Water Rescue is a type of training which is popular with water dogs like Newfies and Portugese Water Dogs.  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.  Can my dog get a Water Rescue title?

Yes.  Any breed or mix is eligible to get titles.   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.

What does my dog have to do?

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:

1.  Single Retrieve.  The dog must fetch an object (usually a bumper) which is thrown into the water by the handler.

2.  Dropped Retrieve.  The dog must fetch an object (a lifevest) which was dropped from a boat without him seeing.

3.  Tow A Boat.  The dog must tow a boat in chest-depth water a distance of 50 feet.

4.  Take A Line Out.  The dog must take a line to a person who is out in the water (swimming depth).

5.  Swim with Handler.  The dog must swim out with the handler, turn, and tow the handler to shore.

All of the exercises are judged on a pass or fail basis, including the obedience portion.

Then what happens?

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.

  
A Dog Scout retrieves a floatation device as part of the WET DOG Test.