Hunt Test Helpful Tips
Some Tips from your Field Events Committee
written by Sue Liemohn
Lois McCracken and Gurley at the line
[This article was written prior to the 2008 National Specialty. References to those events and schedules has been removed to avoid any confusion]
We are interrupting our series of articles walking you though the various hunt tests to give you some hunt tests hints in preparation for Nationals or any other hunt tests you plan to enter.
Know the rules for the level you are running. Nothing is more frustrating than going to the line and having a situation come up that makes you wonder if it is within the rules. Nothing is more embarrassing than going to the line and doing something that is outside the rules causing your dog to fail. The better you know the rules, the more you can concentrate on your handling and your dog’s performance. KNOW THE RULES.
Come to the test with the equipment needed for the level you are running – whistle, duck call, knee boots, waders and the proper clothing – dark or camo for the marks, plus orange for the upland.
If you have dogs that like to bark, park as far away from the test area as you can or put bark collars on them. Make sure you air your dog well before coming to the line. Following a dog that has urinated or defecated on or near the line can be quite a distraction, especially for the younger dogs. Additionally, your dog will be able to concentrate on the work at hand if he/she has been exercised before going to the line.
Nothing good can come from having dogs in the gallery – do not bring your dogs into the gallery even if they have already run.
Gallery etiquette – The gallery should wear dark clothing so as to not be a distraction to the working dogs. The gallery should not stand directly behind the handler and should keep movement and conversation to a minimum to avoid distracting the dogs running blinds. Applause from the gallery when a dog has completed its run is always appreciated by the handlers.
When the judges review the test set-up (scenario), make sure that you understand what is expected and ask as many questions as necessary so that everything is clear to you. Also, when you go to the line, ask any questions that you may have about the test before you start the test. Judges want you and your dog to do well and will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Hunt test judges have given up time from their lives to judge your dog. Without them there would be no test and no titles. Make sure that you thank them whether your dog does well or not.
Dogs will be dogs. And, just as we have bad days, so do they. Actually, we as handlers likely make more mistakes than our dogs. Do not take your frustrations out on your dog.
If you are running your dog at a level in which an honor is a requirement, always ask the honor dog’s handler if he/she is ready. Do not shout at your dog when sending him – use a voice only as loud as necessary to release him to make the retrieve.
Always exit away from the dog coming to the line. This has several benefits, including allowing the next dog to concentrate on the task at hand and avoiding dog fights. After completing the upland test, do not exit the middle of the field – leash your dog and exit on the side closest to you or as directed by the judges.
Lastly, if you have complaints, take them to the Marshall or Hunt Test Committee – not the judges.
We hope to see you at Nationals and want to wish you and your canine partner “Good Luck” in every hunt tests you run!
Sue Liemohn and Justin - showing the fruits of proper preparation.
