Spring Water Rescue Seminar

Spring Water Rescue Seminar - May 27 & 28, 2023

This year the Central Ontario Newfoundland Dog Club will hold its Water Rescue Seminar on May 27th  & May 28th  at Guelph Lake Conservation Area.  The two day class is for beginners as well as for those who have already had experience with water work.  

We are thrilled to have Connie Luoma returning to Ontario to instruct this year.  Connie is a NDCC Water Test Judge and a wonderful competitor herself.   Connie and her husband Tracy have led many water rescue dog training seminars for CONDC over the years and we are thrilled to have Connie return again this year.  Connie and Tracy are busy breeding and showing their Blackstrap Newfoundland Dogs but have always continued to be active in working dog sport.  Connie is an excellent instructor.  She will ensure our Newfs have a positive experience and help them advance whether your Newf has never having entered the water before or is getting ready to title.  

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 and rescuing a drowning victim.  

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. 

Instructor Bio: Connie Luoma

connie-luoma.pngConnie along with her husband Tracy, own Blackstrap Newfoundlands in Thompson, Ohio.  They are members of the Newfoundland Dog Club of America  (NCA) and are on the Breeder of Distinction list with the NCA as well as being Newfoundland Ambassadors  for the NCA.  Connie is also one of the Activity Chairs and a board member of Penn Ohio Newfoundland Dog Club.  After trialing dogs in Ontario for many years Connie also became a NDCC Water Rescue Dog Judge. 

Connie and Tracy got their first Newf, “Tuck” from Canada 20 years ago in 2003.  Connie has said that, “Tuck was the perfect Newf. He taught me so much and I enjoyed working with him. We built a bond out of trust. But he did spoil me.”  After Tuck, many Newfs followed, starting with Hope and Reggie who all taught Connie something new and then more Newfs to compete in Conformation, Obedience, Water Rescue, Draft, Therapy Work and so many social events.  Then ten years ago Connie and Tracy purchased their boarding and breeding kennel where they currently have 9 Newfoundlands and “maybe more” before the seminar.  Tracy works full time at the kennel and Connie is a Commercial Lines Insurance Account Executive.  Connie and Tracey have two daughters, Casey who has her Newfoundland Gabe and Chelsea who has Ripley.  There are also 5 grandchildren now who also love the Newfs and may be competing with Ripley in Water Rescue Work after some training from Grandma.   

Connie has not only trialed in Water Rescue Dog work in Ontario but has lead a number of seminars with her husband Tracy in previous years to a delighted group of participants.  Connie is an enthusiastic and joyful trainer that brings out the best in all of the dogs.  Her seminars are so much fun that the dogs and the owners together have a great time. 

The CONDC is so very happy to have Connie Luoma come to instruct this year’s Water Rescue Dog Seminar.

Note About the Seminar

Newfs must be at least four months old to participate.  

NO LIFEGUARDS are on duty.  Parents are responsible for their children.  

Register to Attend

To register please download and complete the registration form.

Registration Form

What to Bring:

For You:  

  • DOT approved life jacket
  • Bathing suit, towel, change of clothes
  • Appropriate shoes to wear in the water

For your Newf: 

  • Collar
  • 6 foot nylon leash
  • Canvas retrieving toy (bumper)
  • Lots of treats and water bowl 
  • Crate