Album - Water Test - August 28, 2022

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LCA Water Test

2022 LCA Water Test hosted by LCNW

Saturday & Sunday, August 27-28, 2022

One week after the LCNW Specialty at Nolte State Park, LCNW exhibitors, volunteers, and spectators returned to Deep Lake in Enumclaw, WA. On August 27th and 28th, 2022, the LCNW joined together with likeminded folks in the Newfoundland Club of Seattle (NCS) to put on a two-day, double Water Test Weekend: two separate tests governed by separate regulations using the same judges, boundaries, equipment, and volunteers. The Newfoundland Test (for Newfs only) was governed by NCA Water Test Rules; the Leonberger Test (All Breed), offered on the same day, was governed by LCA Rules. On Saturday, the NCS Water Test was first, followed by the LCNW Water Test. On Sunday, the LCNW exhibitors tested first.

Find photos of the 2022 Saturday LCNW Water Test by clicking on the "LCA Water Test Photo Gallery - Saturday, August 27, 2022" button.

Please cheer with us as we proudly announce seven well-earned LCA Water Titles:

LCA Water Test Photo Gallery - Saturday, August 27, 2022

Sunday - At the Test:

On Sunday morning, the Leo’s test was first. Team Dizzy, in Junior Division, started the day. The sun broke through the clouds as Team Storm and Team Baylor competed in Senior Division. Team Bensen returned on Sunday in Excellent Division. Team Bensen again impressed everyone – even a mom on the beach chose to keep her child out of the water as she watched Bensen rescue three calling stewards. It was a Sunday sweep! What a great day to be a Leo in a Northwest water test! All four teams qualified in the LCA Water Test along with one Newf team in the NCA Test.

The Prizes:

The combined ten exhibitors (four Leonberger teams and six Newfoundland teams) received personalized thermal totes featuring a Leo (or Newf) jumping off a boat. The qualifying Leo teams receive a personalized wood sign.

Many Thanks:

If you were there, you didn’t have to look very far to see people sharing water test information and water training insight. The NCS volunteers were great mentors for the LCNW volunteers. Judges Sue Zientara & Laura Gallagher were encouraging and prepared to switch gears – as the NCA & LCA tests are not the same. Each club also took turns providing meals (wow-oh-wow, thank you Jody & Junko for the LCNW hospitality).

Thank you again to all of the volunteers and spectators for taking part in the 2022 Water Test Weekend! Thank you to our Judges, Sue Zientara & Laura Gallagher for encouragement and sharing knowledge to build on. Extra thanks to those who arrived early to move the boat & set up and stayed late to ensure we left no trace. The Newfoundland Club of Seattle (NCS) offered kind support, helpful details, and experienced volunteers. The contributions and many prior test experiences of NCS members should be underscored. And thank you to both clubs for the hospitality throughout the weekend.

It takes a village to support a Water Test, in no small part because stewards must not be overly familiar with any exhibitors’ dogs. This means, dog teams who train together cannot steward for each other. The LCA Water Test Regulations are new, so it can be very difficult for a Leonberger club to have knowledgeable water volunteers. Having a great relationship and camaraderie with other nearby clubs can be beneficial for inexperienced clubs and experienced clubs alike.

 

The success of the weekend is largely due to the willing efforts of:

* Newfoundland Club of Seattle

Winter is a great time to start working with your Leo on water skills. Teaching holds, go arounds, and retrieves can be done in your home and backyard (Land Work). Before you know it, spring will be here and you will be ready for the 2023 water training season!