Water Rescue Seminar - May 23rd 2026

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 We are excited to try something new this year by having multiple instructors. Our hope is to provide more one-on-one attention and practice time. Whether your dog is getting ready to enter a test or just getting started there will be something for everyone.

 Working together to learn new skills is a wonderful bonding experience for you and your Newf. Water work is particularly enjoyable because it brings out the natural skills and instincts that are inherent in this wonderful breed.

The seminar will run from 9am to 4pm 

Please arrive by 8:45am.

You and your dog will begin to learn the elements of water rescue which include:

• retrieving (you will have a chance to practice this both on land and in the water)
• pulling a boat to shore
• jumping off a boat into the water 
• rescuing a drowning victim

Members - $60

Non-Members - $70

 All breeds are welcome!

NOTE: Entry fees to Guelph Lake are NOT included in the seminar fees.

To register for the seminar online click on Register Now or you can download the Event Registration Form to be mailed/emailed back to us. The Event Registration Form can be found in the Reference Documents section below.

Registration will open soon

• DOT approved life jacket
• Bathing suit, towel, change of clothes
• Wet suit (optional)
• Appropriate shoes to wear in the water
• Lunch, Drinks and Snacks
• Lawn Chair

• Collar
• 6 foot nylon leash
• Retrieving toy (bumper)
• Lots of treats and water bowl 
• Crate
• Shampoo and towel to bathe your dog at the end of the day
• Life jacket (optional)

Guelph Lake Conservation Area

 7743 Conservation Rd. 

RR 4 Guelph, ON N1H 6J1 

1. Use designated potty areas
2. Pick up after your dog
3. Place all waste in the garbage cans provided
4. Crate dogs when not working - this will allow you to learn from watching other teams work
5. Give lots of space to other dogs - not all dogs will be comfortable having another dog in their personal space. We will also have intact males present who need a bit of room from other male dogs.
6. Do not allow your dog to greet or play with another dog

My life as a drafting and water rescue judge and teacher. By June Ward

I first became interested in draft and water rescue and started working with Newfoundlands in 1989, when I got a pup from Jim and Jackie Wright at Swissview Kennels.

I attended draft seminars and water seminars in Hillsburgh at their home, and it didn't take long before I was hooked, and volunteering to help with seminars, and tests. Peggy Flockhart was my mentor, so in my opinion, I learned from the best. Judging just seemed to be the next step.

I have judged Water and Draft in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick,

Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. I have taught draft seminars in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Michigan.

I live in Tiny, Ontario. Presently I have one Berner, one Leonberger living with me. I have been breeding Bernese since 1995 and Leonbergers since 2006.

I am a member of the Newfoundland National Club, The Leonberger National Club, The Bernese National Club, The Central Ontario Newfoundland club, The Leonberger Club of Ontario and a founding member of the Bernese Mountain club of Ontario, and a life member of the Canadian Kennel club.

I have had the good fortune to be around the Newfoundland breed since childhood, starting with my parents and other family members who frequently adopted rescues needing a permanent home. Growing up with this amazing breed brought its challenges along with great rewards.

The adventure into the realm of water rescue began when I joined the CONDC in 2016 and volunteered as a drowner in what I regarded as the extremely cold water of Guelph Lake. In that year, Neeji joined our household and we took on the challenge of both of us learning

to swim and training for the water test. Although the first test was not even remotely successful, we continued the quest and had the advantage of incredible mentors to help us improve our skills. Over the next two seasons, we achieved the WRDX title with a heart stopping moment as the water current took hold of the jacket and seat cushion but Neeji took her commands and completed the task.

Through the following year I earned my judging credentials and now look forward to helping participants and giving back to this sport community. Water rescue training takes much dedication, effort and time, and a village of people to help participants achieve their own

objectives.

I have been involved with training and trialing dogs in obedience, rally obedience, water rescue and draft for over 30 years. 

My goal when I am working with my own dog is to have a happy and enthusiastic partner; when I am teaching a workshop the goal is to  provide the information needed to achieve  success; and when I am judging to try to provide positive feedback on that day's performance and hopefully to congratulate the team(s) on a good performance.