Field Trial Regulations

kandjt · Field Trial Regulations

A friends lab had just developed an occasional squeak whilst waiting for a retrieve. This is really bad news as he had a step up to becoming a FTCH. This got me thinking if there were any differences in eliminating faults in different countries around the world. I recall reading somewhere that in certain parts of Germany hunter's HPRs were encouraged to give voice when on game and were trained to dispatch wounded game. Is this reflected in German FT regulations? and are there any other differences?

Keith

guy

eddieh

An Afghan Hound owned by one of my friends has worked out just how loud it can bark without triggering its anti bark collar. I doubt a squeak would set it off. Unless you mean something like a spray commander which has a little remote you use to release the spray at will.

doganjo

Nope, some dogs need sterner measures - I have an e-bark collar. recommended by Barbara, cost about £60 and very worthwhile. The only problem with Brittanys is that they are so clever. Freckles will bark if the collar isn't on her but even if switched off she won't bark with the collar round her neck. None of the others bark too much, except Hester when someone comes to the door - that is SOME bark and I like her doing it. She stops on command too.

Britmania

In New Zealand, a dog "giving voice" or noise in its trial (whether it be due to excitement or enthusiasm) is penalised by the judge. This is because the dog is expected to do the task in a workmanlike fashion.
By that I mean, the dog should quickly find the game and return to the handler with the least amount of disturbance possible.
Points in the case you mention Keith, would be deducted for "style"(ie the dog is expected to retrieve quietly and efficiently).

It is interesting that German HPR's are encouraged to give voice - presumably there is a chase involved? I too have heard that they allow game to be "dispatched". Both these elements are penalised heavily in our trials - especially in the P&S, which is the classification all the HPR breeds are included in.
Maybe some of our German friends could enlighten us on how their field trials rules apply to the HPR breeds?

Chris

kandjt

Thanks for your replies, I don't exactly know what my friend has tried, but I'm pretty sure that with his and his partners experience every avenue has been followed. It's a pity because he is an exceptional dog otherwise and even if the fault could be rectified the reputation would still linger on,

I wonder if anyone knows whether giving tongue or hardmouth is hereditary? Having a lab with hardmouth myself and delving back into her pedigree I found a number of similar cases in the same bloodline. I knew both her parents and they had softmouths and I trained her exactly the same way as I do all my dogs.

Keith

doganjo

Personally i don't have a clue as I haven't found it in any of my own Brittany lines, but Bill will tell you everything is in the breeding[/b]

guy

This is a most interesting question and i hope Bill will indeed put his pennyworth in.

I do wonder how much of 'hardmouth' is trained in. i read somewhere recently - 'you never see a bad pup only a bad dog'.

What is hardmouth? is it purposeful chomping of every bird? over enthusiasm collecting a strong runner who resists the assistance?

Britmania

My interpretation of "hard mouth" is a dog that damages in any way the game it is carrying in its mouth.
The NZGTA rules are quite clear on the matter - the key word being that a dog should TENDERLY carry the game in its mouth.
Any signs of mouthing are penalised, the only exception allowed being repositioning of game in the mouth when entering water so that the dog can close his throat. That is acceptable. Any other movement of the game in the mouth is not.
All game is examined (by the judge)for signs of hard mouth at the completion of the retrieve and evidence of hard mouth is dealt with severely (ie points taken off the score). Extreme hard mouth ( crushed or eaten birds) result in disqualification.
Judges sometimes have to decide whether damage to the game is caused by the dog or as a result of the catapult or the fall (ie if it hit a stone or rocks etc).
In any case of doubt, the dog is given the benefit.

Hard mouth in a retriever is regarded as unforgiveable in NZ.

Whether hard mouth is taught or inherited has been debated here too.
In my opinion, the very early training of pups and what they are allowed to "play" with is crucial.
If a pup learns at an early age that it is OK to crunch down hard on anything, it is setting in motion a habit that will be very hard to stop as it gets older.

Chris