Are you looking for something to do with your dog? Portuguese Water Dogs are a working breed. As such, there is nothing they desire more than a job. Remember, if a PWD is not given a job to do, they are most likely to go out on their own and find one themselves. What is the importance of a title on your dog? The following article, written by Sandy Mowery specifically refers to an Obediece title, but I think I speak for all the titled Afortunado dogs and their owners who can attest to the fact that these sentiments ring true no matter what title your dog achieves!
What is an Obedience Title, Really?By Sandy Mowery Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores; a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything is this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better. And though the dog himself doesn’t know or care that his achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count. A title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable and good natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And, a title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed and that, in the end, your faith was justified. A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials after the name. An obedience title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received and recorded permanently. |
There are so many things to do with this energetic breed. Here are some of them. Take a look and maybe you might find an interest you had never considered before. The world of dog ownership can open so many doors! For more detailed information about any of the activities listed on this page, you can visit either the American Kennel Club or the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America websites.
Conformation: This is the most recognizable event in which dogs compete. Dogs are judged against a written breed standard for physical attributes and correct temperament. It is a forum for dog enthusiasts to showcase potential breeding stock. It is a great place to see a lot of dogs of all breeds and learn from experienced breeders and handlers.
Obedience: A well behaved dog is essential to a happy family life. Obedience class offerings generally start for puppies at around the ages of 3-5 months old, but training can start as soon as you get home with your puppy. By teaching your puppy the basic commands of sit, stay and down as well as a strong recall, you have laid the foundation for more advanced Obedience work. More importantly, your new family member will have the tools to behave respectfully around you and your guests and with a good recall, he will be much safer when he is outside. Once your dog knows the basic Obedience commands, you may want to take more advanced classes and work toward AKC recognized Obedience titles for your dog. As with any other activity done with your dog, the relationship between you and your dog can only strengthen.
Rally: Rally Obedience was introduced by the AKC as a stepping stone into competitive Obedience. It is a great way for a young dog and/or new handler to work on basic competitive Obedience skills. This is also a sport that offers titles on your dog through AKC as does Obedience, but the rules differ slightly. Rally allows the handler to talk to the dog and use any hand signals needed. Competitors in Rally are generally very encouraging and helpful even on trial day. It is a great way to spend time with your dog and, more than likely, meet new friends.
Afortunado Fiona’s Secret CGC,TDI,RA, "Fiona"; CH Abeja Manoel Pardal Rivero, NAP, NJP, RN, CGC, TDI, "Bandit"; CH Afortunado Aidan Curren, OAP, NJP, RE, CGC, TDI, HIC "Aidan", CH Brieahndriftwood's XS, NA, "Toz" at the 2006 National Specialty with their Qualifying ribbons in Rally Obedience. |
Agility: The sport of canine agility is the fastest growing sport the AKC offers. In agility, dogs must run a pre-designed course including tunnels, jumps and other obstacles folowing the handler's verbal and body cues. Classes in agility are offered at most training facilities and local kennel clubs. AKC reconized titles are earned through competition at agility trials. This sport creates a strong bond between handler and dog and provides wonderful exercise for both. It is the most fun you can have with your dog!
Pirate takes a tire jump while practicing in the back yard. |
Therapy Work: The Portuguese Water Dog's outgoing temperament and natural need to be around people makes this breed a wonderful therapy dog. There are many different types of therapy work available to dogs. Dogs are probably most often seen in senior facilities, nursing homes and hospitals. Many therapy dogs are now being used as reading assistance dogs in schools and libraries. There are several owners working in the mental health fields who take their Therapy dogs into work with them. Starting your puppy at an early age to feel comfortable in several different situations outside her home with loud noises and lots of people around will go a long way when she matures a little and is eligible to pass her therapy dog test. There are three main therapy organizations who certify therapy dogs. These are listed on the PWDCA website.
 Bandit and Aidan with an eager reader. |
 Bling greets a young admirer while at a local Museum during one of her therapy work sessions. |
Water Work: The original work that the Portuguese Water Dog was bred for in Portugal was to be an integral, working crew member of the fishing boats. This work included carrying messages between the different fishing boats, retrieving the fishing lines from the water, diving underwater to herd the fish into the nets and guarding the nets, boats and catch when the boats returned to port. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America has developed a set of exercises that demonstrate these unique working abilities and awards titles to those dogs who complete them during a trial. It is during a water trial that you are able to really appreciate the wonderful working water abilities these dogs possess. And what could be more fun than harnessing your dog's natural abilities while splashing around in a lake or your backyard pool! Complete information about water work with your portie can be found here.
Tracking: Training a dog to track requires little equipment. You would need a long lead, a few small orange flags and a dog with a good nose and a willingness to work. Titles in tracking start with a 440-500 yard course and 3-5 turns and get progressively longer with more turns as you work up to higher levels. Dogs track a scent that is laid earlier in the day and end the course by finding the hidden object. AKC awards tracking titles to eligible dogs upon completion of a course.
Herding: Although Portuguese Water Dogs are not a breed recognized by the AKC to earn titles in Herding trials, there are several breed clubs who open up their trials to many non-traditional herding breeds. The natural urge to herd in the Portuguese Water Dogs goes back to those fishing boats in Portugal when they were required to herd fish into the nets. Several Afortunado puppy owners talk of their porties herding other dogs, ducks, even children when they feel there is a need to get that particular job done!