NCNC is excited to offer a series of informal practices for Newfoundland water rescue training. These practice sessions are not akin to a workshop offering formal instruction. Instead, these organized practice sessions create an opportunity for participants to work on water training skills and exercises and to problem-solve and learn from each other. They are open to both NCNC members and non-members. Advance registration is required. Registration is limited to 8 dogs.
The August 8th session will be coordinated by NCNC member Karen Schlipf. This session is appropriate for dogs who are already comfortable swimming in open water and who are also comfortable in high-stimulus situations with a lot of people and other leashed dogs. It is appropriate for handlers who have a basic understanding of water rescue exercises, regardless of their experience level.
Want to learn more? Read about the Newfoundland Club of America's Beginner Water Dog test in the NCA Water Test Regulations starting on page 34.
Are you available to be an extra set of hands on the beach or in the water at this event? We need volunteers! If you can help, please send Margaret an email.
Fees:
- Free to NCNC Members
- $20 for non-members
Want to join? Apply here!
Location
This event will be held at Lake Andrea in Pleasant Prairie, WI. A detailed map with instructions on how to find the site will be provided to registrants at a later date.
There is no shade at this location so it's recommended to bring a sun shade of some sort (a tent, umbrella, aluminet, etc.) and to get your dog wet before the session starts. Please allow yourself plenty of time to find the site and set up before we begin training promptly at 10am.
There are no restrooms at the training site, but there are restrooms at the human beach at Lake Andrea, which is a 1 minute drive or 5 minute walk away.
Expectations
During this session, you will be in the water almost the entire time. When you're not working your own dog, you will be assisting others. Water work takes a lot of people! We need everyone's help. While in the water, you will need to wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket and water shoes.
While you are in the water, your dog will be in a crate that you bring with you. If your dog isn't crate trained, you will need to bring an additional person to hold them on a leash, because we will need for you to help other participants in the water. All dogs must be well behaved and leashed when not crated. No dogs will be allowed in cars unless it is below 70 degrees.
What to Bring:
- A USCGA life jacket and water shoes (required)
- Plenty of water for both you and your dog (required)
- Dog crate with adequate ventilation and a source of shade (required)
- A retrieving item and any test equipment you would like to use for training (bumpers, life jacket, boat cushion, knotted line, etc.)
- Lots of high value dog treats
- A chair if you will need to sit
By registering, all participants agree to follow all NCNC rules and policies. All participants must agree to the terms in the attached NCNC Event Liability Waiver, so please read this document carefully. Your participation means that you agree to these terms and all NCNC rules and policies. Do not register for this event if you do not consent to these terms. Read here --> NCNC Event Liability Waiver 2026.pdf
All participants will need to agree to the terms in the attached NCNC Event Liability Waiver 2026 below so please read this waiver. It is assumed that your participation means that you agree to these terms.
