So in order to share the results from our Water Training Weekends at Swim4Paws (S4P), please find below a round up from each event.  We will add to these as we move into 2021 and we hope to be able to welcome you along !

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25th & 26 July 2020

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In 2020 we made the decision to hold another Swimming Diving Event in order to fundraise for the test research to stamp out glaucoma in our breed. The event was to be held at SWIM 4 PAWS near Sheffield, which is a custom-made unique pool for training dogs in water sports and rescue skills. 

Covid-19 restrictions had delayed the planned initiative, but on the 25th and 26th July 2020 we were able to go ahead.  The facility was perfect for socially distanced training, so we set about planning a weekend of water fun. 

This was to be our first SWDC get together since March!  So, wetsuits out of the attic, doggy towels and training harnesses packed, tests laminated, we were ready!
What a fabulous weekend it was and packed with SWD ‘firsts’ for many handlers attending Water Rescue Training for the first time. Your dogs were a credit to you.

Thanks to Nigel Haslam and wife Alison owners of SWIM 4 PAWS for allowing us to use this amazing unique facility to show off our dog’s ‘natural’ aptitude and see them blossom in water.
My personal thanks go to Gill Frost, Ainsley Procter, Kate Wilden and Gill Jackson for squeezing in those wetsuits and taking turns at assisting me in the pool. Thanks to Kate Hodgkinson-Rutherford for the loaned Kayak and enthusiasm in promoting the Event.

The sessions were split into organised time slots and each family was allocated a changing space for the duration of the weekend.  The event was sold out in days with many new dogs and handlers wanting to try their paws in the water, along with the seasoned water enthusiasts.

As the day progressed the smiles on the faces of the handlers was a joy to see experiencing and witnessing when they experienced the inherited working abilities of their dogs.

So now with new enthusiasts more dogs have gained their SWDC Natural Aptitude Breed Specific Water Test’s.  

Congratulations!  Level Awards achieved were:

•    Jayne with Cassie – Bronze and Silver
•    Caroline with Jacsen - Bronze
•    Sherree  with Rubi - Bronze
•    Jenny with Ziggy - Bronze
•    Kate with Pickle and Toro - Bronze and Silver
•    Ainsley with Opie and Raffa - Silver

Huge thanks from the water enthusiasts and the SWDC to Alison and Nigel Haslam at SWIM4PAWS for providing this amazing facility.

Pat Booth, Chair SWDC

 

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19th & 20th Sept 2020

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A huge well done to those who attended the SWDC Event at Swim4Paws at the end of September - lots of new enthusiasts!  There was some fantastic work from the dogs and the handlers, nailing dives and retrieves.

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There are plans for 4 Events to look forward to at Swim4Paws for 2021 – dates will be published very soon 

For those who want to practise and take Bronze and Silver Tests, these will shortly be available to take via video submission and details will be announced in the new year on the procedure, via the SWDC website.

We have just been informed of another facility in Norwich which may be suitable for practice which one of our enthusiasts will be checking out and reporting back very soon.  

As well as a fun weekend, learning new skills and celebrating our dogs’ achievements, we must also thank you all for your generous donations to our cause to find the gene responsible for predisposition to Glaucoma in SWD.  You can donate via the link below

https://uk.gofundme.com/f/glaucoma-dna-testing-in-spanish-water-dogs

Achievements were won by the following dogs with their handlers:

•    Theresa  with Mayo - Bronze
•    Pippa with Maisy - Bronze
•    Clare with Rosa - Bronze
•    Sue  with Flissi - Silver
•    Jane & Mike with Salvo and Riley – Bronze and Silver
•    Kate with BooBoo – Silver
•    Tracey with Mena – Bronze and Silver
•    Lee with Merlin – Bronze and Silver
•    Jenny with Tia (BLIND DOG) – certificate of Water Confidence
 

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