It is the HANDLERS responsibility to....

[Ken Bora]

It is the HANDLERS responsibility to....
1 Train and prepare your dog for the level of testing you want to participate in.
2 Read and re-read the rules of the game overall and level you want to participate in.
3 Arrive at the location of your test on time.
4 If unable to watch test dog run, watch at least a couple dogs and ask any questions before you run.
5 To concentrate on running your dog to the best of your ability. (there will be time to chat at the tailgate party)
6 To bring up any thoughts, views or opinions of wrongdoing immediately to a member of the test committee. (Not the next week on the internet)
7 To question your pass fail status at the test, not the next day.
NOTE- This is very important. It has only happened to me once and I have run a fair number of times. Once I was very sure my dog had simply smacked a test. At the ribbon ceremony, I was not called up. I very politely asked the stake marshal, and together we asked one of the judges. The judges had handed the stake marshal a very small and soggy scrap of paper with the qualifying dogs. My dogs number had sloughed off. If I had not asked I would have failed that test and nobody would have known. The judge instantly remembered me because I was running the only Chesapeake's at the test!!! And yes I get jokes about that all the time.
8 To know when enough is enough and as quickly and efficiently as possible pick up your dog when the friendly hand on the shoulder comes.
9 To Thank the judges as you leave the line. Every time, no mater if your dog ate up the test or if the test ate you!!!
10 To police your area even if visiting a neighboring club. Leave the grounds as clean or cleaner than when you parked.
11 To obey the instructions on parking, airing, viewing the test and driving on test grounds roads.

Can you all come up with some more???
Ken Bora

[MoJo]

Ken,

I bleieve you covered them all. Wouldn't it be nice if all handlers ran their dogs with the same attitude.

[Uncle Bill]

How about...
Ask for directions to a spot where you CAN do some training....OR get your dog wet..... off the grounds.

UB...wondering if Ken submitted his full resume yet?

[pupaloo]

What about "behave with good sportsmanship for the ENTIRE duration of your time at the test"? Attitude is everything-even if you don't do well.

[hhlabradors]

Air your dog.
Be ready and come to the line when called.

[Andy Symons]

Ken, on number 8.

Have enough sense (at a hunt test) to pick up your dog before the hand on your shoulder. Maybe it's just me, but when things go south, I don't wait for the dreaded 5 words. I get my dog in, rope her up, thank the judges, honor or head to the truck and go home and work on the issue. I got wet a couple times last year, but we came back the next day (after a serious session of hold at home or some enforced handling drills) and ran well.

12. Thank the bird boys and club members for there hard work putting on the test. I will go out of my way, maybe at lunch break, to seek out the birdboys and thank them for throwing birds for my dog.

[huntingrdr]

Looks good Ken!

[AmiableLabs]

3 Arrive at the location of your test on time.

Define "on time?"

[Roger Perry]

3 Arrive at the location of your test on time.

Define "on time?"

DON'T SANDBAG