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SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Canine Flotation Device (CFD)
The best insurance plan you can buy for your dog!
Required for all CWS Training Programs, a canine life jacket reduces the risk of drowning, provides warmth in cold waters, and offers protection against water debris. It helps build confidence and coordination, encourages swimming and the duration of a swim, which fosters persistence and endurance. The jacket tends to add mild water resistance during swimming, which may serve to improve stamina and aerobic capacity. Even dogs who are natural swimmers endowed with a high buoyancy factor appear more confident and swim longer in a life jacket.
We only sell the K9 Float Coat by Ruffwear, because we think it’s the best CFD made.
Coats are available at our programs and we will mail order within the U.S. New England area.
To Find a Store Near You that carries the K9 Float Coat go to http://www.ruffwear.com/store_finder
Click on the photo for more product info.
Length
9”
12”
16”
21”
25”
26”
Girth
12-19”
17-24”
23-30”
27-32”
31-40”
35-48”
Size Price
XXSM $39.99
XSM $39.99
SM $49.99
MED $59.99
LRG $59.95
XLRG $69.95
+CT.
Sales Tax:
$2.39, $2.99
$3.59
$4.19
Sizing suggestion by Deborah Lee:
If your dog is in between sizes on the girth measurements, choose the smaller size.
These jackets work best for comfort and range of motion if the back length just covers the dog’s rib cage.
“Girth” is the measurement around the dog’s rib cage at the widest point.
THE WEB-MASTER HARNESS by Ruffwear
Photo: Handled by her owner Lisa Pattison, Lacey, the Australian Shepherd, is wearing the new Web-Master Harness for her submersion retrieve from a boat test.
This NEW Web-Master Harness by Ruffwear was design as a sturdy lift harness for search and rescue dogs, but it is proving to be a very versatile harness. While the harness is being used for tracking, skijoring, rehab, and service work, Canine Water Sports has found it to be an excellent harness for canine submersion work and as an alternate safety device to the life jacket for conditioned dogs. The bright red vest portion of the harness provides high visibility in and out of the water. The fleece-lined, foam-padded chest and belly straps provide pain free lifting from the water during an emergency or as needed. Its high profile handle make assists onto boats much easier, correctly balanced and safer for the dog. The Web-Master’s five point adjustment system allows for a correct fit to ensure the dog remains inside the harness during any guidance or lifting. The harness also has 3M Scotchlite reflective trim along the harness to add visibility and safety in low light situations.
SIZE GIRTH
XXS 12” - 19”
XS 17” - 24”
S 21” - 30”
M 26” - 36”
L 32” - 48”
Price: $49.95
Ct. Sales tax $2.99
S & H $6.00
Water Harness by Tug N Hug
Regulation Equipment for PWDCA Trials and CWS Submersion Work
Deluxe Canine Water Sports Harness - especially designed for water dog activities. This nonrestrictive adjustable harness is made of strong nylon strapping with left and right shoulder release snaps for easy on and off. Back and shoulder straps are padded with neoprene for comfort. A large double supported neoprene belly panel was added to this special deluxe design to offer comfort and support should an emergency lift from the water be needed. (Safety reminder: remove canine neck collars when working your dog in the water.)
For ordering and product info go to http://www.tugnhug.com
Watersports Safety Lead
Designed exclusively for Canine Water Sports
CWS Water Training Lead:- a 4 1/2 foot floating lead with a brass snap that makes a quick connection to any water harness or the K-9 Float Coat. Designed handle-free to reduce the risk of dangerous in water snags. When attached to the CFD or harness the lead remains visible and safely floating behind the dog, creating an excellent flight prevention and rescue line for novice dogs. This line is also used in the Tow Handler to Shore Task.
Safety Colors are Red, Orange and Yellow with black ticking
$11.99 (+CT. Sales Tax $0.71)
Watersports Whistles
Required safety gear for Canine Water Sports participants and a highly audible sound cue for canine water behaviors. Audible over long distances on the water. Roy Gonia (Pea-less) Field & Training Whistle.
$6.00 (+CT. Sales Tax $0.36)
NEW!
Clicker-Whistle combo coming soon
HOW CANINE COLOR VISION EFFECTS RETRIEVE WORK
This chart represents the color range scientists believe dogs can see. While dogs may not see reds and greens the way we do, their perception of contrasting colors between the environment and the retrieve article does make visual targeting by color possible. Canine visual acuity (sharpness) and brightness discrimination (between shades of gray) is believed to be far less than humans. However, dogs have better peripheral and night vision that us. While size & shape contrast may play a role in some water retrieves, scent and movement seem to play the greatest role in article detection for dogs. Color can help handler’s better locate and direct dogs to articles and there may be another color factor trainers may want to consider for retrievers. CWS trainers have noticed that some dogs tend to be significantly aroused by neon colors (vibrancy discrimination).
When planning your training session choose colors for retrieve articles that will create a color contrast or the opposite, a blending with the background environment, to best achieve your training objective. A yellow ball dropped into tall grass tends to blend with the environment, which is great for directed, blind and scent retrieve training. However, this same yellow ball will pop in color contrast on a lake or river, which may aid in visual targeting. But, don’t forget the other factors that effect you dog’s ability to locate the article: size, shape, pattern, movement, and scent.
RETRIEVE ARTICLES
PWDCA Float Line
Made by Canine Water Sports for the Portuguese Water Dog Water Trial, this eleven foot line is also acceptable as a CWS retrieve article or tow line. The line has five brightly colored 6 X3 1/2” (*PVC) line floats knotted with 1/2 “ floating marine line. Lines can be made in Purple or Yellow. The color Purple is a great contrast color for visual based land retrieves.
$30.00 (+ CT. Sales Tax $1.80) (Shipping $8.00)
*This article is not a chew toy, a common additive to PVC/vinyl is a suspected carcinogen. Visit www.pvcinformation.org Teach dogs to grab only the line.
Toss N Fetch Line by CWS
Made for Watersports, the Toss N Fetch Line is an approved Retrieve Article for Canine Water Sports. This line is four to six feet in length, has three brightly colored 6” X 3 1/2” (*PVC) line floats, which are knotted together with 1/2” floating marine line. The Toss n Fetch Line is approximately half the length of the PWDCA regulation retrieve line making it easier to pack, carry and toss. Great for introducing tow work and line deliveries for rescue work.
$19.99 (+ CT. Sales Tax $1.19)
*This article is not a chew toy, a common additive to PVC/vinyl is a suspected carcinogen. Visit www.pvcinformation.org Teach dogs to grab only the line.
PWDCA Courier Net Line
This beautiful, handmade, PWDCA regulation net-line is lightweight, bright and easy to store in a laundry bag. The line is made with our bright yellow 3/8th floating, marine line, (not that harsh polypropylene material). This 65+ ft line has small, white, (PVC) line floats in sufficient number to keep the top of the net at the surface during the retrieve from the steward’s boat.
Only $175.00 (CT. Sales Tax $10.50) (Shipping Estimate $9.00)
Toss N Fetch Ball by CWS
Made for Watersports, the Toss-N-Fetch Ball is an approved Retrieve & Delivery Test Article for Canine Water Sports. Because it’s light weight and smaller than the PWDCA regulation buoy it’s a smart choice for introductory and land based training for the PWDCA Courier Test. The Toss N Fetch Ball is a brightly colored 6” X 6” (*PVC) Line Float with matching knots of 1/2” floating marine line.
$14.99 (+CT. Sales Tax $0.89) (Shipping Estimate $7.00)
*This article is not a chew toy, a common additive to PVC/vinyl is a suspected carcinogen. Visit www.pvcinformation.org Teach dogs to grab only the line.
Training Dummies & Bumpers
Tips
•Make sure dummies/bumpers are dry before being put away to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
•Mesh bags are great for air drying and storage.
•Canvas dummies sit high in the water and are light weight for carrying/retrieving, but are not very durable, especially with mouthiness.
•Firehose dummies come in bright colors, are more durable than canvas, and have less bulk for easier pick up by some breeds, but tend to lay flat on the water surface.
•Plastic Knobby Dummies tend to discourage mouthiness are a bit heaver than other dummies, which can increase throw distance and give greater accuracy to throw placement. Once punctured these dummies will take on water and may sink.
•Variety in retrieve articles strengthens the retrieve behavior - a trainer’s bag should contain a variety of retrieve articles distinct by sizes, weights, floatation, color, patterns, texture and shapes.
•Canine Water Sports retrieve tests require the dog to be trained on a minimum of three different retrieve articles.
Katie’s Original Plastic Bumpers
Colorful, durable & fun!
Flyers
Katie’s Heave Hose Bumpers - Lightweight, colorful and durable bumpers. Made from tear resistant fire hose, these bumpers are stuffed to float and closed with a strong reinforced stitch. They are easy to grasp and hold, because they are flatter and permit canine teeth to lock onto the fabric. These bumpers make an excellent tow end for dogs facing a challenging water tow.
The smaller heave hose Sqwuggies have squeakers inside to arouse interest and excitement for the bumper. Great for teaching Intro to Retrieve Work. Throw line included.
For product info and store locations go to: http://www.katiesbumpers.com
Stuff N Fetch Bumpers -
Fill with scent or FOOD. Great for motivating novice dogs to grab, carry and retrieve.
Lucky Dog
Traditional Training Dummies - Lightweight canvas and plastic knobby training dummies for water fun and sports. The plastic dummy is designed with an air valve to adjust buoyancy and weight. The canvas dummy has a cell foam interior and a poly rope sewn in for throwing.
Large (12” X 3”) Plastic knobby dummy, black & white or orange; $12.00
Large (12” X 3”) Canvas; orange or white $12.00 (+CT Sales Tax $0.72)
Small (9” X 2”) Canvas, orange; $9.00 (+ CT Sales Tas $0.54)
Chuckit
Amphibious Collection
The Boomerang, Flying Ring, and Bumper are small, light weight, come in bright colors for high visibility. CWS especially likes the neon orange bumper toy. Its small size and light weight makes it especially great for small dogs . Throwing against the wind might be difficult with these toys because they are so light weight, but the dogs had a lot of fun chasing and carrying these delightful toys made by Canine Hardware.
WUBBA
Covered in brightly colored neoprene these charming toys boast an unusual shape, with two ball shapes that sit high out of the water, and have flapping tails that create enticing movement when thrown. Surprisingly easy to throw as far as most canvas dummies and CWS dogs are crazy about them.
Large Water Loopie Mini Water Loopies with rope
LOOPIES...Even the name sounds like fun and these neoprene, color rich water toys are just that! The large Loopie sits about 9” tall the smaller version is about half that for small dogs, but the light weight of the larger version makes it fun for the “big” little dog. Get more tossing distance by adding a rope to the large version. Good float visibility -distinct shape for visual retrieve work. For store locations and more info:
Submersion Articles
You can get really creative with underwater articles. CWS allows you to use any object that sinks as a retrieve article. Dive behaviors are judged on depth of submersion and ability to retrieve a variety of objects.
Most of the hard rubber toys in any pet store sink and others can be weighted with the ring weights found in stores selling golf club equipment. Whiffle balls are fun underwater toys too, just add a few drill holes, push in some pebbles or marbles and the rattling ball sinks fast. The CWS Treat Pouch (listed below) also sinks and when filled with treats it creates a hard to beat incentive for getting the dive behavior started.
Consider, size, color and height when training in natural water environments which may have dark, mucky bottoms and loose debris that could cloud visibility for dives. To avoid teaching your dog that she can paw up or paw the article to shore, begin submersion training in a pool where you can hold the article suspended in K9 elbow deep water or place it on a submerged platform at a distance from shore that eliminates a shallow path to the shoreline.
TRAINING EQUIPMENT
Watersports Treat Pouch
Designed exclusively for Canine Water Sports!
Perfect for trainers who train in the water. Made of durable marine mesh so water can drain out quickly. Mesh design reduces mold and bacteria build up that can occur with other pouch materials. Velcro strap allows for an easy attachment to your life vest or to your wrist. Wide zipper mouth makes treat access fast and simple. Get a retrieve behavior started with this lightweight article. Fill the pouch with treats and use to stimulate an underwater retrieve or a take & carry.
Bright yellow for better visibility underwater.
$12.99 ea. (+CT. Sales Tax $0.77)
Shipping $3.00
Equipment Bags
Professional Mesh Equipment Bag - Large duffel style design for wet equipment and swim gear. This durable high quality mesh bag is the perfect storage or transport bag for the water dog trainer who travels with training and competition water gear. Has a zipper close end pocket, handles, and a full length zipper for easy access to gear.
Bag size: 30” x 15” x 15”, comes in black mesh with solid end colors of blue, or red
$30.00 (+CT. Sales Tax $1.80)
STAYING PROTECTED & WARM WHILE TRAINING YOUR DOG
While not required for wet dog training, wet suits and Hydroskins can help defend against abrasions from canine nails, rough sand & rock and damaging sun. In cool weather, wet suits allow you and your dog to perform water work beyond the normal swim season in northern regions or mountain lakes. Here are a few links to Custom Wet Suits for human & canine
BONE DRY, A Trover Coat for wet dogs.
The Bone Dry drying coat by Trover Coats is a stylish, well made, washable, Looper fleece coat for your wet dog. The dog’s head goes through the soft pullover styled front and the dog’s rear legs slip inside elastic straps on the under side, which stabilize the coat. No need for straps around the neck or belly, the coat stays put even when the dog is running or curling up in a bed. The Bone Dry coat will help keep your dog warm on cool days, speed drying, and help keep your car and home cleaner while moving a wet dog.
Purchase & sizing information: www.trovercoats.com
Martingale Leads by Mendota
Martingale Lead by Mendota - a beautifully made lead, perfect for the collar-less canine athlete. Easy to use - this all in one collar ’n lead has a flat throat strap that slips over the dogs head and closes to the dog’s neck size if the dog pulls against the lead. The neck collar opens again when the dog relaxes. Great for quick guidance to start lines, then just slip off the martingale and run collar free. These leads are water durable and can be used under wet conditions. Comes in various colors.
Info and Store locator:
CANINE BOAT LADDERS
BUILDING YOUR OWN CWS TEST & TRAINING EQUIPMENT
1.Water and Land Markers
2.Water Platform
3.Boat Platform
Steve McNelly’s Platform Design
Notice the open T Connectors on the top and bottom legs (faster water fill and drainage) and slats of wood instead of the plywood top.
