Water Work
The original work that the Portuguese Water Dog was bred for in Portugal was to be an integral, working crew member of the fishing boats. This work included carrying messages between the different fishing boats, retrieving the fishing lines from the water, diving underwater to herd the fish into the nets and guarding the nets, boats and catch when the boats returned to port. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America has developed a set of exercises that demonstrate these unique working abilities and awards titles to those dogs who complete them during a trial. It is during a water trial that you are able to really appreciate the wonderful working water abilities these dogs possess and the importance and possibilities of strong working partnerships with these dogs. And what could be more fun than harnessing your dog's natural abilities while splashing around in a lake or your backyard pool!
Each level is described in detail in the PWDCA Water Trial Manual and can be found here:
2024 PWDCA Water Trial Manual
Thanks to PWDCA members John and Sarah Brock for sharing the videos of each exercise on the following pages for all titles. They visually demonstrate the requirements as laid out in the water trial manual. There are videos for Junior Water Dog, Apprentice Water Dog, Working Water Dog, Courier Water Dog, and Master Water Dog titling exercises.
We encourage all puppy owners to look at the videos, read the manual, and then go on out to the nearest body of water (a swimming pool is a great start!) and play with your dog!
More information on PWDCA water work can be found here:
https://pwdca.memberclicks.net/water-work
There have been many Afortunado dogs who have had the opportunity to show their aptitude in water work. We are so proud of these wonderful working teams!!
Each level is described in detail in the PWDCA Water Trial Manual and can be found here:
2024 PWDCA Water Trial Manual
Thanks to PWDCA members John and Sarah Brock for sharing the videos of each exercise on the following pages for all titles. They visually demonstrate the requirements as laid out in the water trial manual. There are videos for Junior Water Dog, Apprentice Water Dog, Working Water Dog, Courier Water Dog, and Master Water Dog titling exercises.
We encourage all puppy owners to look at the videos, read the manual, and then go on out to the nearest body of water (a swimming pool is a great start!) and play with your dog!
More information on PWDCA water work can be found here:
https://pwdca.memberclicks.net/water-work
There have been many Afortunado dogs who have had the opportunity to show their aptitude in water work. We are so proud of these wonderful working teams!!
And this is the second level of Water titles offered. This test is once again being done by Maura. Just a day after passing her Apprentice test. What a great weekend for this hardworking dog!