Congratulations Titlists!

As the year comes to a close we celebrate all the dog and handler teams that have earned titles for the 2023 year in both water tests and draft tests. 34 water tests and 29 draft tests we held across the country! Kudos to all the hardworking regional committees who worked so hard to put these hallmark events together. 

For the 83 dog and handler teams that earned draft titles, and the 69 pairs that earned water titles, their accomplishments are visible for everyone to see and to celebrate. Nothing compares to watching an effortless leap for a paddle, or watching a Newf lean into their harness for a tough uphill haul.

We would also like to celebrate the accomplishments that did not come with a certificate, the tentative dog who worked up the courage to leave their handler on the beach and swim to a steward, the headstrong boy who focused enough on the beach to master basic control, the former rescue who learned the joy of building a bond with their handler during long freight hauls through the woods and the wiggly youngster who held still long enough to get harnessed and hitched.

Remember that every step of our journey is about enjoying time spent with our dogs and with friends who share our passion for this magnificent breed. Treasure every minute!

New Policy

In November, the Working Dog Committee and the NCA Board collaborated on language for a new policy for Out of Control dog behaviors at NCA events.

At all NCA Events dogs must be kept under control to prevent harm to itself or others. It is the owner/handler’s responsibility to ensure their dogs are under control for the duration of the event.

At NCA events dogs must be crated or leashed and collared at all times, except when the dogs are required to perform off leash. When dogs are leashed, the length of the leash must not exceed SIX (6) feet and the leash may NOT be a retractable leash.

Dogs should not be allowed to approach another dog without permission from the other dog’s owner/handler. Any dog that, in the opinion of the judges, event committee or designated safety officer representing the event, appears dangerous, shall be asked to leave the event promptly or be crated for the duration of the event and is excused from further participation in the event.

Anyone who witnesses a dog appearing to be dangerous should bring their concerns to the judges, event committee or safety officer. Part of upholding good sportsmanship is to take action through the appropriate channels.

Examples of out of control behavior would include but is not limited to:

Aggressive vocalization such as barking and growling, or aggressive behavior toward any person or animal such as snapping, biting, lunging, charging, attacking or attempting to attack at any time while on the test grounds.

Owners and handlers are responsible for monitoring the well-being and safety of their dog(s). If left unattended the owner/handler must check on them frequently to ensure they are safe.

If the dog is excused from the test grounds for aggression, the automatic grievance policy of the NCA is enacted. If an injury to dog or person occurs, the AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows Ch 11, section 15 goes into effect. (References, chapter 2, section 14 in both water and draft regulations).

Clubs can download this policy from the Working Forms Library (Common Test Forms) to add to events registrations