How young to enter started test?

[gsp1]

I realize all pups are different, but I was wondering what people's thoughts are on the age to enter a pup into a started/junior test?

My little girl is 15 weeks now and I'm pretty sure she could pass a started test, not that I'm looking to enter her right now. I haven't ran any retriever tests, but it looks like some of the dogs I've seen in the started tests are about a year old. My original plan was to get her through the started by the end of the spring or early summer? Then get ready for duck season and more senior levels next spring... I know there are no "time tables" in dog training, but I wanted hear some thoughts from more experienced handlers.. .

Thanks

[jecartag]

I ran first started test at just over 7 months, and had 4 passes at just over 8 months. This is my first dog...maybe with an experienced trainer who knows when he coulda have run his first test. But, like you said, it is definitely not a race.

[fishduck]

I ran my first hunt test dog in started at 4 months old. She passed one day and failed the other. Passed her first seasoned test at 7 months old. She is now 6 years old and I just recently got her creeping/line manner issues under some kind of control.

You can run a dog that early and pass tests but the monster you create will follow you all of the dogs career. Slow down and run the pup when doing seasoned level work.

[Duckquilizer]

I ran my first hunt test dog in started at 4 months old. She passed one day and failed the other. Passed her first seasoned test at 7 months old. She is now 6 years old and I just recently got her creeping/line manner issues under some kind of control.

You can run a dog that early and pass tests but the monster you create will follow you all of the dogs career. Slow down and run the pup when doing seasoned level work.

This is where I feel it too. At a min, its highly advisable to run a test when the pup is doing work at the next level. For started=doing well near the seasoned levelor at a min starting to handle decent. Now if you like to push the limit and don't mind failure, go ahead. fish is correct though, you stand a good chance of creating some really nasty habits.

[KwickLabs]

gsp1 asked:

"I know there are no "time tables" in dog training, but I wanted hear some thoughts from more experienced handlers."

Duckquilizer quoted "fishduck's" reply and agreed. I agree, too.

So you now have three (in a row) that feel the same way. Oops....a correction is in order......four.

[Scott Parker]

In AKC tests the rules require that dogs have to be 6 months old to run.

[thelast2]

Justin Tacketts, Yella ran and passed started HRC test at 3.5 months old

[Lonnie Spann]

Justin Tacketts, Yella ran and passed started HRC test at 3.5 months old

And???

I guess you can run one when its big enough to drag a duck back to the line.

Lonnie Spann

[Duckquilizer]

Justin Tacketts, Yella ran and passed started HRC test at 3.5 months old

That's what they say on the dog food commercial... I've also seen some screwy stuff happen at a test and dogs pass too... Not saying this happened here.

[road kill]

I realize all pups are different, but I was wondering what people's thoughts are on the age to enter a pup into a started/junior test?

My little girl is 15 weeks now and I'm pretty sure she could pass a started test, not that I'm looking to enter her right now. I haven't ran any retriever tests, but it looks like some of the dogs I've seen in the started tests are about a year old. My original plan was to get her through the started by the end of the spring or early summer? Then get ready for duck season and more senior levels next spring... I know there are no "time tables" in dog training, but I wanted hear some thoughts from more experienced handlers.. .

Thanks

I ran Elvis in NAHRA started at 4.4 months.
By 7 months he had titled and passed the regional invitational, he is forever an All-American with NAHRA.

I will share some advice with you.
Relax and wait.

You are asking, no BEGGING for trouble!

There a several regulars on this board that judged & watched him.
And beleive me, the little dude could tear those tests up!!!!!!

Looking back, it wasn't worth it, I should have waited.
Unfortunately, there was no one telling me this advice.

If you want to discuss why, pm me, we can talk on the phone.
You will thank me.