This is the case even if they have bird contact through a stop to flush situation. When this happens, it is considered an “unproductive point” or a “nonproductive.” Even if a dog points several times in their run, if they never produce a bird, they won’t be considered for a placement. Or maybe the bird is there, but it’s buried deep enough in the cover that the handler can’t find it. Sometimes dogs go on point, but there is no bird. In gun dog stakes, it may seem obvious, but a dog’s point must produce birds. A dog with a high tail, high head, and intense look is more desirable than one with a low or wagging tail, a hunched back and a look of uncertainty. While the dog should show a rigid stance and give no doubt that it is on point, it doesn’t have to be “pretty.” In field trials, style IS judged. In hunt tests and NAVHDA tests, the style of the dog while on point is not judged. Objectives are places that are likely to hold birds. According to the AKC rulebook, “… must have a bold and attractive style of running, and must demonstrate intelligence in quartering and in seeking objectives” (page 39). But it seems like judges want to see a dog that keeps pushing forward at a fast clip. It’s fine if the dog checks back occasionally with you. Ideally, in a field trial, your dog should stay out in front of you and keep moving forward. There is typically no bird field, and birds are planted along the course on the edges or areas that would naturally hold birds – such as in a grouping of trees. As the handler, you continuously move forward. In field trials, there’s always a route that you are following. I walk forward and then turn and circle back. In most of the bird dog training I’ve done, Zara and I wander around a field that holds birds. I also make sure that she poops and pees multiple times before she runs. One whistle means “go.” If she starts coming back to me, I blow the whistle again. I’ve worked on this with Zara by blowing a whistle at the start. It’s not as ideal to see a dog that runs a bit and stops to poop, or starts sniffing around, circles back to its handler, and generally doesn’t look like it’s hunting. When the two dogs are released to run, ideally they should take off at a fast speed and run forward, ahead of the handler, beginning to hunt. Knowing this will help me train Zara to fit these criteria. Field trials are more subjective than AKC hunt tests and NAVHDA tests and I’ve found that the AKC’s rulebook is not completely clear on judging criteria.Īlthough I am far from an expert, after attending several events, watching multiple braces, and talking to more experienced handlers, I have a better idea of what makes a good field trial dog. What are the characteristics of good field trial dog? What are judges looking for in finished gun dog stakes? This has been a question that has perplexed me over the past few months, as I started running Zara in AKC field trials. Dogs in other types of field trials (UKC, NSTRA, American Field, etc.) may be judged by different standards. This very informative book is available exclusively through the National Bird Dog Museum Gift Shop.Note: This post refers to American Kennel Club (AKC) field trials. This marked the beginning of a tradition that continues at the annual Field Trial Hall of Fame.įor more information on the history of the Sporting Dog Center and the Bird Dog Foundation, Inc., purchase a copy of The Sporting Dog Center and the Official History of the Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. In 1955, two dogs and two people were elected and inducted. Bird Dog enthusiasts elected five dogs and five people into the Field Trial Hall of Fame that year. The first year to vote for inductees was 1954, and the election committee considered a popular vote of ten dogs and ten persons from the nomination ballot. ![]() Nominations could be made in two categories. ![]() People were nominated based in their service and the length of time devoted to the field trial sport. ![]() In the June 19,1954 issue of The American Field, Brown announced that the Field Trial Hall of Fame had become a reality and nominations were taken.ĭogs were eligible based in their entire careers. The list was published in Brown's Field Trials: History, Management and Judging Standards in the anticipation that hall of fame would be established. (Bill) Brown, editor of The American Field, compiled the necessary rules and regulations governing elections of the field trial dogs and their owners and trainers to a proposed Field Trial Hall of Fame. Those involved knew that time and careful consideration would be needed in formulating the rules and regulations needed to bestow an honor of excellence on dogs and their owners, trainers and handlers. The specific interest in honoring the dogs and people who excelled in the field trial sport began in the late 1930's.
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