While more verbal “handling” is allowed in field trials than in hunt tests, continuous “hacking” of a dog is not the goal. If the handler whistles or calls to turn to the dog in a different direction, ideally the dog should heed the command. While field trial dogs should show independence in their running style and move forward ahead of their handler, they should also be cooperative. However, it’s ideal if the dog still looks interested in the action and doesn’t immediately deflate. When the bird flushes up, most dogs will shift from an intense pointing stance to a more natural standing position as they watch the bird fly. One thing he mentioned was that a good field trial dog doesn’t “let down” after the flush. I was a little unsure about why Zara had done so well and he helped explain some of the things that judges look for. No Letdown After the FlushĪfter Zara and I participated in the Vizsla Club of America’s National Gun Dog Championship last year, I spoke with a guy who has been in the field trial world for many years. There should definitely be no forward movement, like a hop forward. That is allowed, but ideally you don’t want your dog moving much at all. This might mean that they take a few steps or turn around to “mark” it. It is a natural tendency for a dog to want to turn to watch the bird. Sometimes, the bird will fly behind the dog or the dog doesn’t have a clear sightline to watch the bird fly off. This means that they should not move when the bird flies off. Minimal Movement on the FlushĪ field trial dog in gun dog stakes is supposed to be steady to wing and shot. 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. Note: This post refers to American Kennel Club (AKC) field trials.
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