Working Dog Program

Our Mission

We are dedicated to strengthening the bond between Leonberger owners and their dogs. We will encourage, recognize and guide members through the many opportunities that utilize the natural versatility of the Leonberger breed.

Our Vision

We strive to ensure that all members of our Leonberger community engage in activities that enhance socialization, build confidence, and allow them to enjoy the companionship of their Leonbergers in ways that fulfill the working roots of the breed.

Working Dog Committee

Chair

Marietta Mennone

Treasurer

Susan Manuel

Secretary

Deb Knappenberger

Members

Alison Reed
Susan Lattier
Sunny Simpson
Lisa Carriker
Sue Turbow
Kristen Bowsher

Contact the Working Dog Committee

Leonberger Activities

Learn about the different activities you can do with your leo

Working Dog Documents

View our library of documents for the working dog program

Working Dog Mentors

Leonberger Activities

One of the most rewarding parts of owning a Leonberger, is the interaction between you and your dog. Leonberger owners may be involved in breeding, judging, conformation, companion events (Agility, Obedience, Rally, Tracking), performance events (Farm Dog, Lure Coursing, Coursing Ability, Scent Work, Temperament Test), therapy, drafting, flyball, search and rescue, or simply enjoying their Leo as loving companions. Learn more about some of the activities in which Leonbergers excel below or view expanded descriptions at Leonberger University.

Agility

Dog agility is a sport in which a handler is given a set amount of time in which to direct a dog off-leash through an obstacle course. In competition, the obstacles are arranged in various course configurations, always unique from trial to trial, that offer levels of challenges appropriate to the class and experience level of the dogs competing. The obstacles used in agility have been designed with both safety and spectator appeal in mind.

Drafting/Carting

Carting is growing in popularity among Leonberger owners who want to share an activity with their dogs while maintaining the working heritage of their breed. Leonbergers are particularly well-suited to drafting because they are a large, sturdy working breed with a desire to please. Whether you and your dog wish to earn a title, march in a parade, give rides to the neighborhood kids, or just bring in the firewood, drafting is extremely rewarding. he LCA offers two titles for carting dogs.

Go to Draft page

Flyball

Flyball is essentially a relay race between 2 teams of 4 dogs, racing against each other in separate lanes. Each dog on the team must jump 4 hurdles, retrieve a tennis ball from a spring-loaded device called a “box”, and return back over the hurdles again with the ball. As soon as the first dog returns, the second dog is released. The winning team is the first one to get all four dogs over the course and back again with no faults or early changeovers.

Nosework

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. The activity and sport of Nose Work designed to develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great way for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy.

Obedience

Obedience events test the training of dogs as they perform a series of prescribed exercises at the command of their handler. There are several levels of competition, ranging from basic commands such as “sit”, “come” and “heel ” to scent discrimination and directed retrieves over jumps. It takes dedication, time and patience. Obedience requires a desire on your part to have a closer relationship with your Leonberger and a willingness to put in the effort to work with your dog.

Therapy

Leos are particularly well suited for Therapy work, given their gentle disposition, love of children, and size (easy to pet from a bed!). Entering into any therapy work is not to be taken lightly. You and your Leonberger must work as a team. Your Leo must be trained in basic obedience and comfortable in many environments. Participating in therapy work with your Leonberger is a gift whose value is priceless.

Go to Therapy Page

Versatility

The Versatile Leonberger certifications are designed to encourage members to train and work with their Leonbergers in the pursuits for which they were intended, to recognize the accomplishments of Leo-handler teams that work together in a variety of events, and to aid breeders in developing lines that exemplify the versatility that is a hallmark of our breed.

Go to Versatilty Page

Water Work

With their webbed feet, Leos love the water. Preparing for water work involves intense training and dedication. The owner must ensure her dog is healthy and capable of the exercises. If you take the time to work with your Leo in the water, you will find a true bond and witness a very happy dog.

Go to Water Work Page

Working Pack Dog

The LCA recognizes three levels of Working Pack Dog titles: Working Pack Dog Novice, Working Pack Dog Advanced and Working Pack Dog Excellent.

Go to Working Pack Dog Page

Working Dog Program

Our Mission

Our Vision

Chair

Treasurer

Secretary

Members

Contact the Working Dog Committee

Leonberger Activities

Working Dog Documents

Working Dog Mentors

Top Leos

Hall of Fame

New Title Application