[Dave Farrar]

Unfortunately, I have only been able to watch 1 senior test and we are entered in one next month.
My question is: What do you think is the most common reason dogs are not invited back for the 2nd series?
I know there are many ways to mess up, but in your experience, what is the most common screw up?
Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[hotel4dogs]

In my very, very limited experience, failing the blind.

 

[jrrichar]

Breaking either on honor or before they are sent. Participated (ran/volunteered) in 8 senior tests last year all in CA.

 

[Billie]

Failing the blind( do challenge the line.) And breaking . Also, if you need to handle on a mark, handle all the way to your bird. Good luck down there, maybe I'll meet you. I'll be in Master and watching friends at senior.

 

[Troy Tilleraas]

switching on marks, or leaving the area of the fall and handler failing to handle in order to keep playing...

 

[Rnd]

Unfortunately, I have only been able to watch 1 senior test and we are entered in one next month.
My question is: What do you think is the most common reason dogs are not invited back for the 2nd series?
I know there are many ways to mess up, but in your experience, what is the most common screw up?
Thanks in advance for your time.

Not working at a level above that in which they are being tested....

ie not ready for the task...

PS. Those same reasons also make the game exciting ....

 

[Gold Strike Labradors]

All of the above scenarios can and do happen. Run Reggie, he's superb. I wish I had my crystal ball at the line.
Experience is the best teacher. And who knows, when put to the 'test' you might surprise yourselves.
Remember your first JH test and how you thought 'what am I worried about, easy' and then for whatever the reason, the next JH test wasn't as easy.
That's what makes this 'game' challenging and rewarding for both Hunt Test Team Members.
May the force be with you.

 

[captainjack]

I won't comment specifically on Senior hunt tests. It has Been my personal experience that the main reason for failing a test, whether it be any level hunt test, a derby , Qualifying or All-Age test is the dog not sitting still and watching all birds in the air and to the ground.

 

[truthseeker]

Not ready for shore line marks and blinds. Not ready for blinds down wind from the live birds crates. Not ready for the quick turn around from marks to blinds.

They can have a good foundation, but still fail if not midway to 3/4 through transition.

Keith

 

[captainjack]

Not ready for shore line marks and blinds. Not ready for blinds down wind from the live birds crates. Not ready for the quick turn around from marks to blinds.

They can have a good foundation, but still fail if not midway to 3/4 through transition.

Keith

Agree with all of this, but would add that the odds of long-term success in hunt tests or field trials (and the preventing of bad habits from forming) are greatly improved by not running any level test until the dog is well into advanced training.

 

[22899]

I won't comment specifically on Senior hunt tests. It has Been my personal experience that the main reason for failing a test, whether it be any level hunt test, a derby , Qualifying or All-Age test is the dog not sitting still and watching all birds in the air and to the ground.

Read this! Then read it again,, then ask yourself ,,what is the big picture.

Gooser

P,S, Then after the dog really watches the birds,,ask yourself,if YOU really know where the flyer landed! Did YOU watch that?

 

[Madluke]

Along with the obvious break and blind faults,be careful of handler errors. I've seen many dogs get confused by an overly excited handler.

ie: on the walk up, not positioning your dog when sat to see the second mark

Slow down and be clear with your hand signals
Carefull with your whistle

 

[truthseeker]

Agree with all of this, but would add that the odds of long-term success in hunt tests or field trials (and the preventing of bad habits from forming) are greatly improved by not running any level test until the dog is well into advanced training.

I agree totally, It might be a terminology issue, but this is what I meant.

Keith

 

[fishin444]

It's not only important for the dog to mark the falls but for you do do so also. I will pick something out in the area of the fall to help me line up the dog correctly before sending. I've had my male miss a mark by inches on the downwind side and run right by it. Try to use factors like terrain and wind direction to your advantage.

 

[Swampcollie]

As others have already noted, general unsteadiness and failing the blind.

 

[Hunt'EmUp]

#1 reason people fail at the senior level is failing the blind. Now what is failing the blind? Blinds can be broken down into three part beginning middle and end. Most people get an ok line then have a break down in the middle. They don't get the control back towards the end, and even though the dog gets the blind. The dog not the handler finishes it. Dog hunts it up, dog runs into it, wind save etc.. Most of the time the dog is failed & the handler has a hard time understanding why? To pass a blind at any level of testing the handler must maintain control all the way through, otherwise it's not a blind. So get a line, if you get in trouble stick to it and recover, then be sure to finish the blind. Do not let the dog just find the bird, put the dog on the bird. I run akc but I judge HRC pretty much the same reasons why dogs are likely to go out in the middle level

 

[John Condon]

To add to all of the good advise above. When you say " BACK" he better go!!

 

[miketuggle]

THIS thread, is a perfect example of what is awesome about RFT!!! "Dog people" helping "dog people"....

There are great tips here.

 

[Dave Farrar]

THIS thread, is a perfect example of what is awesome about RFT!!! "Dog people" helping "dog people"....

There are great tips here.

Yes it is... and I appreciate every comment.

 

[DOHawk]

Very good advice throughout the thread. Makes me want to get out and run a test.