GUIDELINES - JUDGING FINISHED HUNT TESTS

I. Hand signals, voice, and whistle commands may be utilized by the Handler to encourage the Finished Hunting Retriever to perform; however, should excessive handling or noise occur, which in the opinion of the Judges would disturb the hunt, the Judges may declare failure of the test.

The dog is being tested for both its marking ability and handling. However, a clean handle is preferable to an extended hunt.

II. Excessive noise or intimidation to prevent a “break” should result in failure. A “controlled break” may result in failure.

III. A Judge should periodically inspect birds taken from the Handler, especially in the instance of a dog suspected of hard-mouth.

IV. The Judge should look for the dog that walks obediently to the line, sits obediently, and exhibits an attentive attitude.

*V. The diversionary bird can be thrown as the dog returns from any retrieve. Remember, that when a hazard or diversion of any kind is set out for the dog, it is the recovery that the dog executes that is important.

VI. After a dog leaves the line on a retrieve, he cannot return and be re-cast.

VII. Imagination in the placement of Gunners and Bird Throwers should be used on the part of the Judges. A Finished Hunting Retriever should be the type of dog that anyone would be proud to hunt with in all conditions, and this should be a factor in test set-up.

VIII. Quartering. The dog hunts in a radius ideally from 10 to 30 yards to the side and in front of the Handler. The live bird is released (or thrown), in full view of the dog. The distance from the bird to the dog should be within scenting distance when the bird is released. The dog is required to be steady to wing and shot. The dog should immediately return to the previous hunting range upon being called and/or whistle commanded by the Handler. The Handler will shoot the gun (popper), and the gunners may kill the bird. If the dog does not immediately return to the hunting area, the test is failed.

The dog should be eager, hunt all available cover diligently, and be under control. The intent of the Quartering test is not to demonstrate running a pattern, but to demonstrate a natural tendency to hunt and be under control.

In the Upland Game Test, quartering, tracking and walkup can all be combined at the discretion of the Judges. Walk-up. A quiet, unobtrusive verbal reminder to “sit” is acceptable as the bird flushes or is shot. Great care must be exercised by the Judge that this does not carry over to intimidation.