Leo's love water, being part Newfoundland they have inherited the webbed feet and dense water resistant coats that help them during this activity. Their webbed feet help to propel them through the water with ease and speed. Most Leo's take to the water very willingly, in fact, its harder to keep them out than to get them in.

Water rescue work is a fun and worthwhile activity, but it does require total dedication from the owners (after all they feel the cold more than the dogs) Other dogs also enjoy this activity some have been specially bred over the years for their abilities in the water.

You can if you wish try to pass 'Water Tests Certificates' that will show your Leo is recognised as a Water Rescue Dog. These tests are taken with a judge and instructor who will assess how you perform, if you pass each element of a test and gain enough points you will then pass and be awarded a certificate.

What is Water Rescue work?

It is the training of dogs to retrieve from the water, whether that be a person, a boat, or an object of importance. It is also the ability to take items like a rescue life belt or float out to a person in trouble in the water. This can be a dog instructed to go into the water from land or being launched from a boat in the middle of a lake or at sea.

How do I go about joining a group of Wet Leo's?

Contact your Leonberger Breed Club and see if they are doing Water Rescue work in your area. If not, try a Newfoundland's groups near you, they may be willing to take on the odd Leo to train along side their groups. If you have no luck with either then do what others have done and start a group yourself, its not easy, but your Breed Club will be happy to help and support you and be able to recommend people who can and advise you and help train you. They will be all too pleased you are prepared to help organise a group.

Will I have to do any special training beforehand?

It will help if you can swim and have a wet or dry suit, but if not you could request that someone else attending your group handles your dog in the water for you.

Will it cost a lot of money?

You may be asked to make a donation towards the costs of hiring of the venue and the cost of running the boat and equipment, but this should not be very much.

Do I need to buy any special equipment or clothing?

A wet or dry suit, life jacket or buoyancy aide and towels would be useful if you really want to get involved and get wet yourself.

Will my dog need any special equipment?

No, your dog has everything it needs. Your group should have everything else that should be needed, like the special harness for training.

I hope that the above has given you some clue as to what to expect and how to go about getting involved in Water Work.

With the support of our breed club, the Leonberger Club of GB and John Tyler of the Hinchingbrook Wet Leo's, I started a group in April 2008. Called the Wiltshire Wet Leo's, we now have our own website dedicated to our group, this group now meets near Swindon, Wiltshire, every two weeks from April to October. We all don our wet suits and fling ourselves into freezing cold water for the dogs to jump in and rescue us, we've never had so much fun in our lives.

Good luck and have fun.