Dry Land Water Training Workshop and AKC Fetch Introduction

The water training workshop is geared toward dog and handler teams getting their start in water work. The key to success in water work is having a training plan before summer arrives. Workshop topics to teach the fundamental behaviors for success in Junior and Apprentice Water Dog levels include:

• Deliver to hand
• Hold Wait/Stay
• Mark
• Fetch
• Anticipation

AKC Fetch is a NEW AKC training and titling program coming in 2024. The object is teaching retrieves with increasing difficulty requiring skills that will challenge your dog physically and mentally. The Fetch program is a great way to solidify water skills and prepare you and your dog for working in a testing environment. Or, just a fun way to get out and do something with your dog.

AKC Fetch is a NEW AKC training and titling program coming in 2024. The object is teaching retrieves with increasing difficulty requiring skills that will challenge your dog physically and mentally. The Fetch program is a great way to solidify water skills and prepare you and your dog for working in a testing environment. Or, just a fun way to get out and do something with your dog.

What: Dry land water training workshop and AKC Fetch introduction

When: February 3, 2024

Time: 10am - 2pm

Where: Animal Inn Training School, 8633, 34th St N, Lake Elmo, MN

Prerequisite: PWDCTC membership; All levels of skill welcome

Why: Develop working relationship with your PWD while practicing skills sure to tire your pup and shake off post-Covid social isolation

Cost: $35 per dog and handler team

How to sign up? Fill out the on-line registration form and mail a check made out to PWDCTC. Space is limited to 8 dog and handler teams. Deadline Wednesday, January 24th, 2024.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

What to bring:

• Crate
• Leash up to 6 feet (no flexi leash)
• High value treats
• Water
• Your dog’s favorite toy such as a ball or small plush toy
• If you have them: dummy, 3 handled article, float line, long line, clicker, swim harness

Water training workshop will be led by Angela Yarbrough who has loved and trained four PWDs in Junior and Apprentice Water Dog. A pharmacist by profession and passionate about the preservation of the PWD breed, I am motivated to encourage others to dip a toe in water work.

AKC Fetch program introduction will be led by Karen Derr and Anna Saterdalen. Karen has had four PWDs since 2004 who have reached varying levels of water work, Junior to Courier. In addition to water and agility her two older dogs were dedicated Therapy dogs. The majority of the year agility is the main focus of PWDs in her household. In that arena, two of her dogs have attained championships and participated at the national level. She finds the rewards and gratification that come from working/playing with the dogs in the water unique and very special! Anna became involved in the breed when she and her husband Josh got their first PWD puppy (Wall-E) in February 2022. Wall-E is so fun to train, and his favorite activities to stay busy are fetch, FastCat, and water work. He also loves showing off his tricks (for treats, of course).

Read about water training on the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America website: PWDCA Water Training Information.

Send Questions to Angela Yarbrough CHPWDtaxi@gmail.com

Complete on-line registration form and mail a check for $35 made out to PWDCTC to Deb Scofield, 3593 72nd St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076