The Tadpole Test Was Developed by Judi Adler of CRNC and Gaby Cohen of NCNC (And Some

TADPOLE QUIZ

The Tadpole test was developed by Judi Adler of CRNC and Gaby Cohen of NCNC (and some others -- let me know and I'll include you!) as
a way to get beginners wet -- to introduce dogs to the water, and to satisfy that urge among spectators who sit through the NCA test each year
to give it a try. It's always fun, informal, and a great way to end the test.

Tadpole Rules: Modified

1. The Fetch. You toss a bumper out 25 feet into the water. Your dog swims out and fetches it, then brings it back to you as you wait on land. He doesn't have to hand it to you; he can drop it at your feet, or you can grab it from him as he's leaving the water, or he can go onto shore past you and drop it and you can walk down and pick it up. Or he can drop it in the water, so long as you can reach it without stepping into the water yourself. One minute time limit.

2. The Dunk. Walk into shallow water with your dog. Show him his favorite sinking toy. (The article is up to you, provided it'll sink immediately and it's no more than four inches long in any direction. For instance, a wiffle ball with rocks inside.) Toss or set the toy into water four inches deep. Then it's up to him. To pass, he can put his face under right there and pick it up. Or he can paw it shallower and then pick it up with his mouth. Or he can paw it all the way onto dry land and then you can pick it up.

3. The Send. A kindly, enticing "stranger" greets your dog on shore and shows the dog that he (the stranger) has the dog's bumper. Then he swims out 25 feet from shore, while you wait on shore with your dog. The swimmer waves the bumper and splashes it in the water (holding it) and entices your dog, calling him by name. The dog swims out and gets the bumper from the guy, then swims back to you and "delivers" as in #1 above.

4. The Boat. A steward holds the boat out at swimming depth for the dog. Handler and dog enter the water and proceed to boat. Dog is given a line attached to the boat and directed to tow it parallel to shore for 10 feet, the handler may remain on the dog's shoreward side and encourage pulling, dog may then tow boat towards shore.

5. The Swim. A kindly steward gently holds your dog on shore. You wade out, then swim out to a spot 25 feet from shore. Then you call your dog and encourage him to come out to you. He does, swimming to you, and then you both return to shore, swimming together but without the dog towing you. This is a social swim, with the dog near but not on top of you. Both of you swim till the dog reaches wading depth.