Retriever Field Trials

[Alfred Houde]

I have a question for those who participate in Retriever Trials. Specifically, AKC Master events.

I notice while watching as a spectator an excessive number of whistles and hand signals. I just don't see the need to whistle and stop a dog every 10 yards just to give him a hand signal in the direction he was going anyway.

Or am I missing the point that at that level it is all about taking direction and teamwork between dog and handler? Is this why so many owners use professional handlers?

I guess that may be why I prefer Hunt Tests over Trials. I like that a dog is judged on Natural Ability and a standard, rather than against other entries.

Curious on other takes on this.

[Scott Janowski]

I have pointing dogs. I prefer AKC Hunt tests over Field trials, I think more of a Master Hunter than a “Field Champion”.
A “Field Champion” is useless to me in a hunting situation.
An AKC hunt test is a game for dogs.
A Field trial is a game of Men, basically look what I can pay someone to get my dog to do.
I will prepare for incoming.

[Matt Mahoney]

If it was a Master event, it was not a field trial, but a hunt test. The difference is that in a field trial there are winners(1st, 2nd, 3rd and JAM) and losers. In a hunt test, the distances are shorter, the tests are typically not as challenging and there are no "winners", just Pass or Fail.

The dogs are sent on blind retrieves using whistle stops and then hand/arm direction. The whistle and re-directs are used to keep them on line to the bird. The ideal is no whistles, but a direct line to the bird. So, the dogs that were getting lots of whistles were not doing as well as the dogs that weren't.

[John Dallas]

In the U.S, because so many dogs are trained to the highest level, trial setups are designed to throw dogs out.

For hunters, if you look at Lab kennels advertising in the DU magazine, almost all are promoting British dogs. British trials are entirely different from American trials. The winning dogs in each nation would never place in trials in the other country

[Scott Janowski]

I disagree that an AKC Hunt test is not as challenging as a field trial.
My experience is in AKC pointing dog hunt tests, so this is what I am referring to.
A master hunter is a completely finished dog that can hunt with anyone.
A master hunter will be absolutely steady to wing and shot, AND retrieve your bird to hand in good condition, with minimal commands. He will also honor another dog on point and not move until you release him.
I think the real game should be a timed event, let’s say 45 minutes.
You get only 5 shells, there are birds set for you. The winner is the one who comes back with the most birds.

[Alfred Houde]

But what about the dog and handler that needs to run 20-30 Master tests to get those six passes?

Is that really a Master Hunter?

Don't get me wrong I enjoy Hunt Tests. I think they are a valuable tool, training aid, and judge of natural ability.

[Matt Mahoney]

The original poster was asking about retriever tests, not pointing dog tests. An AKC Amateur or Open retriever field trial stake is in another (more difficult) universe than an AKC Master Hunt Test stake. Also, there is no "Winner" in a retriever hunt test. Theoretically all dogs entered can "Pass". In an AKC Field Trial stake there is only one "Winner".

[Alfred Houde]

Matt:

Thanks for answering my initial question regarding whistles. The rest is all good. I like them all and enjoy hearing about the pointing dogs too.

[Matt Mahoney]

You're welcome Alfred.