Question answer.

Question: When can my puppy swim?

Answer: When the dog has had its last vaccinations, usually Dutch-born puppies are 12-13 weeks old.

Question: Do I have to be a member of the NNFC?

Answer: Yes, you must be a member to be allowed to work on water. If you are not yet a member but would like to see if water work is something for you and the dog, you can of course come and train a number of times with only Newfoundlanders.

Question: Do you have directions to the location where I want to swim?

Answer: You can find the route description on the NNFC website or email info@nnfc.nl

Question: What are the costs of a day of water work?

Answer: The costs are €2 per dog per water work day. If there are more than 2 participating dogs from the same owner, the total amount is €5.

Question: I have two dogs. A Newfoundland and another breed. Is this also allowed for water works?

Answer: This depends on the region and provided that he/she can swim, but is excluded from participating in the water trials.

Question: Is a swimming harness mandatory?

Answer: Yes, a swimming harness or life jacket is mandatory for every exercise.

Question: Am I required to wear a life jacket in the boat?

Answer: Yes, you are required to wear a life jacket. This is for your safety.

But when wearing a diving suit/dry suit, the life jacket is not mandatory.

Question: My Newfoundland has no pedigree, can he still participate in training and water trials?

Answer: Yes, your dog can participate and during the water trials the dog will participate in the pedigreeless class.

Question: How long is a water work day?

Answer: That varies per region. Also depends on the weather and the number of participating dogs and/or whether the dogs are still wanted. You can take into account an average of four hours.

Question: Do I need a swimming harness right away?

Answer: No, there are harnesses that you can borrow from each region. It may just be that after each exercise it has to be finished again for the next dog.

Question: How do I get a ground spike to secure my dog during training?

Answer: Most people make these themselves. A good alternative is a mooring pin. These are available at a good boat shop.

We regularly receive requests from owners of Landseers or Leonbergers and other breeds whether they can also participate in the NNFC water work?

The answer is no.

However, the NNFC does have an agreement with the NLV that Landseers who are members of the NLV are allowed to participate in the NNFC's water work. For more information, please contact the NLV.