[Tigershark]

I'm running my dog in a started test tomorrow and my daughter wants to handle the dog during one of the tests. Would she be allowed to run one series with him ? She is 8 and not trying to get a handler title she just enjoys working the dog. I haven't run test in probably 13+ years and can only find rules based on the handler titles. Was wandering if anyone her might have a quick answer

Thanks

 

[Tigershark]

Thank you all I will give it a shot in the morning and report back

 

[Tigershark]

just wanted to give an update, my dog went a little nuts at the hunt test I now believe I have what everyone refers to a firebreather. It is amazing how quickly they can go from training to just about losing his mind during testing. I purposely trained for a couple of weeks without the collar and never a break or no issues with heeling or sit or anything. Get to the test and he is ready to go, was going to do it off lead but wasn't happening he was ready to go, he settled down a lot for the land marks, I took him off lead, my daughter at my side and didn't really have to hold on to him he did fine marked both birds delivered to hand, judges made a comment he isn't lacking any drive. I think he left the line faster and kicked up more dirt that any other dog there. I was pretty mad that he pulled on the lead on the way up. Had my wife not been nagging me the entire morning about wanting to watch him I would of scratched him because I didn't feel he deserved the opportunity to make a retrieve given the way he walked to the line. We sat around almost 5 hours until the water test started. he was worse with it, he practically dragged me to the line I wish I could have used the heeling stick to correct him . There wasn't enough room for my daughter to be by my side at the water but she did get close enough to watch. during the land test I made him sit for 10 seconds or so before releasing him, for the water marks that was the plan but he broke my standards about 5 seconds in on the first retrieve brought it back again I wasn't going for a title just trying to appease my wife and daughter if I were there by myself I would have scratched him, the second duck hit the water and I'm sure the judges were wondering if I was ever planning on releasing him I eventually did and he passed but I left mad at him. My wife and daughter had an absolute blast meeting people and seeing all the dogs, I left with a lot of questions of what to do next. he is 2.5 now is the best family dog we have ever had, the best inside dog we have ever owned but he isn't cutting it as a hunting dog. Man its frustrating how many hours of training I have in him only for him to act like that. He has too much drive, I haven't figured a way to dial him back so I am left scratching my head wondering what to do next. He demonstrated the same behavior when I took him dove hunting the only difference is I was able to correct him with the heeling stick and collar but he is still jacked up whenever he knows we are hunting. I can throw birds all day long and he is excited but it is 10 times more exciting when it is the real deal for him. what to do next is the big question going through my mind

 

[Tigershark]

Pat after I saw how much he pulled during the field test I knew it would be too dangerous for the water test. The family had a great time and we met a lot of new people so outside of the dog messing up it was a great weekend. I had really high expectations for him and I'm kind of at an impass. There are not a lot of people that train regularly near me so I'm kind of in limbo. I can work on OB again but it's really hard to simulate the real thing.

 

[Tigershark]

I spoke with the HRC judge and she told me I could list my daughter as the handler but they would allow her walk with me up to the test which was close enough and accomplished what I was hoping to get out of it. My dog was too hyper so it would not have been a good move on my part to switch . I did see a 10 yr old girl run her lab and she did great but my plans changed when I saw how excited he got from the start so I kept my name on as handler. I think we will go again next year it's hard to beat a great family event for the price of the test

 

[Tigershark]

I'm 15 years removed from the Hunt test scene and when I did I ran AKC tests. I have to say it was all about the dogs with the Started. They really want to dogs to succeed, why else would you be allow to walk them on lead, hold their collar etc. I personally think it is a great introduction into the Hunt tests. I vaguely remember some old tests and they always seemed to be a little stressful, I don't know what my dog's future holds as far as hunt tests goes but will say the started tests would be a great introduction into the game. Talent wise my dog is capable of running higher if I can find a way to settle him down. He has the skills and knowledge now bringing them altogether is my job and that's the struggle.