[Wade Thurman]

I would like to get some opinions on the purpose of a Test Dog.

Thanks

 

[huntingrdr]

I think, to show you how the judges want you to run the test or trial.

 

[lablover]

The test dog is used to demonstrate the mechanics of the test. And that's all!

 

[Russell Archer]

Test dogs on Marks aren't that big of deal to me. It is nice to see and then to think about how you are going to handle and cue your dog. Besides, the only time I take my eye off my dog in marks is when the flyer goes off and that is to see where it falls.

Test dogs on Blinds are extreamly important. It will show you the hazzards of the blind and give you a heads up on potential problem spots.

 

[Wade Thurman]

How do you feel about Test Dogs that do nothing? What I mean is, the dog fails to get to the blind or fails to pick up all 3 birds of a set up?

What has been learned by you the handler or the judge?

Thanks

 

[Russell Archer]

That does happen quite often, and true not much if anything is learned.

When it does happen most judges will say 1 of 2 things:

1) Try not to do what that dog did.
or
2) My personal favorite...."Line'um up".

Such is Field Trials.

 

[Tim Carrion]

How do you feel about Test Dogs that do nothing? What I mean is, the dog fails to get to the blind or fails to pick up all 3 birds of a set up?

What has been learned by you the handler or the judge?

Thanks

Information about the test is provided whether the dog fails or passes the test. In addition to mechanics handlers still deed to know: wind, terrain, visibility of the dog enroute and at the bird, lighting, shadows, etc. The handler of the test dog has a responsibilty to have an appropriate dog (a test dog is not just a warm body) and should be instructed to pick up every bird. As a handler the test dog that has problems with the test tells me more than the one that nails every bird. As judge I can see if there is anything I did not consider.

Tim

 

[Josh Conrad]

Most of the test dogs I've seen rarely complete the test. Most usually delay the test from starting because they don't handle or won't come in with the wistle.

This past weekend, in the Senior, the guy running test dog did the best I've seen.

This dog was a retired MH. Dog headed out for the memory bird and was just about to over run it. The handler gave him a quick wistle and an over to the bird.

I talked with him later that day and told him that I thought that was a great thing to do. His take was heck yeah, I was only test dog, you guys didn't want to watch my dog run all over hell and gone for 5 minutes.

So true.

 

[Mark Littlejohn]

I believe my dog did a pretty good job the one time he was a test dog. On the water series, he found a milk jug, an earthworm container and a WalMart bag. Each on a separate mark. Cleaned up the test for the working dogs.

...that's my boy.

 

[flywaylabs]

This past weekend, in the Senior, the guy running test dog did the best I've seen.

This dog was a retired MH.

mmmmmmm "the test dog may not be over quailfied" mmmmmmm

Let the #@* begin 8)

 

[Josh Conrad]

This past weekend, in the Senior, the guy running test dog did the best I've seen.

This dog was a retired MH.

mmmmmmm "the test dog may not be over quailfied" mmmmmmm

Let the #@* begin 8)

I'll take over qualified any day vs watching a dog screw around for 10 minutes and not pick up any chickens :?

Get on with it Regards

 

[Lady Duck Hunter]

Actually on page 33 of the current regulations and guidelines says, "....shall not be over qualified..."


I believe that the purpose of a test dog is to check the mechanics of the test and to show the handlers the order of the test.

 

[Gooose]

I know I'm not as good as I was before I RETIRED.

The older I get the better I was!

 

[Uncle Bill]

Sometimes the judges have no choice. The host club is supposed to provide a 'qualified' test dog, but even in HRC where the judges almost always use one of theirs, if they are judging a lower level, they might have to use an overqualified dog. Mox Nix. It shows the mechanics of the test, puts some scent on the ground, starts some 'drag-back' conditions, and still provides some insite for those willing to watch and learn.

LINE-EM-UP!

UB

 

[DEDEYE]

LOL! Last year my my dog Darla and I got tossed out on our behinds in the first series. We came back as test dog for the next, and she smacked it! Yesssss.....! I love it!

 

[Bubba]

Works every time. On the other hand, if you have never had your leg humped in public, run your own dog as test dog when you are judging.

Learns the hard way regards

Bubba

 

[Guest]

AKC Rules and Regs..Supplement Pt 1

 

[North Mountain]

Bubba,

Now I know why you like bitches!

Laura

 

[TxFig]

Sometimes the judges have no choice. The host club is supposed to provide a 'qualified' test dog, but even in HRC where the judges almost always use one of theirs, if they are judging a lower level, they might have to use an overqualified dog. Mox Nix. It shows the mechanics of the test, puts some scent on the ground, starts some 'drag-back' conditions, and still provides some insite for those willing to watch and learn.

Uncle Bill, I'm glad you brought this up. The "judges running their own dog as test dog".

It's a pet peave of mine.

Imho, a judge cannot do both:
* Run their dog
* Pay attention to the mechanics of the test


What's worse, what is the gallery going to say if the judge's dog can't do the test? I guarantee that it will be brought up by the first person whose dog blows up.


It's a really, REALLY bad idea. So much so, I wish there were a rule against it.

 

[SueLab]

I would prefer to watch a dog (not under or over qualified) that does not smack the test...what do the judges (or you) learn from the perfect performance?