Born in Italy and now practiced in several European countries, canine water rescue tests a dog's ability to intervene effectively in an aquatic environment — retrieving objects, towing people, jumping from a boat or helicopter depending on the level.
The principle and the trials
Competitions combine several exercises of increasing difficulty: round-trip swimming with object retrieval, towing a swimmer in simulated distress, jumping from a boat, and even teamwork with several dogs at once for advanced levels.
Which dogs excel at this discipline
As mentioned in our article on the Newfoundland, this breed naturally dominates water rescue thanks to a build specifically suited to swimming. The Labrador and Golden Retriever, also excellent swimmers, are also well represented in this discipline.
A specific physical preparation
Unlike the land-based disciplines covered in our previous articles, water rescue engages different muscle groups and requires particular effort management linked to water resistance. A gradual introduction to swimming, with short sessions initially, builds the necessary endurance without prematurely exhausting the dog.
Essential precautions
- Check the water temperature before any intensive training — hypothermia remains a real risk even for cold-adapted breeds
- Watch for signs of fatigue while swimming, as an exhausted dog can drown more easily than one might think
- Plan a recovery phase after exertion, with thorough drying to prevent ear infections (see our article on grooming the active dog)
A team that must trust each other absolutely
Water rescue requires a particularly high level of mutual trust between the dog and its handler, who must sometimes let the dog "tow" them during certain exercises — a discipline that builds a rare aquatic bond.
Also available in English: harness or collar: which to choose depending on use, ticks and parasites: protecting the active dog all year round and paw pad care: protecting the active dog's feet. More translations are added over time.