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Done with paperwork now what?
I would take a look at the rules for the hunt tests on the AKC
website. Spaniel hunt test rules can be found on the web at
www.akc.org/dic/events/perform/huntsp.cfm or ask the hunt test
secretary to send you out a copy. They are 20 pages long, but
trust me for what you need to know, could be written on one
page.
Ron & Scooby working water
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What need my dog do?
For spaniels you have both a field test and a water test. Your
spaniel will need to find, flush & retrieve to hand two birds,
shot by two gunners in the field portion of the test. This should
take less than ten minutes. And for the water test your dog will
need to swim 20 yards and retrieve a bird, usually a duck, to
your hand... or within a step. That's it. Oh and they must be
manageable and seem like they like being there. If your dog is
gunshy or peopleshy, you aren't gonna pass. So train accordingly.
An average hunting springer should pass about 3/4 the time with
no additional training... we all have bad days.
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Day of the event
You should get your order number that you will run a few days
before the event. Expect about a dozen Junior Hunter entries.
Arrive at the event at least 15 minutes before the event starts.
With spaniel events the judges like to talk with the Junior Handlers
before the event and explain the rules.
The field test will consist of an area about the size of a football
field. They will start with about six birds planted on the field.
Then they will replant flushed birds after every dog.
With spaniel events you will run only ONE direction, you can
not retrace an area. Unlike pointer hunt tests where you can
move in all directions.
There will be a marshall who will make sure the next few dogs
are ready to run. You can walk the test as an observer about
10 yards behind the dog, owner, gunners and judges that are participating.
I would suggest you do. It goes a long way in easing the whole
situation.
Your time at the line
Soon your number will be called. And it's time. Take your dog
up ON LEASH and talk to the judges. They will ask if you have
any questions. THEY would LIKE to see you PASS! Ask anything
you want, but it would be better to ask most questions before
you get to the line of other participants. Again, EVERYONE can
PASS, so you will find most people will share anything |
Scooby on her 20 yard water retrieve
