Annette47 (04-17-2019), IRISHWISTLER (04-10-2019), Snowshoe (04-10-2019)
it was not what I expected. Both dogs were very well trained and just needed a few whistles or a call. The pointer was all business looking for the bird, he stopped, stayed motionless, tail in full upright position his eyes fixed at the target. Then the Labrador came in and flushed out the bird, the hunter shot the bird and the lab retrieved it, they all worked so well together. So, now I can fully appreciate what these wonderful dogs mean to so many people, they aren't just a pet or a companion they are a serious working dog, after this weekend I appreciate them a lot more. I know, you all think I am out of my mind for not knowing how these wonderful canines were used in hunting, I seriously didn't, it just goes to show you are never too old to learn.
Annette47 (04-17-2019), IRISHWISTLER (04-10-2019), Snowshoe (04-10-2019)
That's cool how they had their own jobs to do and worked in synchrony. I''m not a hunter so I hadn't given that much thought either but it sounds like a well ordered "machine".
They did work well together.
By all means, go to a retriever trial or a retriever hunt test and watch Labs work on land and water. If you haven't seen them handling on blind retrieves through hard cover, corners of water or charging over land-water-land-water retrieves, you'll be pretty amazed.
How do I find out where one is? What I saw was a practice session on home turf. The kennel where I am getting the new pup from breeds english elhew pointers and english labs.
Here's one retriever club kind of in your area...
https://www.ywhrc.com/
Aslo, you can find events of this nature on Entry Express https://entryexpress.net
Also, maybe you should send a shout out (PM) to Barry and Irishwhistler. I'm all the way over in NV and they are more on your side of the continent. But if you're getting a Lab with working stock in it's pedigree... you'll want to know more about the field sports. BUT... WARNING... you may get hooked!!!
Quickie explanation:
Retriever Field Trials are the creme dela creme. These dogs compete against each other and earn points for placements that will result in Field Champion (FC) or Amateur Field Champion (AFC) titles.
Retriever Hunt Tests are more realistic hunting situations (no 400 yard retrieves) but the work the dogs are expected to do is very similar and also very demanding. The dogs run against a standard and earn Qualifying scores toward their AKC Master Hunter title. Also they run hoping to earn enough completions that they are invited to run in the yearly Master National and/or the Master Amateur Invitational.
Breeder is going to let me know when the next one is she is competing in. She did a video interview in 2015 for "Bird Dogs Afield". Her kennel is in the White Mtns, and good haul from where I live, which is no man's land.
Marmot,
I am a member of YWHRC and we are hosting an HRC Licensed Hunt Test in Woodstock, CT on the weekend of June 1st and 2nd, 2019. I see you live in MA so it would likely be relatively close for you to attend. There will be dogs and handlers from throughout the region in attendance and that would give you a really good look at the sport and various skill levels of the dogs and handlers participating.
Feel free to PM me for further information or with any questions you might have. I sent you a PM. YWHRC is a great club and we are welcoming to guests and to prospective new members.
Cheers,
Mike ☘️🇮🇪🇺🇸
TEAM TRAD PRO STAFF
DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY
Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.
Sounds very interesting, I will check to see what we have going on then! Many thanks!
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