Working trials are a bit like a kind of canine olympics! Long jumps, high jumps, tracking, retrieving and more. This is Judy Meeking's dog Brig taking part in the Long Jump and here is Allyson Tohme's article full of information about this fun sport http://www.thelabradorsite.com/activities/workingtrials.php
Re: Labradors love working trials! Well brig is clearly having a fabulous time! The article was interesting, being new to the dog world I'd never heard of working trials until I saw this post maybe that's something for Rusty in the future.
Re: Labradors love working trials! Having competed in Working Trials for many Years (not now though), Let me assure you that Labradors, Border Collies are not only competing at the highest level but dominating and have been for quite some time. Just my view most seem to be Black!! and come from proven working trials lines. Paul.
Re: Labradors love working trials! interesting Paul, I must admit I'm not sure about teaching an in-tact male to scale a 6ft fence...
Re: Labradors love working trials! Hi Caroleb, Let me assure you an intact male has no problems with the Scale, like all other agility exercises they build up to it gradually. I have never known any Dog/Bitch have problems, they love it. Regards, Paul.
Re: Labradors love working trials! Can you recommend a trainer/classes in the Lingfield area. I've been searching on the web but don't seem to be having much luck.
Re: Labradors love working trials! Is this for working trials David, or for gundog work? And whereabouts is Lingfield (sorry I am rubbish at geography ) Pippa
Re: Labradors love working trials! I was thinking of working trials which look like a lot of fun. Lingfield is in the very southeastern corner of Surrey near East Grinstead.
Re: Labradors love working trials! Paul ;D I've just seen your reply - I wasn't worried about whether a male could do it, just whether he'd be over my gate and off to see potential girlfriends if I taught him to jump over it!
Re: Labradors love working trials! Hi David Judy Meekings, whose labrador is pictured above, is I think based in Surrey. I will see if I can find some contact details for you. She is an instructor and working trial judge Pippa
Re: Labradors love working trials! Good article and a great photo! I am wondering when to put my lab in for working trials? Are they really formal? i would like to spectate a few to see what judges are looking for. Is it best to do scurries first then build up to trials? Lots of questions......sorry! Really keen to put all are hardwork into action! Ju
Re: Labradors love working trials! I wonder if there is any confusion here between Working Trials, and Field Trials? Scurries are usually aimed at gundogs, they are a kind of fun 'speed retrieving' competition and probably not the best foundation for formal gundog work. Field trials are the ultimate competions for gundogs trained in formal gundog work. Although labradors are very successful in them, Working Trials were originally based on military/police type dog work, and weren't devised for gundogs. The reason scurries are not necessarily great for gundogs intended for genuine gundog fieldwork, is that in scurries, delivery and steadiness are sometimes sacrificed for speed. Its getting past the finish line that counts! Scurries are great fun. Some people are starting to take them very more seriously nowadays because there are some amazing prizes available. However, you won't see a serious Field Trial competitor entering one! In answer to Ju's question, if its Field Trials you are hoping to get involved with I would steer clear of scurries. If its Working Trials however, then scurries probably wont do any harm at all. Not sure that they would benefit you with regard to working trial success though. Hope that helps Pippa
