What is Retrieving?
The purpose of a Retrieving Trial is to test and determine the dogs’ natural hunting ability in the field, under natural conditions. Retrieving Trials allow the owner/breeder the opportunity to test the natural working instincts of their dogs, and a chance to select breeding stock based on preserving natural working instincts which have been developed over centuries.
Retrieving Trials are held on country properties, where the terrain can be quite challenging; it may be up hills, through gullies, and with thick cover. The cover may include tussocks or long grass, which conceal the retrieve and force the dog to use its nose to scent it out.
Usually, Retrieving Trials test dogs over three ‘runs’, sometimes more. Each run includes heeling and general obedience in the control area, plus the retrieves.
In the Retrieving Trial control area, the handler removes the lead and collar, takes the gun, and heels to the ‘firing’ point. The handler sends the dog for the retrieve and may use voice, whistle, and hand signals to control the dog if necessary.
Items to be retrieved are cast from a mechanical thrower and dogs must be able to determine the depth of fall of the ‘game’ and then be able to seek and retrieve the game and gently deliver it to the handler. All Retrieving Trials are held under the rules and regulations of the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council), and are held in all states around Australia. All dogs entered must be over six months of age and trials are conducted by various Gundog Clubs during the year.
Retrieving Trials are a great way to see our gundogs exhibiting their natural ability in the field. All types of gundogs compete and at any trial you can see breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Brittany, Flat Coated, Retriever, Weimaraner and various other breeds of gundogs.
Contact Details
Amanda WilliamsonWodonga Region, VIC, Australia
Phone : 0418711392
Email : [email protected]