Hunting dogs in competion

[loon_days]

I have an average duck hunting dog that does a good job at hunting. My lab can do basic blind retrieves and hand signals. I am thinking about going to one of those retriever competions. I really have no interest into turning my lab into a competetion dog, I am just curious to see how well she could do. Would a competion be a good experince for a hunting dog or would it really just be a waste of time??

[duckbuster]

I think that with any type of comptetive thing it would also get your juices flowing as well. I don't think it would be a bad thing, I would say that it might be a helpful thing. Having so many people in the same situation as you at the event you would probably be able to pick up a few training tips and other valuable information. By no means do I think it can hurt you and your hunting partner.
There are a few Hunting test trials in Minnesota coming up and also some license trials coming up. If you would like to know where and when post that in your next reply.
GOOD LUCK & GOOD HUNTING

[Bryce]

We run our dogs in the hunt tests in order to put titles behind their names. This increases the amount we can charge for our pups which offsets all the cost of getting an outstanding hunting dog when all the games are done. The tests are for the most part, realistic hunting situations. Haven't had a dog in the games for a few years now but have heard rumors that the master tests are getting rediculous.

[fwp]

Hey loon-days, you should give it a try. I warn you though it will get in your blood! I hunt all the time with my labs and have owned 4 real good ones in the past 30 years. I used to run field trials way back when but quickly found that you can't fish walleyes and be competitive, you have to train all the time and send the dog south in the winter. Got back into the hunt test game with my existing dog and found that it was a blast. First you run against a standard and not against other dogs and their handlers. The dogs are graded in four areas: 1) style 2) perserverence 3) trainability and 4) marking ability. Three categories: Junior, Senior and Master. These are not age restricted at all. The best way to decide is to go to a hunt test and observe. There are hunt tests every weekend somwhere. You can go to AKC's web site and get the complete schedule. If you want more info, shoot me an email!

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FWP Guide Service
Fishin With Phil
218-753-2079
218-780-3385
Vermilion and Rainy Lake
www.fishin-with-phil.com
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[loon_days]

I found a webpage with the AKC event dates. Seems there are a few coming up. What is the differance between field trials and hunt trials?

[Bushwacker]

This is a great topic. I have a 9 mo old fyl that I would really like to run. Great information so far. It seems like people really get into the tests. It would be a fun and rewarding "hobby".