On Saturday 5th August the Vale and West Gundog Club held our annual working test. Tests were held for all three breed groups. 

 

Prizes were courtesy of our very kind sponsors Dog and Field and Sporting Saint. A huge thank you to them and please do check out their websites, they both have a huge variety on offer.

 

The HPR group, kindly judged by Ray Davis, took part in four tests altogether, covering hunting and three different retrieves. 

 

The first test, held on a stubble field, assessed their hunting and was scored out of 40. The handler was asked to cast their dog off to hunt. After a period of hunting with their handlers the judge then asked the participant to recall their dog. 

 

For the second test a shot was then fired and a marked retrieve thrown from the hedge line, approximately 30 yards away. The handler was directed by the judge to send their dog. This test was scored out of 20. 

 

The third test was a memory retrieve in the cover crop. The dummy was thrown at a post, the dog was then heeled away for approximately 25 yards. A shot was fired near the dummy and the handler was directed to send their dog for the memory. This test was scored out of 20. 

 

Finally, all dogs had to complete a marked retrieve out of water, with the handlers standing 10 yards from the water’s edge. This was also scored out of 20. 

 

We had seven competitors for the HPR group, who all did so well and in some awful weather conditions too so a big well done to everyone who took part. 

 

First place went to Lucy Davis with Roggiefall Bavva 

Second place went to Bernice Jaggard with Pretty Pastel Pippa 

Third place went to Stephy Henriksen with Klik Klak the Great

Fourth place went to Sara Mitchell with Ragnalds Gladiator 

 

The Vale & West Gundog Club held its annual ND/NH working test on Saturday 5th August at Clicker Gundog Training Centre.

 

I was tasked with being Steward for the Retrievers competition which was being judged by Jennifer Thomas who had set some excellent tests.  Everyone was challenged by the torrential rain all day and increasing strength of the north easterly wind which made the tests more challenging and the paperwork very soggy!

 

Test One was a double mark with the first dummy out diagonally to the right at about 80 yards followed by the second mark with shot straight ahead over a hump into long grass at 50 yards.  The handler could choose which dummy to pick first.  Some of the dogs made an excellent job of this test but a few dogs and some of the handlers went before they were sent.  This does happen when first competing when the nerves take over and you forget to wait for the judge to tell you to send your dog!

 

Test Two was a mark across the pond to the other side with shot, a total distance of about 40 yards with a 20 yard swim.  Most of the dogs achieved this test very well, with only a handful struggling to get a hand delivery.

 

Test Three was a memory mark from long grass across the short cover crop into a ditch at about 80 yards but, before sending, the handler had to turn to the right and walk their dog to heel for approximately 10 yards and then send.  This test enabled the handlers to demonstrate their dog’s ability to turn away from the dummy, heel a short distance and remember the fall using the wind to finally pick.

 

The final test was a blind retrieve through the long grass into a box jump at around 50 yards with the wind behind the dog and no shot.  This was a perfect opportunity for the handlers to demonstrate their dog’s stop whistle and direction cues and those that achieved handled very well indeed.

 

Most of the competitors were relatively new to competing with their dogs but the feedback from all was that they were able to take the advice and tips given by Jennifer and the experience of each test to reflect on the areas of training that were strong and those that need some work.  The camaraderie and supportive atmosphere was great and a reflection of everything that the Vale & West sets out to achieve as we encourage people to get involved in this wonderful sport.

 

Well done retrievers and congratulations to Radana & RuperBear, and all in the awards.  

 

The spaniel element of the test was split into four separate tests.

 

The first test consisted of the dog hunting through cover crop until they were asked to stop the dog. They were then tested on steadiness to shot and fall, and only cast once the judge asked. Once the retrieve was back then the handler would cast the dog off for another hunt up before stopping again and recall.

 

This test was scored out of 40.

 

The dogs were then tested on their marked and blind retrieving skills, over an obstacle.

 

A marked retrieve with shot approximately 25/30 yards over a jump and into a wooded area. The mark was with shot and a blind was placed out whilst the dog returned with the initial mark. The blind retrieve was placed further back than the initial marked retrieve to test if the dog could continue through the initial area of scent to search for the blind. This test was scored out of 20.

 

This was followed by with a test of steadiness, heelwork, marking and memory skills.

 

A memory retrieve was thrown before then turning the dog 180 degrees to do approximately 30 yards at heel to a marker. Once at the marker, shot and a marked retrieve was thrown (approximately 25 yard)

The dog was sent for the mark on the judges release. Returning the retrieve to the handler before then setting the dog back up for the memory retrieve. This test was scored out of 20.

 

The final test was a retrieve from water. About 10/15 yards from the edge of large pond on to the water. Dogs were tested on steadiness, confidence of entry to water for the marked retrieve once sent and delivery to Handler. This test was scored out of 20.

 

The handlers and spaniels demonstrated a high level of connection and skills which was apparent in the high level of marks gained by the dog and handler teams on the day. Well done to all the participants. It was apparent that you all had a fun day with your dogs and welcomed Hillary’s feedback on any areas of improvement.

 

All in all it was a thoroughly great day, despite the weather, well done to everyone who took part.