Field & Retrieving
A gundogs natural instinct is to retrieve. Retrieving Trials
provide a perfect avenue for these dogs
to express their natural
working abilities, have fun and exercise.
Our sport simulates hunting conditions where the dogs ability
to retrieve is tested over various
terrain and conditions commonly found in hunting scenarios. The dogs are asked
to retrieve
Dokken Dead Fowl Trainers (artificial game) from anything from dams or creeks,
to thick marsh
or sparse paddocks.
The aim of a retrieving trial is to test gundogs under
conditions as close as possible to those
in natural field shooting.
In competition, the dog will be required to:
- be under control and quiet at all times,
- walk at heel,
- stay on command, until released,
- mark and retrieve thrown items of game, and under direction, seek and retrieve
hidden items
of game,
- when ordered to retrieve, it should be done quickly, and direct without
disturbing too much ground,
- retrieve on land, across water, and in water, and
- return the item of game to the handler, and gently deliver to the hand.
A dog will be judged on its:
- Natural ability for: memory, intelligence, attention, nose, courage,
perseverance, style, and
eagerness.
- Its training abilities for: marking, steadiness, obedience, controlled
response to direction,
presentation of
delivery, steadiness
to shot, and not gun shy.
Dogs are expected to retrieve under all natural working conditions.
LEVELS OF COMPETITION
TEST STAKE - Dogs competing in this level are beginners and have never
placed in a stake or
won a test. (S.S.A.A. UFR Branch runs Test Stake at all
trials.)
INTERMEDIATE STAKE - Intermediate level is for gundogs that have not
won any stakes excepting
two Intermediate stakes.
ADVANCED STAKE - Advanced stake is for gundogs that have not won four
Advanced or one
Open stake.
OPEN STAKE - Open stake is limited to dogs that have placed in an
Intermediate or
Advanced stake.
For further information regarding Retrieving Trials, please visit our
website at
www.unitedfieldandretrieving.org.au or contact our
Secretary at
ljeffrey@unitedfieldandretrieving.org.au