Let's start at the beginning and run a series of articles that will include the Assessments, training techniques etc.
So, "What are Leonberger water Assessments?" you ask. Leonberger Water
Assessments are a set of exercises which are designed to teach the dog and owner water rescue skills. Your dog will learn to go out and "rescue" a person from the water, to swim out and bring various
objects to shore, to bring a boat to shore, to take a life aid out to someone in the water and much more.
"What do I need?" Well, a dog would be useful. With that out of the way, you really
will not need anything else to get you started. If you don't want to go in the water, that's fine as well. We will train your dog and get wet for you.
However, if the bug does bite and you want to
get in there with your dog, there are plenty of things to buy - wet or dry suit, buoyancy aids, footwear etc. We will take a look at these things later. Most of the time you can probably hire what's needed
from your training group.
"At what age do I start training my dog for water assessments?" When you g
et your puppy home from the breeder you should begin basic obedience
training. You should be training at an obedience club puppy class as soon as vaccinations allow. This training is a great way to mix and socialise your dog
and it will be the foundation of all his future training, including water assessments. At home you need to keep the puppy interested in retrieving all types of
articles. Get him to gently play "tug" on some rope with you. Throw the rope and let him bring it back to you. As you play with your pup, you can start to
introduce keywords such as - "hold", "fetch" and "come". Get him used to things as soon as possible but don't overdo it or tire out your pup. Little and often is best.
See you're on your way already.
