"One of the greatest benefits of field events is that they help an
individual hunter get a better understanding of his/her dog and specifically
in what areas the dog needs training," says Bob West, field trainer
and consultant for Purina brand Hi Pro dog food. "Anything that helps
you get closer to your dog is beneficial to both of you," says West.
In this article, West discusses how to get started in field events.
Field events can help make your hunting dog more productive through practice,
continued conditioning and increased training. You can almost look at field
events as an extended hunting season.
Field events help breeders evaluate and plan breeding programs, which translates
to better, proven dogs from which to choose. You also can make new friends
and meet people who have interests similar to you. They are great family
activities.
Getting Started
It is easy to get involved. Watch the event listings in your local sports
page. If you do not see any listings for hunting dog field events, call
the sports desk of the paper to ask see if they have any contact names you
could call.
Organizations such as the American Field Publishing Co., the American Kennel
Club (AKC), National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association (NSTRA),
the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) or the United
Kennel Club's (UKC) Hunting Retriever Group can all supply you with information
on the local chapters in your area.
Field events fall under two primary concepts: field trials and field tests.
The field trial is an event at which a number of dog handler teams compete
against each other for placement. Field tests are events at which teams
are judged against predetermined standards and are rated either pass/fail
or fall into a prize classification based on their performance as compared
to that standard.
The following lists examples of events in which you can participate or observe,
and you can have fun extending the hunting season. Bring the whole family.
FIELD TRIALS
American Field Events/National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association
NSTRA events are competitive bird dog trials. Dogs are drawn at random in
sets of two, called a "brace." Each brace has 30 minutes on the
bird field. Prior to the brace, birds are liberated on the field. During
a 30-minute brace, dogs are scored on finds retrieves, overall ground coverage
and obedience by two certified NSTRA judges on horseback.
The NSTRA field trial emphasizes the complete bird dog, from point to retrieve.
There are no penalties for mistakes, only positive judgment for proper bird
work.
FIELD/HUNT TESTS
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
In NAVHDA tests, dogs are judged to specific standards and do not compete
for placements with other dogs. NAVHDA tests evaluate versatility in the
hunting dog, as many hunters hunt a wide variety of game with one dog.
NAVHDA tests on three levels. Natural Ability Tests evaluate inherent characteristics
or abilities for dogs up to 16 months; the Utility Preparatory test is a
mid-level test in which training and obedience are evaluated; the Utility
test evaluates the totally finished hunting dog. The versatile dog is expected
to work both upland and waterfowl.
During field work, dogs are evaluated on pointing, standing to wing and
shot, retrieving to hand upon command, and tracking and retrieving. During
water work, dogs are evaluated on steadiness, marking ability, locating
and retrieving game in typical duck hunting situations.
American Kennel Club Test Program
The AKC program has hunting tests for all segments of the hunting dog world,
including pointing dogs, retrievers and spaniels. Dogs are judged in actual
hunting situations typically experienced while hunting.
There are three levels for each category: Junior for the entry level dog;
Senior for the more experienced hunter with a higher level of obedience
required; and Master, which tests the finished, well-refined hunting dog,
with very strict requirements on obedience and handling.
United Kennel Club Hunting Retriever Program
The Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) is a network of clubs in the United States
and Canada that hold U.K.C. licensed events to test an individual dog's
instincts and training. The dog competes against a set of standards, rather
than other dogs. The program provides guidelines to develop the hunting
retriever to fulfill its intended purpose in life -- hunting. Each retriever
and its owner hunt in true-to-life hunting situations.
Each successful dog is awarded a title that appears before its name on its
U.K.C. registration certificate and pedigree -- Hunting Retriever (HR),
Hunting Retriever Champion (HR CH.), or Grand Hunting Retriever Champion
(GR. HR CH.). Championship points towards these degrees may be earned in
the following categories: Started, Seasoned, Finished and Grand. This provides
a place for every retriever, regardless of their level of training and experience.
Still a little gun-shy about field events? The best thing to do is show
up at a field event and watch what happens. You will be welcomed by all
of these groups. They are anxious to share their enthusiasm for the trained
hunting dog and would, of course, love to have a new member.
If you are interested in information on these groups, contact:
American Field -- Field Events 542 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605-1598,
(312)663-9797
American Kennel Club -- Performance Group, 51 Madison Avenue, New York,
NY 10010, (212) 696-8211
National Shoot to Retrieve Field Trial Association, 226 N. Mills St., #2,
Plainfield, IN 46168, (317)839-4059
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, P.O.Box 520, Arlington
Heights, IL 60006, (708)255-1120
United Kennel Club -- Hunting Retriever Club, 100 E. Kilgore Road, Kalamazoo,
MI 4900I, (616)343-9020
The groups outlined here are examples of outstanding organizations that
can help you get started.
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