RETRIEVING TRIALS - Give it a try!
PURPOSE
A retrieving trial is an event at which competitions for the working of Registered Gundogs are conducted. This test is conducted both on land and in or through water. This will determine their relative merits in the field under conditions which emulate as closely as possible those which would be found whilst shooting, but at the same time bring the work of each dog within an ambit of equality where assessment may be fairly made.
NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS
Your Gundog must be registered, either Main or Limited. (Can be Desexed) to compete in Retrieving Trials in all States and/or Territories of Australia.
Handler must be a financial member of Dogs SA.
The Rules of Canine Control shall apply to all Retrieving Trials and to any affiliate conducting Retrieving Trials, and in the event of any inconsistency the Rules of Canine Control shall prevail.
YOUR GOAL AS A COMPETITOR
The function of a Retriever is to seek and retrieve fallen game, when ordered to do so. He should sit quietly with handler, or in the blind, walk at heel, or assume any station designated by his handler until sent to retrieve. When ordered a dog should retrieve quickly and briskly without unduly disturbing too much ground, and should deliver, tenderly to hand. He should then await further orders.
POSSIBLE TITLES YOU CAN OBTAIN:
NRD – NOVICE RETRIEVING DOG.
RRD – RESTRICTED RETRIEVING DOG.
AARD – ALL AGE RETRIEVING DOG
Rt. Ch. – RETRIEVING TRIAL CHAMPION
NOVICE STAKE
Is a stake confined to Gundogs that have not won any other stake other than 1 Novice Stake, Puppy Stake and Beginners’ Tests excluded. A novice run is classed as a single mark retrieve and shall be a retrieve where only one object of game is cast and is to be retrieved.
Three (3) first places are needed to gain this Title.
RESTRICTED STAKE
Is a stake confined to Gundogs that have not won 3 Restricted Stakes or an All Age Stake or been placed first or second in a Championship Stake.
Restricted Stakes involve multiple game to be retrieved; (Rulebook explains further inf.) All handlers should obtain a Dogs SA Rule book.
Three (3) first places are needed to gain this Title.
ALL-AGE STAKE
Is a stake confined to Gundogs that have won a Novice or have been placed first, second or third in a Restricted Stake.
A blind find must be included.
Two first places are needed to gain this Title.
INTRODUCTION TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS:
The following examples have been taken from the ANKC Rule Book for all retrieving Trials. It is strongly advised that you obtain a copy from Dogs SA, Cromwell Road, Kilburn.
Phone: 08 8349 4797
ACTION AND STYLE
These are both seen in a fearless, well trained dog that covers its ground with good free movement, head well held, tail swinging nicely side to side.
BREAKING TO SHOT
If a dog makes a forward movement, which in the opinion of the Judge indicates a deliberate attempt to retrieve without being ordered to do so, that dog shall be deemed to have broken. If a dog makes a slight break and is brought immediately under control it shall be penalised for unsteadiness.
CONTROL AREA
Is that area encompassed by the control point markers and the firing point markers.
CONTROL AREA
Is the point at which a dog and handler come into the control of the Judge and Field Steward for the purpose of commencing a run. This point shall be between the two markers set in position by direction of the Judge.
DROP OR DOWN OR SIT
A well-trained dog should stop on command and to shot. A dog may sit, stand or drop in position, but must not move from that position until ordered.
FIRING POINT
Is the point from which the handler will fire a gun and direct a dog to retrieve. (Please refer to the Rule book for more info)
HARD MOUTH
A dog is deemed to be hard-mouthed when there is unmistakable evidence of any markings or damage on game retrieved due to biting or crunching by the dog. (Refer to Rulebook on this term)
RETRIEVING
The retrieving covers the performance of the dog from when ordered
to retrieve until it delivers the game to its handler.
WALKING TO HEEL
Dog’s head to be close to the side of heel or immediately behind the heel of the handler, preferably on the left side for right-handed shooter, i.e. opposite side to the gun.
TRIALS ARE HELD IN VARIOUS DESIGNATED AREA’S
MILANG
MENINGIE
LANGHORNE CREEK
BLANCHETOWN
THE FOLLOWING CLUBS HOLD RETRIEVING TRIALS AND THEIR SECRETARIES CAN PROVIDE MORE INFO
German Shorthaired Pointer Club of SA
Labrador Club of Sth Aust.
Retrieving and Field Trials Club of Sth Aust.
Golden Retriever Club of Sth Aust.
Gundog Club of Sth Aust.
EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED FOR TRIALING
DOG
LEAD – 2 recommended, 1 for a spare just in-case.
TIE-DOWN – a peg suitable for all terrain’s is required, hammer.
WATER & WATER RECEPTICLE – For dog and handler.
TOWEL OR CHAMOIS – Your dog will thank you for drying him down on cold days.
RUBBER BOOTS AND SUITABLE WET WEATHER CLOTHING – The lake area’s can throw 4 seasons of climate at you all in one day so be prepared.
CHAIR OR BACKPACK STOOL - Check out any good camping store for a vast range of backpacks to carry all of your trialing accessories.
LUNCH – Most clubs do not cater for lunch so be prepared.
CAMPING - Each schedule will indicate if camping is allowed on site or not. Usually no entry is allowed until after 12pm on the Friday before the trial. All care must be taken as the property owners have kindly given approval for the use of these properties.
EQUIPMENT FOR TRAINING YOUR DOG.
DOG – There are different training formats for puppies through to older dogs. (Ask for help, as prevention is better than cure for bad habits)
TRAINING DUMMIES – These can vary from canvas to plastic or rubber.
WHISTLE – Again the range is vast.
PATIENCE – Without this you will not enjoy your training or trialing experiences. Ask for help and form a training group in your area to help each other.
THIS SPORT MAY SEEM VERY INVOLVED AT FIRST, DON’T BE SHY, GET IN THERE AND YOU AND YOUR DOG WILL CERTAINLY HAVE FUN!
For further details you can contact JADINE MACKENZIE on 08 8370 6437
