Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:09 pm Post subject: Hamptworth Novice FT
John asked me to post the results so here goes.......
1st Witham Friary Alma GSP Bitch handled by P MacDonald
2nd Huwlindragon Dai GSP Dog handled by M Roberts
3rd Jennaline Ello Jibble GSP Bitch handled by J Izard
4th Katjmo Wigeon GWP Bitch handled by M Reed.
I know Guy has posted on his diary but I wanted to add my thoughts.
This was my first experience of a trial and I thoroughly enjoyed it. By helping steward I was right in the thick of things, able to watch dogs and handlers and I learned heaps, I also realised I mark birds better than I thought I could and I also have acquired a fair bit of knowledge since starting to work with Mugi and Chase.
There were plenty of birds and this provided huge amounts of temptation to the dogs, especially when sent for their retrieves as they were flushing birds as they moved in on their downed bird . I think all the handlers found this partiularly nerve wracking and all felt they were put through their paces concentrating on their dogs.
In total 11 dogs ran, 2 Brittanys, 4 Weimaraners, 1 GWP and 4 GSP's and it was interesting seeing how the different breeds approached the task. I think the Brittany handlers had a hard time as it was difficult to keep track of the progress of the small dogs in cover that was being blown around a fair bit.
Guy and Topaz were very impressive and we were all willing the judge to not find the final bird - sadly it was tucked in tight and so all the hardwork went unrewarded. Fiona was particularly unlucky to be sent in for the same bird with her young bitch and in not producing the bird she was out before having a run .
I was very struck with how supportive the competitors were towards each other, it was a very friendly and relaxed group who were genuinely pleased and disappointed for each others efforts.
As we finished the weather really changed and the rain was awful, even so Chase and I had a brief foray. I wanted himself to walk to heel and sit to whistle which he did well (considering he had had a run first thing but then had only had quick wee breaks). While he was on the lead he picked up scent and I cursed the fact I didn't have my long-line with me - trying to keep to his pace as he was on scent was hard but with the volume of birds I didn't want him loose in case it all went pear shaped. He held a lovely point on a cock bird despite me hindering him.
Note to self, make sure my line is in the car for next week at Bunwell just in case I have the opportunity to stretch his paws again. _________________ Sue, Chase and the non-Brittany boys - Brice & Piper. Pets first and foremost.
Thanks, Sue. With your permission I'd like to put some of your comments in breed notes, I think it will help others who are wary of having a go at trialing, don't you?
Annie _________________ Annie
Handle every situation like a dog, if you can't eat it or play with it, just pee on it and walk away
Shall I send you a little 'report' on my thoughts as a FT (I hesitate to use the term here as I know what you lot are like ) virgin?? _________________ Sue, Chase and the non-Brittany boys - Brice & Piper. Pets first and foremost.
Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: Hamptworth Novice FT
Mugi wrote:
I was very struck with how supportive the competitors were towards each other, it was a very friendly and relaxed group who were genuinely pleased and disappointed for each others efforts.
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When i first started running in FT it seemed lonely but everyone was very positive. Now it is unlike any thing else - the support from your competitors is enormous, the more you do it the greater it gets, highs and lows are shared; a dog running well is appreciated by all. But i must flag up the wave of nausea that surges through your body just prior to your run; followed by the surge of pride when the dog goes something well. At the end of the day you know if the dog is out - you really don't need a judge to tell you, thus the results are pretty objective - not much room for the subjective.
It is also very addictive - the more you do the more you want. _________________ Guy, Ellie, Topaz, Catja and in memory Barley
Beauty from Structure
www.epagneulbreton.org.uk
It sounds as if you had a good day in any case. Well done Topaz.
I always think that as long as the dog has been obedient and not let you down, then it makes you feel good even if no awards. You have a good day in like minded company and... all that fresh air !
Hope to see you at Bunwell...
Pat - i am very proud of my dog today - more so than usual. Mind you i have to add that some of our performance is strictly down to the things i learned last Sunday!
i have an entry for Bunwell, so as a Britt club member with a Britt I should get a run :-)
_________________ Guy, Ellie, Topaz, Catja and in memory Barley
Beauty from Structure
www.epagneulbreton.org.uk
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. I think all the handlers found this partiularly nerve wracking and all felt they were put through their paces concentrating on their dogs.
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