Water Rescue Training

Question
I have a 2 Newfoundland dogs, one is 3 yrs old and the other is 5 months old. I would like to get the youngest started on water rescue training. Currently we are working on getting hes CGC certifate so I am active in training with him. I've done some research on this but only have come up with a few suggestions, such as hot dog hunting (which is were you drop a piece of hot dog in water and the dog retrieves it and eats it as his reward) this gets the dog use to going underwater, as well basic retrieve objects in water. But I would like to learn more on this and have not been able to really find information on this subject in great detail. I have visited the NCA site and Sweetbay site as those have been recommended to me. I have also searched for trainers in my area and only found people that was more than willing to train on other topics. He shows a strong drive to please so I dont want to miss the opprotunity. Any suggestions?

Answer
Start with looking at what the goal of a water rescue dog is.  The basic purpose is to bring a human to shore, boat, rescue humans.  This is generally done with conscious victims for less experienced dogs.  So get out in the water with your dog and start grabbing his collar-gently, so you don't scare him.  It sounds like you have already been working on his recall so have his handler (whether you or someone else) call him to shore while the "victim" is holding the collar and swimming alongside.  Do not make him tow the victim until he is ready.  You can also train him to go to a target.  In your situation I would use a flag-this way you can put in on shore or on a boat, and send the dog to it.  

As far as a reference to get training help, I do not know of any trainers other than rescue teams that do work like this.  I can only advise you as far as what the goal is and steps to get there.  There are going to be nuances to that type of advanced training that I will not know, as I have not experienced it.

You have a very noble goal, and I wish you all the best with it.  I will be very happy to advise you to the beginning steps-to get you ready for working with a team.  Feel free to email me at erica.slomka@jumpinjacs.com with any questions or updates on your training!