The Newf. is gentle but his size and strength combined may be over powering when obedience is a lacking factor!
Older dogs can be taught new tricks, but old habits are very difficult to break, so start early!
A well mannered dog is always a pleasure!
These are some of our most cherished times, and that's working together. Oslo is a whip when it comes to learning.
He is very intelligent and always ready to work. At home we put on our harness and off we go, pulling trees closer to the fire.
I think he lives for falling trees, so that he may transport them for us. We can bend him into a pretzel and his facial expression is "what's next".
Oslo's latest news: On May 12, 07 at nearly 11years of age, Oslo earned his 1st leg towards Rally Novice Title
On May 13, 07 Oslo earned his 2nd Rally Novice leg (without any Rally classes ever taken, by either of us)
VN.Am/Can.Ch.Kloofbear's Mystic Seaport
CD, WRD, DD, CGC/TDI, Can.CD, DD 
"Oslo"
Oslo is a very strong and fast swimmer. While at water trials in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, there have been news paper reporters covering the Newfoundland water trail events and we have been fortunate to have been used in their articles.
We have placed in
obedience trials.
The Canadian Newfoundland club held their first Draft test in conjunction with their National Specialty.
We obtained our Canadian Draft Dog title.
The Newfoundland club of America held their first Draft test in the snow, we went down in history.
We obtained our American Draft Dog title
Oslo tows the boat in at BMNC water trial and on his way to obtain his Versatile Newfoundland title
In this exercise the person in the boat calls for help. The dog then goes out on command of the handler to the boat.
The dog then grabs hold of the bumper with the line and tows the boat and crew to shore.
Oslo and I 1999, when he earned all requirements set by NCA for a Versatile Newf. title
Oslo proudly wears his Versatile Newfoundland rosette, that he was awarded at the
2000 Newfoundland National Specialty.
Helmsman's Gypsie CD, WRD, CGC
Gypsie my first Newf. pictured at two years of age. This is where it all began. She is presently nearly 11 years old, in March of 06. Gypsie is a magnificent swimmer, she is every water work trainers dream dog. She is a whip and her soul mate is the water. Gypsie made certain that she put on a show at every water trial she was entered, she would surely make you ooooo and aaaaa. Lounging into the water like a seal and never looking back. Special thanks to all whom came to water trials to support and enjoy Gypsie. In 1998 we were awarded the NCNE Water test "Sportsmanship Award". The purpose of this award was to recognize a team-handler and dog - who demonstrate the special working relationship and bond between the Newf and his/her owner that comes from the time, patience and training necessary to prepare for the Water Test.
Gypsie pictured above at NCNE water trials in 1998 doing the final exercise required to obtain our WRD.
I fall over board and Gypsie must jump to my rescue and tow me to shore.
Gypsie at 10 1/2 years of age. She was always the queen bee, very well respected and looked after by the whole gang.
And she was always in charge of guarding the refrigerator!
Gypsie at age one Gypsie escorting Oslo Gypsie enjoys diving in head first
Canine Search And Rescue in Connecticut
click to visit NCA site and learn more about working titles, rules & regulations
*** Be patient & consistent in your training, make it fun, end it happy and train in short sessions.
***Give them lots of love and praise, so that they may learn to perform happily, reward them with lots of treats.
***When a Newfoundland is trained as I mention above, they can eventually be maneuvered with the movement of your pinky.
My dogs make offers all day, in hopes that they will be given a treat.
I recommend the following books, they have been my bible for training myself & dogs for working titles.
Newfoundland Draft Work, The bible on canine carting and hauling - great for all breeds! Consie is famous for her popular Siwash Carting Harness design and friendly advice! She and her husband Roger have unselfishly contributed their expertise to educate enthusiasts from all breeds on safety, training, and equipment. This book is an exhaustive education covering philosophy, conditioning structure, safety, equipment comparison charts, training, trail manners, team draft, parades, and NCA Draft Tests, with thorough appendices, source guide & illustrations. Author Consie Powell
This book & Draft equipment is available from Dog Works
Water Work, Water Play
is
a detailed training manual for Newfoundland water rescue work, based on the
water rescue exercises devised by the Newfoundland Club of America. The book
clearly and completely describes how to train your Newfoundland for successful
water competition, taking you step by step through the training process, and
then further, through proofing for success. It also has extensive chapters on
puppy training, introducing the dog to water, helping the reluctant swimmer,
teaching your Newf basic obedience, and retrieving training.
This book is available from Judi Adler at 12320 SW Malloy, Sherwood OR 97140. Phone 503-682-0604 or e-mail sweetbay@teleport.com , Water Work equipment may be purchased from Dog Works
The Audible
Nose: Training Your Newfoundland To Track Without exception, this is the
most extensive tracking book available. It was written with Newfoundlands in
mind, but is appropriate for any breed. Full instructions are given for both TD
and TDX level tracking. Over 250 clever illustrations make the text both
entertaining and understandable. The Audible Nose helps you every step of
the way with its easy to follow methods. Because no one method works for all
dogs, many methods are presented, along with multiple ideas and solutions for
every problem encountered during tracking training. Chapters include how to
begin, intermediate tracking, article indication, adding distance, terrain
changes and obstacles, aging, motivation, and much more. The checklist for "are
you ready to enter a test" is invaluable!
This book is available from Judi Adler at 12320 SW Malloy, Sherwood OR 97140. Phone 503-682-0604 or e-mail sweetbay@teleport.com
Equipment may be purchased from Dog Works
Order Slings & Stretchers from Northland Newfoundland Club
I own and recommend both of these items, although I have yet to use them, you never know. I couldn't image trying to carry a suddenly or physically disabled dog. They will save your back and make it less stressful on a already stressed dog.
Recommendations for
a Canine First Aid Kit
