Category: Protect

Keeping it safe, fun, and defining the borderline of tolerance.

One of the most important topics for me working with Bernhardt’s swimming, retrieving toys, and jumping after them from a dock was the water. Early on, I did a lot of online research, interviewed a couple of different veterinarians, asked the North American Diving Dogs (NADD) organization management for advice, and talked to as may dock diving facility operators as possible. So, I have gathered the results of that study to serve as a fundamental guideline for promoting good decisions when swimming a dog.

Before starting, major factors to consider for swimming a dog are: coat, size, age, and overall health and fitness level. Another factor is the eventual use of protective gear. There are customized neoprene wet suits ranging in thicknesses, depending on whether the whole body (including the head) is exposed to water impact and to what depth the dog will go under the water. There can be a severe temperature difference of several degrees between the water’s surface and below the surface. The duration (time in the water) of swim matters as well as the outside temperature and the amount of work the dog has done prior to entering the water, as these factors create a difference in body heat.  

As a general margin, most dogs (not all) can tolerate a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius) with environmental (outside air) temperatures of no lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The gap in temperature between environment and water is very important to keep in mind. A pool that is set outside overnight with tens of thousands of gallons water – or indoors, filled with hydrant water – that has a water temperature in the low 30’s Fahrenheit will not be able to heat up enough for the competition the following day, even if the environmental temperatures reaches 70-degree margins. Jumping in the cold water from warm environmental air feels like exposure to severe ice water.

Bernhardt has a short hair, no undercoat, and very little fat layers. Similar coat conditions occur in Greyhounds, Whippets, and mixes thereof (Vizslas, Dobermans, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shorthaired Pointers, and so on). These dog breeds actually dominate the diving circuit. They have shown hesitation and begun to refuse entering or swimming in water that is at temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius). Quite the contrary are the thick coat, or double coated, dogs such as Labradors, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernhards, or similar breeds which have shown no problems enduring temperatures in the low 30’s Fahrenheit or even lower. My feeling here is where I will not go in, my dog should not go in either; a 16-degree Celsius margin.

Small dogs (lap class contenders) are not as sturdy, senior dogs are more fragile, and puppies should definitely not get a horrible taste of the wild early on in their precious lives. It should be logical to be aware of any underlying health conditions such as Cushing’s disease, heart conditions, kidney disease, or diabetes as these impact a dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature properly. Hypothermia begins mildly when the dog’s body temperature falls to 90-99 degrees Fahrenheit, moderate hypothermia is measured at 82 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and severe hypothermia below 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.7 Celsius); one should be vigilant looking for signs such as strong shivering or trembling, sleepy or lethargic displays, stiffness, diluted pupils, or lack of coordination. If you must work your dog in colder water, then you should slowly condition the dog prior to the work so as to get them accustomed through a step-by-step procedure over weeks. The length of swim time can be a matter of life and death since prolonged outings can lead to hypothermia, a sudden impact to severe shock and psychological trauma.

I personally use protective gear on Bernhardt when the temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But in the end, I prefer to not swim him in these conditions, period.

Dogs who are toy-driven or playful towards prey are notorious for exceeding their own limits, pushing themselves further and further. The combination of chilling water and outdoor temperatures in the mid 40’s (Fahrenheit) with a breeze on top of that seems destined to impact muscular and tendon functionality, which are about to perform the next high agility move, in a rather negative way.  It is imperative to monitor the amounts of jumps, water contact, and swim times during these treacherous conditions with eagle eye precision. The imprinted pattern to jump and chase after their object of desire drives the dog to throw themselves into ice water. Yes, dogs will jump without hesitation based on what they learned but also what they do not yet know. It could be the very last jump of their career, or their lives, and one must absolutely be aware of the possibility and your subsequent role of responsibility.

Some stationary diving facilities do offer constant monitoring of their water through a permanently installed or floating thermostat. This is the absolute right thing to do. Not only is it morally right, but it speaks to the quality of the facility. Almost all mobile docks operated by the main hosting organizers do lack transparency in regards to the water conditions that they offer and leave it up to the customers who have varying amounts of education in making decisions regarding the exposure of their dogs. In my view, it should be made mandatory to establish thermostats at outings. By doing so, data is provided which leads to informed decisions in the best interest of the well-being of the animal. The actual temperature should be publicly disclosed for everybody to see before you pay admission fees, just like at a public swimming pool. Simply put, just sticking your hand or arm into the water is not a one-hundred percent safe procedure in making a decision. Your hands might be cold and the water seems warm, or the surface feels alright but just two feet further down it is almost freezing since the pool sits on asphalt or grass and is not insulated. The water is considered to be too cold once you feel stinging or burning sensations on your skin when exposed.

Water temperature is a critical material fact, not only in the business of dock diving but also for those just wanting to play with their dogs at a pond or the ocean shores. Bernhardt does not know before touching the surface what this will be about me throwing a toy or a stick. He will happily execute the task he loves to do, just to eventually get badly hurt or traumatized. I hold tremendous power over the outcome and in direct result, I also hold power over his physical and mental well-being. Trust once lost is a hard thing to regain, and a life lost is a tragedy.

Lucas County Fairgrounds, Maumee Oh. It is the 2nd of October 2020, 7:15 am, outside temperature 39 F or 3.9 Celsius. Bernhardt, the competing athlete and I, the trainer,coach and agent are arriving at the NADD venue set for the ultimate seasonal highlight of a Covid 19 battled year that forced the world to restructure and rethink – the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP of NADD and the affiliated AKC.

The outdoors held event was scheduled to begin at 8 am with it’s first discipline the Hydro dash running alphabetically starting A-Z. Bernhardt and I had uniquely managed to qualify for all three finals available, nationwide he ranked first in Distance in a tie, sixth in Hydro, in Air Retrieve he had qualified over an advanced title, he had also produced a highscore at a national qualifier. The competition platform was one of the for all and any NADD finals commonly used mobile dock operated by a Michigan crew.

I had inspected the grounds the day before, just to become familiar with the set up, parking, travel patterns and grass areas for eventual relief. The dock and pool were almost ready to go the filing of it not yet complete, the hose still running off the fire hydrant. It was a sunny bright day with temperatures hovering around mid 50’s or 12.8 C. We had schooled in colder water the weeks ahead and used a custom tailored neoprene wetsuit for practice. Needless to say for me, the human, these Nationals meant a great deal, they only happen once a year, a spot on the podium could become an achievement of a lifetime and there are only so many repetitions to do it. Bernhardt was a serious on paper favorite to hit a good score with a proven very consistent record, we had done anything in our power to prepare for this event in the best ways possible. For us being very aware that American Staffordshire terrier breeds are permanently banned from German import a title or something close to it could even turn into an import permit for my dog – in case I ever had to return.

7:45 am – more cars are pulling in. Most people that walk around – including the dock’s crew – are wearing solid winter clothes, some even gloves. Some dogs are wearing their winter jackets or little buckle up blankets being lead around the swimming pool that has no transparent thermostat in it, the water is not showing any kind of steam and things simply begin to just not feel right. Shortly before our brief practice I stick my hand into the water and it feels borderline warm enough to me – later I realized that my hands were freezing cold and that this sensation was a clear misconception. We practiced in the neoprene suit just of the ramp and Bernhardt swam without hesitation, coming back out he shook the water off and we went back to the heated car awaiting our start to compete.

8:15 am outside temperature 43 f or 6.12 C. We get on the dock, the Hydro bumper is all set, the rig worker splashing the water calling Bernhardt’s name, I set him on the mark, give my launching enticing command, release – and he stood still. Looking at me, barking, no move towards the edge, no jump. I quickly open the gate to the ramp throw the additional toy right at the hanging bumper, he launches of the ramp and retrieves of the hanger. Second attempt – ready…….set……go ……NO go. Side door open and he again retrieves the toy. He in the past on a single incident had not been able to see the toy due to reflections and the sunset that morning caused just those and so I thought that we had just gotten very unlucky and moved on without any further thought towards his next Championship attempt – the Distance jump.

Approximately 9:30 am temperature 48 f or 8.88 C We re-enter the dock after a good 10 minute very playful warm up with lots of stretches, little warm up jumps and mental stimulation. Taking the favorite toy for our practice jump, tossing it at the 16 ft mark place the dog 14 ft of the edge release and ………he runs, jumps with full power and energy lands very close to the toy goes under water for a very brief moment, comes up and returns to the ramp – leaving his toy behind. In the heat of the moment I just retrieve the toy handed by the rig crew take Bernhardt to the edge of the ramp toss his toy now to the 22 ft mark run with him back to the end of the ramp release and he takes off towards the edge – the next thing i hear is a loud human “Ough” and simultaneously a solid sliding noise and see my dog sideways slipping to the edge and than just standing there. By now it just all made sense. He tried his heart out but it was simply to much for him being very short haired without an undercoat – he just could not do it. I leashed him up quietly saying to us “okay, that is it ” and pulled him off the event for good. The outside and water conditions combined made the competition a mission impossible for my dog.

I in fact had just TAKEN it – that glamourous shining bait of a National Championship event by invitation only that we had to qualify for, were so deeply invested in, had worked so hard for and were favorite for at least a top ten placing in just one out of three opportunities. We paid a huge prize for it – in just 60 minutes there seemingly was nothing left but a fully defeated discouraged animal and a handler close to tears.

In hindsight there where indeed a lot of options here. First of course NADD’s non enthusiastic plain recommendation to just “TAKE it or LEAVE it”. Secondly to simply not try at all and never find out dealing with doubt and guilt for months to come – the latter is of course by now in place. There was however a third option available, one that could have produced stellar events with choices for the competitors and equal Championship opportunities for ALL breeds and ALL dogs alike: The main organizer had to severely change their business model and to really go all out restructuring their once a year Highlight event in Orlando that had very little probability to be held, and sacrifice part of their main annual revenue stream in favor of their very loyal clientele and to support the exhibiting animals.

The main reason why all finals have to run of the mobile docks is plain and simple : they are outright owned by NADD, run by staffers and all revenue goes directly to the owners. During regular season most likely the operating cost (wages, transport, insurance, exhibitor fees and so on) at an entry prize of 28 $ a jump do not create the desired profit, especially when the entry numbers run low. A Championship entry however goes for 50 $ a jump, full fields are almost guaranteed and by finding Covid 19 battled desperate for business show venues almost at no cost (the indoor rental option can be excused towards necessary Covid regulations) a substantial profit will be made and that material fact severely impacts all and any decisions – the National Championships do now turn into a serious human conflict of interest. The whole planning and scheduling primarily circulates around the mobile dock operation. No other condition truly matters.

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Here are possible scenarios that could have lead to much better Championship settings :

a) Spread the event over stationary docks in warmer regions of the country that easily can offer outdoor conditions that simply do not jeopardize the water temperature period. Those docks are already contracted and have to not only pay their share of any NADD entry at any event, they have also waived the right to host any other event and truly deserve the extra business for their loyalty. They also could cancel an event and reschedule just a few days later offering prime conditions if necessary – something that the mobile dock can not offer due to its operating challenges and associated cost. States like Florida or Georgia have also shown to be very light at their Covid restrictions

b) Place the entire available east coast mobile dock fleet in warmer areas of the nation. That might be a harder plan to execute based on the flexibility of the operators and the cost – which comes back to that these docks under stress just do not have a lot of flexibility nor mobility in emergency situations. When it comes to standard Championships however all and any competitors must come To Orlando Fl. Take it or leave it.

c) equip the mobile docks with water heaters or just make filling with warm water mandatory. The higher income justifies the expense.

d) To revoke the handlers privilege to volunteer to travel to warmer states is in full contradiction to insisting on coming to a warmer state when things are under normal conditions. A handler must have the right to travel.

e) Be brave and set conditions under which an event has to be cancelled and rescheduled or not even be held – period. In other animal shows with larger numbers of competitors and spectators (the Kentucky Derby or Jumping/Eventing shows) it is never ever the decision or choice of the exhibitor to enter the event under considerably hazardous conditions. It is the mandatory obligation of the host/organizer to not temper with the wellbeing of animals by playing with people’s heads. It is up to them to call the event off – which has happened a lot of times in the horse industry since the welfare of the animal is of utter priority and not every exhibitor is educated or at times ethical enough to follow that guideline.

The integrity and public displays of animal competitions are fragile and undergo public scrutiny very quickly once the train of poor exposures starts rolling. It is not only the one “bad” exhibitor, not the one single incident of exhaustion, injuries, hypothermia, not the one look of a distressed, in shock, defeated or limping animal that puts a dent to something awesome and respectable. It is more the ongoing representation, the marketing, the core intent of an organization how a sport will be looked at by its society and the prosperity of the activity as a whole.

After all yes, I do feel very badly about this particular outing and the outcome, facing quite some distrust displayed in my dog that really loves the water and to play with it. For having turned the activity that contributes greatly to his physical and mental well being into some form of scary horror trip. And so the best I feel i can do is work with all of this, try to explain and educate myself. Play much more with Bernhardt and make him love his water again and see him having real fun. That is what is on my heart and honestly after hearing “TAKE it or LEAVE it” and “There are a lot of folks that got banned for speaking up” do I really care to jump or just to lay out incentives to make it better, help others to consider, to make different decisions or to insist on fairness and transparency. To me the choice is obvious.

Please – don’t forget the dogs !