The emphasis in waterwork is on teamwork in realistic work and rescue situations. Nowhere the bond of trust between dog and handler is more necessary and evident, not only because of the close intense training needed where both are exposed to nature ’s inpredictable elements. At any rate the dog should be used to basic controll on dry land. A certain series of commands from obedience (like a reliable sit/stay) is required and can help to avoid unnecessary dangers. For action-loving dogs this sport offers challenging exercises for their minds and bodies: performing exciting tasks and doing it all on precise command while enforcing health simultaneously. The training is based on promoted interaction in a fun manner only using the dog’s natural instincts to swim and retrieve. Conditions required are willingness and ability of course and a strong relationship between dog and owner. Otherwise control at a distance would fail and the dog would act for its own gain. Like in any other sport skills are developped by strengthening the natural ability in slowly progressing training units with varying degrees of difficulty. Accordingly the distance of control (supported by sign language) is expanded. Originally water dog trials in America were differentiated in the NCA in 1975 for junior division ( water dog title for retrieving/ delivering saving objects/ swimming calmly with handler etc) and senior division (water rescue dog title). Tasks like retrieving articles in proper order/ leap from boat to fetch a paddle/ discriminate between swimmers and carry life rings to the one in distress/ tow a boat to shore/ leap from boat to save its handler who has fallen overboard are further examples. On a higher level dogs with an outstanding drive plus stamina plus instinctive working ability even learn searching for an abandoned boat and return it to land/ rescuing (unconscious) victims/ delivering and taking lines to shore from floating boats/ taking out lines to multiple drowning victims. A regular and successful training of these tasks requires an outstanding teamwork dog/handler! Built on instinct, love and respect it may become a strong reliable working bond. Some races like the bouvier even prove the intelligence to adapt routine to changing conditions (extreme and new influences/ events in natural surroundings of rivers, lakes or sea/ irritating effects like sun reflection on water surface or saving energies against water streams etc.) In modern waterwork activities we still may use the dog’s senses and ability related to historical functions as a working dog!