Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 1

Illinois Retriever Hunt Test

This weekend Linc has a hunt test. Excited, nervous and anxious are just some of the words that come to mind. Linc is a year and four months old and has over half dozen waterfowl retrieves under his belt and that's only having him in the field three times. His obedience is great, drive is indescribable and he just keeps improving each training session.

However, Linc does have one weakness. He may seem scared, but he is still working on his social skills and we are building his confidence. He can handle a gun shot fine, but freaks out when he sees people and runs away. This is one of my jobs as trainer to make sure that he knows that he is OK and safe. I need to keep him pumped up and make sure he knows that he's a good dog. Introducing him to people at places like Bass Pro and Scheels helps him adjust.

The hunt test is being held by the Illinois River Retriever Club a branch of the Hunter Retriever Club. We found IRRC while searching the internet for training videos back when Reagan was a pup. We attended a few of their training days, learned from other trainers and watched dogs mature into great retrievers. Everyone was kind and welcoming. Even if you don't want to run your dog, bring your kids and watch some of the best retrievers in the state. Find more information about the hunt test - CLICK HERE

Linc has to participate under the "Started" category.

There are five ability-based (not age) categories that the dogs may enter in the HRC Tests: Started, Seasoned, Finished, Grand and Upland. Unlike field trials, these are not competitive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place events, but tests where all dogs are judged pass/fail against a "Hunting Standard". Hunter Retriever Club

STARTED:

Four single marks:

2 on land & 2 on water.

The hunting retriever is not required to be steady at the retrieving line. The hunting retriever may be hand held at the retrieving line.
The bird must be delivered to the immediate area of the Handler. It is not necessary to deliver to hand.

How to gain the SHR Title: Five (5) Championship points per hunt test are awarded for those dogs who pass all Started Hunting Retriever tests. Four (4) Started passes are required for the Started Hunting Retriever (SHR) title.

Why do a hunt test? Proves you and your dog are a team. Helps keep your dog in shape & further his training experience and knowledge, which will help him in real scenarios . Also, this can put value on offspring from his/her pedigree. Plus it's a lot of fun to compete with your dog & meet other people that enjoy dogs.

If you are interested in becoming more involved check out the club nearest you. Illinois Retriever Clubs.

Wish Linc GOOD LUCK!

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors Good Luck and Stay Safe -