Land-based Water Training Workshop – All Levels

3 Sessions – Working Teams – Auditor Option

February 18 & 19, 2023

  • Have you wondered if your PWD can perform those tasks that his ancestors did on the fishing boats in Portugal?
  • Would you like to have fun with your PWD both on land and in the water while building a wonderful bond with him/her?
  • Are you new to water work or would like to learn new ways to train water with your PWD?

Come join us for a land-based workshop to learn what’s needed to join in all the fun! The workshop will be specifically geared toward your team and the training exercises you most need to be successful. A questionnaire will be sent out in advance so that we can address the specific needs of each PWD Team or Auditor. Focus will be on specific solutions that will help you and your PWD be successful at any level:

  • Adapting traditional water training exercises to land
  • Breaking down water tasks to their individual components
  • Making it fun – training games and techniques
  • Transitioning from land to water successfully

 It is suggested that participating dogs have at least completed puppy kindergarten (or equivalent).

Location: San Lorenzo Dog Training Club, 534 C Lewelling Blvd., San Leandro, CA 94579

What: Three workshop sessions (3 hours each) that can be attended either individually or together, with your PWD (working slot) or as an auditor. All are welcome to attend any workshop, regardless of experience level.

Who: Instructor – Karen Pratt*, PWDCA Water Committee Member, PWDCA Water Trial Judge.

Registration deadline:  Friday, February 10
Don’t delay, sessions fill up fast!

3 Workshop Sessions to Address your specific needs:

Saturday, February 18, 2023
3:00pm – 6:00pm Beginning Water Work Skills
(Junior & Apprentice Levels)

Land training games, tips and techniques (as described above) and everything you need to know about water practice and trialing, including water equipment, basic rules/water trial etiquette, retrieving skills (take, hold, give, stay) and what to expect at your first water trial. Beginners, we encourage you to participate in all 3 sessions (even if you audit). You will learn so many techniques for working with your PWD now and be more prepared for advanced levels!

Optional: “Ask the Judge” Attendee dinner Q & A after workshop

Sunday, February 19, 2023
10:00 – 1:00 Continued Beginning/Intermediate
(Apprentice & Working Level Skills)

  • Land Games to play to train behaviors
  • How to train Jumping from a boat and boarding a boat
  • Working on control with distractions (+/- theory)
  • Rewards (intended and unintended!)
  • Nailing the Retrieve
  • Using Commands

 Lunch: 1:00 – 2:30 Pizza & Salad Lunch (no charge) with Q & A

2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Intermediate/Advanced
(Working, Courier & Beyond)

  • Advanced Land Games
  • Vectoring
  • Proofing
  • Discrimination & Marking
  • Transfers, send to person (boat)

Please Note:

Working Teams
Working slots are open to those attendees whose PWDs are comfortable sitting in a crate during the lecture part of instruction. No exceptions for the safety of all participants. Please bring your own crate. One dog per handler.

Auditors
Audit slots are meant for those who are attending the lectures and would prefer to learn by watching the working teams. Attendees guests should sign up for audit slot.

Dogs

  • Collar and/or harness and 6′ leash
  • Water harness (if they have one)
  • Dog crate, something to cover your crate if your PWD starts participating in the lecture (towel is fine) & Water Bowl
  • Soft, high value training treats (3-4 different types, cut into pieces not larger than a pea)
  • Favorite toy

People

  • Drinking Water
  • Comfortable chair, if you don’t love folding chairs
  • PFD, if you have one (yes, we’re going to use it!)
  • Please wear closed-toe shoes (sneakers, mocs, water shoes; just something that doesn’t get your toes tromped on!)
  • Notebook & pen or pencil

Workshop Registration and Payment
Please register below to sign up for any or all workshop sessions. Discount for 2 or more sessions. We encourage you to attend them all!
Working Teams (handler and PWD)
1 workshop         $35

2 workshops       $60
All 3 workshops  $85

Auditor/Guest attendance is $25 for 1 (additional discounts apply for more than 1 session)
Please add $5 for each workshop if you are not a current member of the PWDCNC
Sunday Lunch (Pizza and Salad) will be provided by the PWDCNC
Questions? Contact Kathy SouzaPWDCNC Water Chair

 

Please register for Workshop Sessions by Friday, February 10, 2023

About our Instructor
Karen Pratt, PWDCA Water Committee Member, PWDCA Water Trial Judge

I have had dogs all of my life and started showing and training dogs at the age of 7, when my mom started breeding Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. My first PWD was added to our household in 2002, “Splash.” He taught me a lot about living with the breed – mainly that they all need a job to do – but also that they are very smart, funny, and versatile. I have participated in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Water, Agility, as well as trained for Therapy and Scentwork.

I got “hooked” into water at the 2004 National Specialty; watching these dogs execute tasks that they were historically bred to do still thrills me! It is my honor to be able to serve as a Water Trial Judge for our club, and I truly enjoy every minute of not only watching the dogs work in the water, but also assisting people in their training.

Over the past 30 years, I have served on several boards, ranging from social to educational to sports, not to mention PWDs. Volunteering for all of these various organizations has given me an extensive knowledge of leadership and financial needs that are specific to non-profits, and I believe that those experiences translate well to our club.

In my professional life, I managed my husband’s medical practice for 10 years. In that role, I was responsible for all things financial, as well as Human Resources, contracting, and Information Technology.

I am married to a very patient man who allows me to have fun with our dogs! We currently live with 2 PWD’s – 14 year old Ruby and 7 year old Lottie – and we have two adult children.

I’ve been a member of the PWDCA since 2003, and I enjoy giving back to the breed through judging water trials, teaching water workshops, and volunteering for the club.