FAQs

Yes, they are exactly the same and are being run by the same test managers and groups that previously ran tests for the breed clubs.  We also use the same judges as the three breed clubs.  We call the tests Standard Tests to differentiate from the Achiever’s Awards. That is the only difference.

The WNC multi-passes – We offer a bronze, silver and gold level of multi-pass.  Bronze is 5, Silver is 8 and Gold is 10.  We do this so that those dogs who have reached their peak still have something to aim for.

No of course not. We accept judges at the section of level they are already on. After this, all of our judges go through a mentoring system so they get as much help as they can from experienced judges to improve their judging skills and practice. We asked judges what they wanted and many new judges asked for more support. We would never put two Section A judges together for example. A judge still has to meet criteria of judging experiences and number of dogs before they are moved up. Our experienced judges act as mentors and make recommendations on moving up. This way, we maintain a good judging standard, and no judges are are put under pressure to move up before they are ready. All of this is done in line with the Rules and Regulations followed by all Clubs but we call it mentoring.

During the process of setting up the club, a long discussion was had with the Kennel Club about our desire to bestow the title of Champion on those dogs that obtained the Diploma as recognised by the three breed clubs. The Kennel Club were perfectly happy for us to do this so long as this title was not used on any show or obedience test entry forms at events run by the Kennel Club.  Further, they agreed that they had no jurisdiction over any of the activities that we undertook with this breed of dog. We both agreed that there was no benefit to us registering with the Kennel Club in fact, we couldn’t as we had no activities we could register that they recognised.  The only thing it does affect is that we cannot run Good Citizen Awards but as we run our own obedience awards, much of this is incorporated into our Obedience Grades one to five.

Initially we asked all 3 Breed Clubs to recognise our standard water and draught tests but all 3 declined to do so, saying they would look at it again in a years time. It was always our intention to recognise the passes of our members that had been or would be gained with any club. They were undertaking the same tests using many of the same judges so we saw no reason not to do this. By accepting those passes, it meant that if a person went to another club as passed a Section B for the first time, then they couldtake a Section C with us. We wanted to recognise all passes so that tour members could take tests with all clubs and not be stuck with only being able to work within our club to progress. Those who joined did not seem to mind the restrictions placed on them by other clubs and non-recognition of their passes with us. The Southern Newfoundland Club did initially opt to recognise their members passes undertaken with the WNC which is good for their members alowing them to gain passes at other venues for their multi-passes. PLEASE NOTE: This decision has now been rescinded.

Because we have all been working our dogs for many years, those setting up the club recognised that not all dogs will get to the higher levels of water and draught. We wanted to provide something for all abilities of dogs to do at our events so we wrote the Achiever’s awards and we consistently get as many entries for those as we do for the standard tests. Many members have said that they have renewed their interest in working as it has brought in so much fun for their dogs and now they are good at something whether it be water, draught, nose work or obedience. The water awards are based on demo exercises and the standard tests so all dogs can choose exercises that their dogs enjoy or that help with the training for exercises in the standard tests. Above all they are fun and those getting to the highest levels receive a Distinction Title so they too have something to aim for.

Our club has comprehensive insurance to ensure that anyone who suffers an accident is adequately covered. We have member to member insurance and this means that if a WNC member causes an accident and injures another WNC member, the injured party can claim off the clubs’s insurance. We also need to make sure that our Club is financially sustainable and able to offer as much as we can for those who are part of it. We subsidise certificate books, record books and our Year Book. We provide badges for all first time passes at any level, section or grade and give framed multi-pass certificates as well as rosettes for our Distinction Title holders and a glass engraved trophy and sash for our Champions. We also give a lovely memorial candle to those who have lost a dog during the year at our AGM. We are starting to provide free training seminars and produce guidance books. Not bad for £20.00 a year.

Before, during and now after ten years the club has been formed we have spoken to many working members about what they wanted to see in a working club. We have and will continue to do this with surveys and feedback forms and verbal discussions. We will always do this so that we know that what we are doing is what people want. We know that success is based on longevity and we will not become complacent about setting our standards high, in line with what our members want, and doing our very best to always strive to improve. We are very grateful for the encouragement and feedback from our members and our judges who have helped us in making the club a success.