Album - Water Test - September 7, 2025

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LCA Water Test

2025 LCA Water Test hosted by LCNW

Saturday & Sunday, September 6 & 7, 2025
Deep Lake, Nolte State Park, Enumclaw, WA


Submitted by Lise Brandhagen, LCNW Water Test Secretary
Logo art by Maria Nelson, Dogged Design

A Wet and Wonderful Weekend

A patter of raindrops dripped on and from the trees throughout Nolte State Park (Enumclaw, WA). Rows of chairs were positioned toward the test area along the south shore of Deep Lake. It was the kind of day where you pause, look around, and think, this is a great day. Everyone was enthusiastic about why we had gathered, despite the weather forecast. Old friends, new friends, water-test-obsessed friends, and more than two dozen volunteers supported and cheered on the exhibitors of the 5th Annual LCA Water Test (and the separate 49th Annual NCA Water Test).

Water Test weekend in the Northwest usually occurs as summer fades to autumn. It gives dog-and-handler teams the longest stretch of our short summer for water training. The late-season trials often mean unpredictable weather and cooling lake temperatures. Jokes and remarks about rain on the day of a water test are common. Little did we know there would be a storm.

Saturday’s Splash: First-ever Lightning Delay

When testing got underway on Saturday, September 6th, a first-ever lightning delay stalled the test. As lightning delays go, the time was well spent. Members of the two clubs have a lot in common and seldom have idle time to visit during training and trials. Spirits were bright and conversation was lively in spite of the damp. When judges Sue Raney (NCA) and Heidi Forrest (NCA) sounded the all-clear, the Newfoundland teams proceeded with the NCA Water Test (a separate test governed by NCA rules). After the Newfoundland test concluded, the separate LCA Water Test began (governed by LCA rules, which differ from the NCA test). There were five total Leonberger entries on Saturday. All teams were prepared, but one Leonberger team successfully passed all division exercises to qualify for an LCA Water Work title.

Sunday Success: Lightning Strikes Twice

Sunday, September 7th, was cloudy with rain during setup, but the rain eased during test time. The LCA Water Test kicked off the day with four total Leonberger entries. Each team had moments to be proud of. One team was able to successfully pass all components of the exercises to qualify.

The LCNW offers congratulations to every qualifier of both the NCA and LCA tests. Sometimes lightning strikes twice, and the LCNW asks you to join us in thunderous applause for back-to-back passing scores in the LCA Excellent Division by Bensen and Jody Woodruff. Congratulations to Bensen, VLX CH OTCH Kalahari’s Intrepid Explorer UDX3 OM3 BN RM OAP ACT2 CGC TKI DDE2 BNDD WRDX3, and Jody Woodruff on requalifying—earning WRDX4 and WRDX5!

Many Thanks — Community Makes It Possible

Water Test weekends—and water test titles—are only possible because of the interest and kindness of club members and volunteers like you. LCA and LCNW members who contributed to the success of the test weekend (alphabetical by first name): Anne Olson, Junko Ferguson, Jessica Hayes, Jody Woodruff, John Woodruff, Lise Brandhagen, Maria Nelson, Mark Nelson, and Wally Johnson. Thank you to each steward and volunteer; your involvement and generosity with your time helped exhibitors reach their team goals! One more giant thank you to the Newfoundland Club of Seattle for their camaraderie and for partnering with us to hold joint test weekends!

🎉 Congratulations Team Bensen! 🎉
Back-to-back WRDX4 & WRDX5 titles!

The LCNW Water Test Committee is proud of all four LCNW teams who gave their all during the 2025 Water Test weekend:

  • Bensen & Jody Woodruff – WRDX4 & WRDX5, requalifying on both Saturday and Sunday 
  • Baylor & Jody Woodruff
  • Dizzy & Lise Brandhagen
  • Pippi & Lise Brandhagen

Find photos of the 2025 Saturday LCNW Water Test by clicking on the "LCA Water Test Photo Gallery - Saturday, September 6, 2025" button.

LCA Water Test Photo Gallery - Saturday, September 6, 2025

Volunteer Without Entering a Dog

Did you know you can volunteer at Working Dog Tests even if your own dog isn’t entered? There are roles for every experience level—truly! Watch our website and Facebook page for 2026 events and volunteer opportunities.

To learn more or find out how you can support LCNW Working Dog activities, please email a board member (LCNW Board Members) or contact secretary@leonbergerclubnw.com

Learning the Ropes

Many of the volunteers have not trained for water work. They learned their steward roles from the experience of other volunteers and instruction from the judges.

Join the Fun

The LCNW typically holds an annual LCA Draft Test and LCA Water Test. You are invited to join us.

Develop Your Water Work Skills




The rain came and went, but every Leo headed home damp, happy, tail-wagging, and well celebrated.