Training Sessions
Water Work
Our members meet up in the summer & autumn to work in the water with their Newfoundlands. We practice some elements of the UK's working regulations and occasionally travel great distances to enter water tests with the dogs and meet up with our Newfie friends from around the UK.
Over the last few years we have recognised that there is so much to be gained from working in the water with Newfoundlands, its great exercise for both canine and human alike, its great fun and its one of those hobbies that when you roll into work on a Monday morning you spend the whole week smiling about what you achieved at your last session!
The founder members of the club used to attend almost every test event that took place throughout the year but have now realised that there is so much more to life with Newfoundlands than passing (or failing!) National Water tests. For the 2011 season we decided to do something about this and have planned a number of FUN weekends and activities that are a step away from water tests, but still enjoying some structured time in the water with our dogs.
2011 Bala ChallengeThe 2011 Bala challenge is set to be a great event for ALL dog owners who have a pooch or two that likes a swim - Whatever breed you have - if it enjoys swimming bring it along for a weekend in the beautiful Lake Bala and take part in the first of many fun water events we plan to hold in the future. For more details about this event please contact the club secretary jude@lancashirerescuebears.com
SafetyWe practice water work in a safe manner, all dogs attending our training sessions are required to wear a suitable buoyancy aid - we are the only club in the UK that stipulates this but we recognise that dogs in difficulty don't actually float on top of the water (same as humans) so we take no chances - for the sake of spending £40 on a good quality dog buoyancy aid you are ensured peace of mind should your dog have any problems when training.
If you would like any advice on dog buoyancy aids, or would like to purchase one for your own dog, please contact les@lancashirerescuebears.com who has worked as a water rescue specialist for the past 25 years on the River Mersey.
Training SessionsOur water training sessions throughout the year are detailed on the diary page. If you would like to come and see what we do please contact training@lancashirerescuebears.com and we will advise you on the best time to come and watch.
The club's membership has now reached capacity for the 2011 season. Occasionally throughout the year spaces become available for new members who are interested in both Water and Draught work throughout the year.
If you are interested in becoming a member please email membership@lancashirerescuebears.com and we will send you further information.
All our members help and support each other throughout the season and put a great deal of work into making the club a success, so if you just want to come along for a paddle twice a year its probably not the club for you!
Go to the beach - have fun -be safe!
The David Jones Shield - Top Water DogThe club has an award for the Top Water dog which was presented to Mick Tetlow & Troy for their success in 2010. In their first year as members the team achieved a great deal of progress throughout their first water season passing Section B water after a handful of training sessions - well done guys!
Draught Work
Draught work (also referred to as Carting) is a fantastic event for a team to take part in. A handler with typically one or two dogs hitch up to a cart by using a special harness and take to the tracks.
Its important that you have full control over your dog and cart at all times as Newfoundlands are strong, powerful dogs and with wheels behind them they can do some serious damage to themselves and others if not under control. Its also critical to ensure that your equipment is of the correct size and fit and that the dog is pulling the cart in the correct way, as failure to do so could result in injury or accidents.
Draught EquipmentAs a group we have designed our own draught cart and harness that we have found to be practical, durable and easy to use for dogs & owners of all ages and abilities. We have used the equipment on some of the UKs top draught dogs over the last couple of years so it's been rigorously tested to the limits!
Our Ali expert Julian makes the shafts, Carpenter Peter makes the frames and Alison pumps the tyres up and fixes the baskets in place! With a strong piece of platted rope at the back courtesy of Jude (always colour coordinated of course!) We have a simple but effective Draught cart to use in both Draught trials and Demonstrations to the public.
If you would like more information about draught equipment contact draught@lancashirerescuebears.com and we will help you in any way we can.
Draught SessionsOur draught training sessions start with an hour of obedience and heel work, followed by manoeuvres and a haul for the more advanced dogs with loaded carts.
Draught work throughout the winter months is a great way to socialise your dogs on land and it's important to have a break from water work and do something different.
We have two wonderful venues that we visit for draught training, both offering a great mix of terrain for dogs working at all different levels. Our group enjoy putting on Draught tests on the winter months and welcoming our friends from around the UK to join us for a fun weekend.
The club's membership has now reached capacity for the 2011 season. Occasionally throughout the year spaces become available for new members who are interested in both Water and Draught work throughout the year.
If you are interested in becoming a member please email membership@lancashirerescuebears.com
The Yarrow Valley Draught Trophy - Top Draught Dog2010 was a busy Draughting year for the Lancashire Rescue Bears and it was hard to award this trophy as so many dogs performed exceptionally well throughout the season.
We were delighted to give this award to Sarah, Julian & Missy for their achievements during 2010 - Congratulations to all!
For all sessions (water and draught) it is recommended that you bring water and a bowl for your dog, poo bags, dog stake and tether. Do not feed your dogs 2 hours before a training session or an hour after any form of strenuous activity