Field Training Southern Style
Its now February, and in the south this means that we are in full swing of the field training and hunt test season. From late January to mid march there is a test or field event every weekend in Florida.
So what should you do before your run a hunt test?
1. Read the rules!
If you are working towards a WC or WCX title the rules are listed here:
http://www.fcrsafield.com/wc-wcx.html
For UKC Hunt Tests
http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/RulesIndex?OpenView&group=HR
For AKC Hunt Tests
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/rulebooks/RHTRET.pdf
Judges and Handler Seminars are also very valuable to attend. AKC and UKC clubs host these 1 day seminars about every other year. The seminars go over the rule books in order to train new judges, refresh old judges and also let handlers know what is expected of them at tests. The Mid Florida Golden Retriever Club is hosting an AKC seminar June 4, 2011.
4. Go Watch a Hunt Test – or even better Volunteer at a hunt test
Reading a book of rules is pretty boring and sometimes hard to picture what they are trying to explain – so step #2 is go watch a hunt test in person. People are very friendly at hunt tests and are more than happy to explain to you what is going on. Just be sure you are not talking loudly near the dog and handler who is running the test.
Clubs are always in need of volunteers at hunt tests. Contact a club and ask if you can help – they will say yes!! You don’t even have to be a member of a club.
3. Train
When you go and watch a hunt test, you will be reminded of things you have forgotten to train. Has your dog swam in ponds with decoys? Have you practiced standing in a holding blind? Has your dog picked up a live flyer? Have you practiced long land entries into the water? Can your dog bring the bird back out of the water 10-20 yards?
Know what you are setting up and teaching your dog – we have a great seminar coming up, Designing Retriever Training Set ups March 5-6, 2011 This seminar will teach you how to set up your training and testing.
4. Volunteer as a Test dog
At each Hunt Test – a “Test Dog” runs the test first – this allows the handlers and judges to see the test, and make any adjustments that are necessary. Running as Test dog is Free and often clubs are looking for volunteers to do this. But even if your dog passes it does not count towards a title, its just great practice. Even if you have a big group of friends that you train with, nothing is the same as actually running a test. I just did this in November, running my first Seasoned test as Test dog with Tripp. It was the best thing I ever did. It showed me what I needed to work on, and gave me valuable experience without the nerves of a real test. I highly recommend this!!
5. Enter
So if you have done all of the above steps you are now ready to enter your first test. AKC tests will have an entry deadline weeks before the tests, UKC tests you get a discount for entering early, but you can enter the day of the test if you want. But most important remember to go and have fun. Its you and your dog working as a team, enjoy the sparkle in their eye and the spring in their step. Working with a flat coat is addicting!
Make sure that March 12 & 13 is on your calendar. March 12 will be a fun field day and WC/WCX practice test. Thank you to Claire Koshar for hosting this on her property in Montverde, FL. Thank you to Donna Post for coordinating this event! Contact Donna Post to enter and for more details. DPost6@tampabay.rr.com Volunteers will be needed to help. Even if you know nothing about field work, you can come out and volunteer and learn.
Then on Sunday March 13th will be the Southern Skies WC/WCX test.
Hope to see you soon at a test!
Alison Schultz
SSFCRC Field Chair |
