On Sunday 14th October WGAA (Vic) conducted its second Gundog Assessment Day.
Throughout the day the dogs were given the opportunity to complete 1 basic field run,1 basic land retrieve and 1 basic water retrieve. The event is not a competition, but each dog was given an assessment by judges at the different runs. Each handler was given a comment sheet at the start of the day that was given to the various judges at the start of each run.
The field run was over a course where dogs were given the opportunity to indicate ‘game’. On a signal from the judge, during the run, the handler gave the dog a recall and a stay. Dogs were assessed for general obedience, ground coverage and indication of game.
The retrieves were both be sighted retrieves, one on land and one in water.
As stated earlier, this event is not a competition. The aim is to give handlers and dogs experience in gundog field work in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
RUNNING ORDER
1. Field work: Each dog will be run over a course of approximately 300 metres. Handlers will carry a gun loaded with a primer. During the run the judge will instruct the handler to give the dog both a recall and a stay. A pigeon will be planted on the course which will flush when located by the dog. The handler will fire the gun when the pigeon flushes.
2. Water retrieve: Each dog will be required to do a retrieve across water of approximately 60 metres. The dog will be required to commit to water and make the retrieve. The handler will carry a gun loaded with primers and heel the dog to the firing point. The handler will fire the gun at the apex of the flight of the game.
3. Land retrieve: Each dog will be required to do a retrieve across land of approximately 60 metres. The handler will carry a gun loaded with primers and heel the dog to the firing point. The handler will fire the gun as instructed by the judge.
SCORING: A = Excellent B = Good C = Satisfactory D = More training needed
