjoy the pre-water practice or decide this is not your cup of tea.
3. consider joining an obedience class in your area. Any advance obedience skill sets will help you to get ready for water training. There is a lot of attention and responding to commands that is required to actually earn a water title. I never minimize the impact of at least a few sessions of obedience training.
4. practice having your dog or puppy rest quietly after exercise around you and your family in a crate. Those dogs and puppies who wait quietly for their turns at water work while you help other people with their dogs get invited to join small group training sessions all summer. It's harder for dogs to be accepted at summer organized training if they bark and carry on if you are away from their crates temporarily. Practice this skill after they have had their exercise, attention, maybe dinner as well. A crate set up next to you in the TV room and a chew toy or peanut butter filled kong can help to settle the dog some.
5. Make a list of what to bring to the workshop so nothing gets left behind. The items in the original flyer are still those required. You can borrow actual equipment and a long line; but you must have a crate, the water to drink that your dog is used to (and dish), your own training treats, and suitable attire for yourself with consideration for rain and slick or muddy grass. If you can borrow or bring an ez-up; that would be lovely. Or, plan to share with others. There may be room in the ez up that other people bring. Or, you can tarp your crate. Please bring lawn chairs, doggie bags for pick up after your dogs, and collars that allow you control with your dog (and that your dog cannot slip out of).
Here are additional comments:
*We will be set up along the back of the garage building to the left of the boat launch (also next to the horseshoe pits). We will not be going into the lake. This will be land work. However, setting up this close to the road will make it easier for us to get the boat off the trailer and onto the grass where we can use it as a prop.
*We will start promptly at 9:15. That allows 15 min for set up for each family, registration, payment of your $5 (cash or checks payable to PNNC). If you consider that it might take longer for you to get set up and ready to go; please plan to come earlier than 9:00. There will be an area for set up of an obedience ring, the boat, etc. prior to 9:00. Please set up along the back of the garage wall and closer to the road in one "tent city" line. That gives us maximum area to set up the workshop stations.
*this is an "on leash" park. The fine for letting the dogs run off leash is $100 and expulsion from the park. I will have long lines for use when the dogs are doing distance work. The police department patrols the park on behalf of the city of Woodland and animal control. They have authority to issue fines.
*feel free to bring snacks, a sandwich and/or beverages for yourselves. We may not end until lunch time.
*Horseshoe Lake Park is reached by GPS or Mapquest. Taking the Woodland exit from Portland, go to the bottom of the exit and turn left, going under the freeway. You will have seen the lake from the freeway before you took the exit. Keep going after you cross under the freeway till you come to the entrance of the park on the left; but please obey the 25mph signs.
If you are coming from the north; you still take the Woodland exit; but stay on that road past the McDonalds on your right, small motels and car dealerships and ultimately come to a light/crossroads. Go right and the park is just ahead to your left.
Just one more thing: Please remember to guard the personal space of each of the dogs and puppies. We are expecting a large group of people and dogs. If there are any dog altercations, we will have to ask participants to leave the workshop. We sincerely want this to be a good time for everyone, and we would hate for problems between dogs to occur. Please do not plan to allow the dogs to freely interact with one another. Keeping the dogs close to you, rather than running around at the end of the leash when near the other dogs is best. Be aware of where other dogs are in proximity to yours. We even encourage a little distance between the puppies. We want them to focus on people at the workshop, rather than with each other. People may freely let the dogs play with one another when the session is over if you like.
I so look forward to meeting each of you and your wonderful Newfoundlands. We should all have a wonderful time training together."
