5. Canine Tow Work Tests

Print: Tow Work.pdf

2009 Rules & Regs.pdf

A.    Novice Tow of a Flotation 50 ft

Task Summary:  

The dog shall swim or wade and tow the flotation a minimum distance of 50 ft. parallel to the shoreline.

Time limit:

90 seconds.  Timing shall begin when the handler cues the dog to tow  and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow distance.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

The flotation shall be a Life Ring, Large Tow-able Tube or a Kick Board with a tow line. Tow line shall be a maximum of ten feet in length and may have a bumper attached  or be knotted to aid in the tow.

Site Equipment:  

Two  sports cones shall be placed 50 ft. apart on shore near the shoreline. Marker #1 shall be the starting point and #2  shall be the finish point.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The dog shall wade or swim parallel to shore and shall not travel further than 35 ft from the shoreline in the water during the task. The dog shall not leave the water once the tow has begun. The handler may gently restrain the dog by the harness or the life jacket until the dog is released for the tow.  The handler shall hand or drop the tow line to the dog. The handler shall not guide or push the dog forward when releasing the dog. The dog may begin the tow anywhere within the vicinity of the tow line.  Only the flotation need be placed outside of the first distance marker at the start of the tow, the line does not need to be outside the first marker. The dog shall tow only the line, grasping it at any point by mouth, and towing by mouth until the flotation has crossed a point in line with the second distance marker. At the discretion of the handler a steward may steady the flotation in the water to the outside of the first marker until the dog begins the tow. If the flotation becomes entangled or grounded during the tow the handler shall direct the dog to dislodge the flotation, if conditions make it unlikely that the dog can dislodge it the judge may order a steward to dislodge the flotation and the dog shall continue the tow. The handler may move with or at a distance from the towing dog, but shall not interfere with the dog’s movement or guide the floatation.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall enter the water with the flotation and set up for the task outside of the first marker.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall hand or drop the line to the dog, shall cue the dog to tow the flotation past the second marker. 
   

4. •The dog shall immediately grasp the tow line by mouth, swim and or wade parallel to the shoreline and tow the flotation past the second marker. 
   

5. •The judge shall signal the handler when the dog has towed the flotation past the second marker.
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

B.     Harness Tow of Handler 60 ft Sea to Shore

Task Summary:  

The dog shall tow the handler from  60 ft  in the water to shore.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler requests the dog to tow and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A floating water lead, no longer than 5 ft., which may be attached to the dog’s harness or life jacket.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about  60 ft from and parallel to the shoreline.  Two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep, a minimum of 35 ft apart and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:  None

Prescripts: 

Team shall swim out to a point 60 ft. from the shoreline. The judge shall immediately stop the task and disqualify the team if the dog climbs on the swimmer.   The dog shall stay within reach of the handler until cued to tow to shore. The handler may not grasp the water lead until the judge begins the tow. The handler may assist the dog in getting the tow started by lightly kicking and thereafter may only kick gently to remain balanced or upon direction of a judge to assist the dog in rough conditions. The dog shall continue to tow the handler until the handler’s shoulders are past the shallow water mark or the handler is grounded.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall enter the water and set up for the task.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall grasp the dog’s harness/life jacket or the water lead and  send the dog to shore. 
   

4. •The dog shall immediately tow the handler to shore.
   

5. •The Judge shall signal the handler when the dog has completed the tow past the shallow water mark or the handler is grounded. 
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

C.    Harness Tow of a Swimmer 100 ft Sea to Shore: Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall tow a swimmer from 100 ft in the water to shore.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog to the swimmer and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A floating water lead no longer than 5 ft  shall be attached to the dog’s harness or life jacket to facilitate the tow.

Site Equipment:  

Two  markers set at about 60 ft from and parallel to the shoreline.  Two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep, a minimum of 35 ft apart and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards: None 

Prescripts: 

The steward shall swim out to the 100 ft line and free float. The dog shall circle, loop or move so that the swimmer is able to grasp the floating harness line on the dog’s harness. With the handler’s approval the swimmer may talk to or direct the dog once the dog is within six feet of the swimmer. The judge shall immediately stop the task and disqualify the team  if the dog climbs on the swimmer. The swimmer may assist the dog in getting the tow started by lightly kicking and thereafter may only kick gently to remain balanced or upon direction of a judge to assist the dog in rough conditions. The dog shall continue to tow the Swimmer until the Swimmer’s shoulders are past the shallow water mark or the swimmer is grounded. 

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog to the swimmer.
   

3. •The dog shall immediately swim to the swimmer and shall circle the swimmer until the swimmer has grasped the dog’s water lead.
   

4. •The Swimmer shall grasp the dog’s water lead and  accept a tow to shore. 
   

5. •The dog shall immediately tow the Swimmer to shore.
   

6. •The Judge shall signal the handler when the Swimmer’s shoulders are past the shallow water mark or the swimmer is grounded. 
   

7. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

D.    Harness Tow of a Swimmer 30 ft Sea to Boat: Delivery

Task Summary:  

The dog  shall swim to a swimmer 60 ft. from the shoreline and tow the swimmer 30 ft to a boat.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog to tow  and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow distance.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A floating water lead no longer than 5 ft. may be attached to the dog’s harness or life jacket to facilitate the tow.

Site Equipment:  

Two  markers set at about  60 ft  from and parallel to the shoreline. 

Classification of Standards:  None

Prescripts: 

The swimmer shall take up a position in the water 60 ft. from the shoreline and about 30 ft from a row boat.  A rower shall take a row boat to the 60 ft line and remain about 30 ft from the swimmer.  The dog shall circle, loop or move so that the swimmer is able to grasp the floating harness line on the dog’s harness. The judge shall immediately stop the task and disqualify the team if the dog climbs on the swimmer. The Swimmer may assist the dog in getting the tow started by lightly kicking and thereafter may only kick gently to remain balanced or upon direction of a judge assist the dog in rough conditions.  The dog shall circle the boat until the swimmer is able to reach out and touch the boat.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog to the swimmer.
   

3. •The dog shall swim to the swimmer, remain with the swimmer until the swimmer has grasped the water lead and tow the swimmer to the boat.
   

4. •The swimmer shall grasp the boat when within arm’s reach.
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

E.    Tow a Person on a Flotation 60 ft Sea to Shore: Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall swim to a swimmer 60 ft from shore, grasp the line on the life ring and tow the steward to shore.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the  handler sends the dog to the steward and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Life Ring or a Kick Board with a  tow line. 

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. Two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep, an minimum of 35 ft apart and, parallel to the shoreline.  

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward  shall swim to the 60 ft line with the flotation and shall board the flotation at any point prior to the dog’s arrival. The dog shall take the tow line and tow the swimmer. The judge shall immediately stop the task and disqualify the team if the dog climbs on the swimmer. The Swimmer may assist the dog in getting the tow started by lightly kicking and thereafter may only kick gently to remain balanced or upon direction of a judge, assist the dog in rough conditions.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog to the steward.  
   

3. •The dog shall immediately go to the steward, grasp the tow line by mouth, immediately tow the steward to shore. 
   

4. •The Judge shall signal the handler when the steward’s shoulders are past the shallow water mark or the swimmer is grounded.
   

5. •The Judge shall then signal the end of the task. 
   

F.    Tow Boat Parallel to Shoreline

Task Summary:  

The dog shall tow the boat a minimum distance of 50 ft. parallel to the shoreline.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when handler requests  the dog to  take the tow line and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow distance.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A tow line. 

Site Equipment:  

Two sports cones, as distance markers, shall be  placed 50 ft. apart on shore near the shoreline. Marker #1 shall be the starting point and marker #2 shall be the finishing point.  A row boat. 

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The dog shall wade or swim parallel to shore and shall not travel water further than 35 ft from the shoreline in the water during the task. The team may begin the tow  at either distance marker.  The dog shall not leave the water once the tow  has begun. The handler may not guide or restrain the dog.  The handler shall hand or drop the tow line to the dog.  The dog may begin the tow anywhere within the vicinity of the tow line.  Only the boat need be placed outside of the first distance marker at the start of the tow, the line does not need to be outside the first marker. The dog shall tow only the line, grasping it at any point by mouth, and towing by mouth until the boat’s bow has crossed a point in line with the second distance marker. At the discretion of the handler a steward may steady the boat in the water to the outside of the first marker until the dog begins the tow. It shall be the dog’s job to keep the boat moving until the distance has been reached. If the boat becomes entangled or grounded during the tow the handler shall direct the dog to dislodge the boat, if conditions make it unlikely that the dog can dislodge the boat the judge may order a steward to dislodge the boat and the dog shall continue the tow.  The handler may move with or at a distance from the towing dog, but shall not interfere with the dog’s movement or guide the boat.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall enter the water and set up for the task.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall hand off or drop the tow line for dog and cue the dog to tow the boat.  
   

4. •The dog shall immediately take the tow line by mouth and move the boat in a direction that is  parallel to the shoreline until the bow of the boat is in line with the second marker. 
   

5. •The judge shall signal the handler when the bow of the boat is in line with the second marker.
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

G.    Tow Boater 60 ft Sea to Shore: Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall swim to a boater 60/35 ft from shore, take the boat’s tow line and tow the boat to shore.

Time limit:

4 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the dog is sent to  the boat and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of  the tow.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A tow line. 

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline and two markers set at 35 ft.  A small row boat.  Boater (steward) must be the same for all teams.

Classification of Standards:  

Group 1 shall retrieve at 60 ft. Group 2 shall retrieve at 35 ft. from the shoreline.  

Prescripts: 

A boater shall row a small row boat to a point about 35 ft. (for group two)  or about 60 ft. (for group one) from the shoreline. The boater may use the oars to keep the boat in the test zone, but shall ship the oars before the dog arrives at the boat.   With the handler’s approval, the boat steward may hand off the end of the tow line to the dog or drop it into the water.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog to retrieve the boat.   
   

3. •The dog shall immediately go to the boat, take the tow line by mouth, tow the boat toward shore and continue to do so until the boat’s bow beaches on the shoreline. 
   

4. •The Judge shall signal the handler when the boat is beached.
   

5. •The Judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

H      Tow Swimmer 60 ft from Shore to Boater: Delivery

Task Summary:  

The dog is sent from the starter box to a swimmer in shallow water. The swimmer grasps the harness line and  the dog tows the swimmer to a boater on the 60 ft line before returning to the handler.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog to the steward and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of the tow and the dog has returned to the starter box.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Harness Tow Line (Watersports lead) 

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One or two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep to indicate shallow water for tow start.  

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall wade to shallow water line the dog’s arrival and assume a swim position. The dog shall circle, loop or move so that the swimmer is able to grasp the floating harness line on the dog’s harness. The steward may communicate with the dog when the dog is within 6 ft of the swimmer. The judge shall immediately stop the task and disqualify the team if the dog climbs on the swimmer. The Swimmer may assist the dog in getting the tow started by lightly kicking and thereafter may only kick gently to remain balanced or upon direction of a judge, assist the dog in rough conditions. The dog shall bring the swimmer to within such a proximity of the boat that the swimmer is able to grab the boat. The handler shall remain in the starter box.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter box.
   

2. •The judge shall cause the Steward to set up in the water before or after the team enter the starter box.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog to the steward.  
   

4. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go to the Swimmer and remain with the Swimmer until the Swimmer is able to grab the Harness Tow Line.
   

5. •The handler shall direct the dog to tow the swimmer to the boat.
   

6. •The dog shall tow the swimmer to the boat and shall remain near or circling the boat until the swimmer is able to grab the boat.  The dog will then return to the starter box.
   

7. •The Judge shall signal the handler when the steward’s shoulders are past the shallow water mark or the swimmer is grounded.
   

8. •The Judge shall then signal the end of the task.  
   

I       Tow Swimmer 60 ft. from Shore to Sea: Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog is sent from the 60 ft line to a swimmer in shallow water. The swimmer grasps the dog’s harness line and the dog tows the swimmer across the 60 ft line and to the handler.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog to the steward and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of the tow and the dog has returned to the handler.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Harness Tow Line (Watersports lead) 

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One or two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep to indicate shallow water for tow start.  

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall wade to shallow water line the dog’s arrival and assume a swim position. The dog shall circle, loop or move so that the swimmer is able to grasp the floating harness line on the dog’s harness. The steward may communicate with the dog when the dog is within 6 ft of the swimmer. The judge shall immediately stop the task and disqualify the team if the dog climbs on the swimmer. The Swimmer may assist the dog in getting the tow started by lightly kicking and thereafter may only kick gently to remain balanced or upon direction of a judge, assist the dog in rough conditions. The dog shall bring all of the swimmer across the 60 ft line and to within reach of the handler.  The handler shall remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line. The judge may observe the task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 60 ft line and remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line.
   

3. •The judge shall cause the Steward to set up in the water before or after the team enter the starter box.
   

4. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog to the steward.  
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go to the Swimmer and remain with the Swimmer until the Swimmer is able to grab the Harness Tow Line.
   

6. •The handler shall direct the dog to tow the swimmer to the waterward side of the 60 ft line.
   

7. •The dog shall tow the entire swimmer across the 60 ft line and to within arms reach of the handler.
   

8. •The Judge shall signal the end of the task. 
   

J       Tow Floatation 100 ft from Shore to Sea: Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog is sent from the 60 ft line to a Floatation in shallow water. The dog shall tow the floatation across the 60 ft line and deliver the line to the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog for the float and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of task.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Tow Line  (optional)

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One or two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep to indicate shallow water for tow start.   Large Floatation with tow line.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall place the floatation between the shallow water line and the shoreline.  The Judge may order the float to be beached. The dog shall tow the entire floatation across the 60 ft line and release the line into the handler hand.  The handler shall remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line. The judge may observe the task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 60 ft line and remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the Steward shall place the floatation in the designated area.
   

4. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog from the waterward side of the 60 ft line to tow the floatation.  
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go to the floatation, grasp the tow line, tow the entire floatation across the 60 ft line and deliver the tow line into the handler’s hand.
   

6. •The Judge shall signal the end of the task. 
   

K       Tow Boat 60 ft from Shore to Sea: Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The handler leaves the dog in the starter box and travels to the waterward side of the 60 ft line. The dog is sent from the starter box to the boat in shallow water. The dog grasps the tow line and tows the boat across the 60 ft line to deliver the line to the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog for the boar’s tow line and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of task.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Tow Line  (optional)

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One or two markers set in a depth of water 20 inches deep to indicate shallow water for tow start.   Row boat with tow line.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall place the boat between the shallow water line and the shoreline.  The Judge may order a steward to hold the boat so it remains free floating. The dog need not tow the entire boat across the 60 ft line , but shall bring the bow of the boat over the 60 ft line and release the tow line into the handler hand.  The handler shall remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line. The dog shall remain in the starter box until released by the handler. The judge may observe the task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge  the steward shall place or hold the boat in the designated area.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall travel to the 60 ft line and remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line.
   

4. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall begin the task. 
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go to the boat, grasp the tow line, tow the bow of the boat across the 60 ft line and deliver the tow line into the handler’s hand.
   

6. •The Judge shall signal the end of the task. 
   

L      Tow Handler 60 by 60 parallel to Shoreline: Travel

Task Summary:  

The team shall begin at the 60 ft line in the water. The dog shall shall tow the handler parallel to shore for 60 ft at a minimum of 60 ft from the shoreline.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler cue the dog to begin the tow and shall end when the judge has observed the completion of the tow. 

Time Requirements:   None

Team Equipment:  

A Harness Tow Line.  (Watersports lead)

Site Equipment:  

Two markers, placed at or about 60 ft apart and 60 ft out from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The handler shall remain on the exterior side of the perpendicular line between shore to the 60 ft line and a minimum of 60 ft from shore until the dog has been cued to tow. The dog must remain under the direction of the handler during the task and may only be started for the tow from the exterior side of the perpendicular line between the shore and the 60 ft water line. The dog shall tow the handler on a line that remains parallel with the shoreline and shall not tow the handler to shore.  The handler must be towed to within 10 feet of either side of the 60 ft line and the handler must be towed a minimum of 60 ft. The judge may observe this task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starters box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 60 ft line and ready themselves on the exterior side of the perpendicular line between shore and the 60 ft water line (Marker).
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall cue the dog to tow the handler parallel to the shoreline along the 60 ft line to a perpendicular line between the shore line and the 60 ft marker on the opposite side.
   

4. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately begin the tow and follow the course direction of the handler until the handler has reached the required 60 ft.
   

5. •The Judge shall signal that the distance has been earned and end the task.