An introduction to Gundog Field Tests. What they are, who runs them, and how they 'fit in' to the gundog training process.
Interesting! In the US, they are called "Hunt Tests" with a similar "standards" that must be acceptable for the retriever to "qualify". Once a retriever has qualified a number of hunt tests, he/she gets a title. In the US, hunt tests vary somewhat depending whether they are NAHRA (North American Hunting Retriever Association), HRC (Hunting Retriever Club), or AKC (American Kennel Club). Upper level NAHRA includes upland quartering, sit to flush, trailing, as well as waterfowl testing (marks and blinds). Upper level AKC Master Hunter is marks/blinds but can be very technical with water triple marks and double water blinds up to 150 meters. US hunt tests are typically more waterfowl oriented than UK field tests. My impression is that UK tests, the dogs steadiness and quiet is also very important.
Oh yes, steadiness and quiet are of paramount importance. The slightest whine or other sound is an immediate disqualification. Is that not the case in your tests?
In AKC hunt tests, there are 3 levels, Junior, Senior, Master. For steadiness, Junior dogs are typically held by the collar while the single mark is thrown, so steadiness is not an issue. For Senior level, the dog must be steady, but if he breaks and the handler stops him, it is considered a "controlled break" and not an elimination fault. In Senior and Master creeping is not an elimination fault. Noise is also typically not an elimination fault. Breaking in Master is an elimination fault. Switching from one mark to another mark is also an elimination fault. Not delivering the bird to hand is an elimination fault in Junior, Senior and Master level.
