{"id":1623,"date":"2017-11-27T05:48:02","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T05:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/?post_type=project&p=1623"},"modified":"2018-01-18T00:50:32","modified_gmt":"2018-01-18T00:50:32","slug":"field","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/project\/field\/","title":{"rendered":"Field"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_color=”#b7e0f1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n

Field Competition<\/strong><\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.95″ src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues_Field_Hunt_Tests-PNG.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_toggle _builder_version=”3.0.94″ title=”What is Agility?” open=”off” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#00470f” background_color=”#ffe9a7″ border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#00470f” border_style_all=”double” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”52903″]<\/p>\n

Want to learn more about Agility and Agility Competition?\u00a0 Visit our Agility page for more details. [Read\u00a0More]<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_toggle _builder_version=”3.0.94″ title=”What is Conformation?” open=”off” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#00470f” background_color=”#ffe9a7″ border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#00470f” border_style_all=”double” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”52898″]<\/p>\n

Want to learn about Conformation and Dog Shows?\u00a0 Visit our Conformation page for more details. [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_toggle _builder_version=”3.0.94″ title=”What is Obedience & Rally?” open=”off” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#00470f” background_color=”#ffe9a7″ border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#00470f” border_style_all=”double” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”52900″]<\/p>\n

Want to learn about Obedience and Rally Competition?\u00a0 Visit our Obedience & Rally page for more details. [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_toggle _builder_version=”3.0.94″ title=”What is Scent Work?” open=”off” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#00470f” background_color=”#ffe9a7″ border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#00470f” border_style_all=”double” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”52901″]<\/p>\n

Want to learn about Tracking, Nose Work and Barn Hunt?\u00a0 Visit our Scent Work page for more information. [Read\u00a0More]<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_toggle _builder_version=”3.0.94″ title=”What is Therapy Work?” open=”off” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#00470f” background_color=”#ffe9a7″ border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#00470f” border_style_all=”double” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”52902″]<\/p>\n

Labrador Retrievers make wonderful Therapy and Service dogs.\u00a0 Visit our Therapy page for more details. [Read\u00a0More]<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_toggle title=”Volunteer” _builder_version=”3.0.95″ title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#00470f” background_color=”#ffe9a7″ border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#00470f” border_style_all=”double” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ saved_tabs=”all” open=”off” global_module=”52553″]<\/p>\n

Want to help make our events a success, and join in on the fun?\u00a0 Visit our Volunteer page to see the Volunteer Opportunities PSLRA currently has available. [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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History of Retriever Hunt Tests<\/strong><\/h3>\n

(From the AKC)<\/strong><\/p>\n

A hunt test is an event at which the natural ability and training of gun dogs are evaluated against a written standard.\u00a0 Each dog that meets this standard earns a pass. This is unlike a field trial in which dog\/handler teams compete against one another with only one dog being declared the winner.<\/p>\n

In the 1980s hunters with good retrievers, but without the resources, or time, to be able to be competitive in field trials were anxious to have an avenue to test their dogs for hunting abilities. The Qualifying and then Hunting Dog stake at field trials satisfied that need for a while, but did not offer titles. Thus something more was desired.<\/p>\n

The North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA) was formed to satisfy this need. AKC and NAHRA worked together for a while developing a joint hunting test for retrievers. After a time AKC and NAHRA went their separate ways. At this point AKC began it’s own Hunting Test for Retrievers program with titles offered for Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter and Master Hunter.<\/p>\n

Junior Hunting Tests consist of single marked retrieves on land and water and dogs are allowed to be lightly restrained at the line; Senior Hunting Tests consist of double marked retrieves, and relatively simple blind retrieves on land and water, as well as honoring the retrieve of another competitor; Master Hunting Tests are for the “truly finished and experienced hunting companion” and as such full refinement in trained abilities should be expected. Master tests consist of multiple marked retrieves on land, water, and land water combination. Master blind retrieves should be demanding and are done on land and water, one of which must be a double blind. Honoring is also required as well as a walkup situation, where the dog should be walking at heel, as the first bird is thrown in a marking situation.<\/p>\n

The first Retriever Hunting Test Sub-Committee was composed of eight individuals from around the country. Later it was changed to consist of four individuals, one from each region, and a Chairperson. Nelson Sills also serves as an advisor to the Sub-Committee.<\/p>\n

The first AKC licensed retriever hunting tests were held in 1985. That first year, there were 13 events with a total of 681 entrants, compared to 2005 in which there were 341events, and 34,799 entries. The distinction of the first events belongs to the Jayhawk Retriever Club of St. Joseph, KS and the East Texas Retriever Club of Lufkin, TX, which ran on the same dates. As you can see from this, the program has been a rousing success. In fact its success is the largest problem the program faces. Large entries call for more workers and judges, and make it hard on smaller clubs.<\/p>\n

Owners, who had titled their dogs as Master Hunters, soon desired something else to strive to achieve. Mr. Nelson Sills urged the AKC to investigate the possibility of instigating an event to give Master Hunters something else to strive toward. On advice from Mr. Sills, Bob McKowen and John Carroll, established the first Master National Hunting Test for Retrievers, after a survey of AKC clubs indicated that the majority of respondents favored such an event.<\/p>\n

The first Master National Hunting Test for Retrievers was held in Chesapeake City, MD on September 15, 1991 with 94 entries. Twenty-six dogs qualified at the event chaired by Larry Wharton and mainly staffed by volunteers from local clubs. At this first Master National, the Master National Retriever Club was formed with representatives from 59 clubs attending. Bill Speck was elected to serve as the first President of the club. A vice president and director were elected from each of the four regions, and Linda Furr was elected to serve as Secretary\/Treasurer. It was voted that the Master National would rotate among the four regions of the United States.\u00a0 [Learn More<\/a>]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_color=”#b7e0f1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n

About Retriever Field Trials<\/strong><\/h3>\n

(From the AKC)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Retriever Field Trial sport of today can trace its origin to the late 1920’s to early 1930’s when a small group of avid hunters devised a sport in which they could evaluate the performance of their hunting retrievers in a competitive environment and obtain Championships along with bragging rights. Today’s modern Retriever Field Trial is a much evolved event with some of the best trained, highly skilled, and well conditioned competitors in the Sporting Group.<\/p>\n

In the early days of the sport most marked retrieves and blinds rarely exceeded 100 yards in distance, by comparison today’s events often see multiple marked retrieves in excess of 250 yards and blind retrieves sometimes in excess of 300 yards. Today’s competitive All-Age Retriever must be in both excellent physical and mental condition, test in these trials almost always involve multiple marking test consisting of double, triple and quadruple marks with one, or several gun stations retired from the dogs sight, also single and multiple blinds are often involved.<\/p>\n

Most weekend retriever events are comprised of four events, two are major all-age events that carry championship points, and the other two are minor stakes for younger dogs. One of the following, open to professional trainers and amateur trainers, is offered, Open All-Age, Limited All-Age, Special All-Age, or Restricted All-Age, the determination as to which is offered is based on the entries at the clubs previous event. The other major stake, offered to Amateur handlers only, is Amateur All-Age, or Owner\/Handler Amateur All-Age.\u00a0 At the previously mentioned stakes championship points are awarded, the awarding of these points count toward a dogs Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion status. Also on a yearly basis these points count toward qualification to participate in both the National Open Retriever Championship and National Amateur Field Championship, each held once yearly. Generally two minor stakes are also offered, one being the Qualifying, this stake is very similar to an all-age stake but generally not as difficult in content. The other minor stake, a Derby, is for young dogs that are at least 6 months but have not reached 2 years of age, this stake involved marked retrieves only, these may consist of single, double are triple. Points are awarded for placement in this stake and count toward a yearly Derby Championship sponsored by the Retriever Field Trial News, a publication owned by the Retriever National Open and Amateur clubs.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.92″ show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues_Field_Field_Trials.png” \/][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.95″ src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues-Field-Trials-V2.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_color=”#b7e0f1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.92″ show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues_Field_Hunt_WCV2.png” \/][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n

Working Certificate (WC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Working Certificate is a parent club (Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.) program and the title, while recognized by the LRC, is not an AKC recognized title.\u00a0 Per the LRC,<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen LRC, Inc. was founded in 1931, the members intended the Working Certificate program to parallel The Kennel Club in England\u2019s requirements that a Sporting dog pass a working test before earning its conformation title. The American Kennel Club does not require working aptitude evaluation for Sporting Dogs who earn their conformation titles. \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

While the AKC does not require that a dog earn a working title to be called a Champion, the LRC states \u201cNo member of the Club shall use the \u201cCH\u201d in front of the name of a registered Labrador Retriever dog until said dog, having won a conformation championship, shall also receive a working certificate or the equivalent.\u201d\u00a0 To that end,<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Working Certificate program provides a way for Labrador owners to experience and develop an appreciation for the natural working abilities of their dogs without the lengthy and expensive commitment the competitive performance events require.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Unlike most performance events, the test must only be passed once to earn the WC title.\u00a0 It is meant to be a test of natural retrieving instinct and is not meant to indicate the extent of training a dog has received.\u00a0 That said, basic obedience is helpful.\u00a0 The test requirements (from the LRC Web Site) are as follows:<\/p>\n