Many of our best loved dog breeds were traditionally developed to help with hunting and retrieving game. Labrador Retrievers find and pick up game in the field, Spaniels flush and retrieve game, and Pointers and Setters range over the hunting ground seeking out quarry for the table.
Working tests were developed to test the working ability of gundogs in competitive conditions and are held in spring and summer months from March to September. Working tests are designed to simulate, as closely as possible, a day’s shooting in the field and dogs of all gundog breeds are expected to work with a 1 lb green dummy as a substitute for game.
Breed specific working tests for Retrievers, Hunting Retrievers and Hunt-Point-Retrievers are organised by gundog clubs, societies and associations across the UK. In a test, the dog and handler will be judged on working as a team on hunting, retrieving, style and natural ability and water work. Judges will set exercises to replicate scenarios from the shooting field to test the competitors, and the best dog of the day will take home the winning trophy.
Working test are a great way to work your gundog on different grounds and gain experience.
What to expect at a Working Test?
Under Kennel Club rules we have three official classes: puppy, novice and open.
Puppy: for dogs less than 18 months of age on the date of the test.
Novice: mainly designed for young and unexperienced dogs, that have not won anything yet. But the handler could be experienced and could have won a lot in the past. Once you win a novice working test, you have to move up to open level and will be unable to compete at novice again.
Open: the advanced level but theoretically the rules mean that it is open to all dogs of a specific breed or breeds. If a competitor wins in an open working test, you can carry on competing in open tests. This is the top level, so it will be challenging distances and directions, pushing the dogs to their limits to see who is at peak performance.
There are lots of other unclassified test levels which clubs and societies will hold such as novice dog/novice handler (where neither the dog nor the handler have won anything before), veteran (for dogs over 8 years old on the day of the test), intermediate (for dogs between novice and open), and junior (for handlers under 17 years old). And a Special puppy aimed for young dogs which are not ready to go straight into a novice test.
A novice dog/novice handler test is a great way to gain competition experience and have a lovely day out with your gundog meeting like minded people.
In my experience the days are very well organised by the clubs with a welcoming atmosphere.
Preparing for your working test
Plan your journey and allow for some extra travel time. Arrive early for registration and orientation of the venue. Pack your equipment the night before. This should include items such as leads, whistles, dummies or other retrieving objects, appropriate clothing, and any necessary paperwork. Refreshments for you and your dog. It is important that your dog is fit and healthy for a day’s competition.
What happens on the day?
Your start number and running order of dog/handler-team will be sent out a few days before the event by the kennel club secretary. On arrival at the venue, you register and receive your number. The organising club will explain the proceedings of the day, and the competitors make their way to the first exercise.
When it is your turn to run a test, a steward will call and your dog forward. You make your way to the judge and the judge will ask for your number. Keep your dog on the lead and listen to the judge explaining the test. Don’t hesitate to ask if you haven’t understood something. The judges are happy to repeat.
You will have helpers throwing dummies or putting out blinds. You may have blank firing starter pistols used to simulate the shot for the retrieves. In the novice dog/novice handler class, the judge may guide you through the exercise and offer some advice. Take any advice onboard. Judges are experienced handlers and they appreciate that you may be nervous and will do their best to support you.
Your go!
When you and your dog are standing on the start line is the time when your training and practice come into play. Greet the judge and wait for the judge to tell you to take the lead off and to start the exercise. Always wait for the judge to tell you to send your dog. Take your time and don’t rush. Check the wind direction and work with the wind as you have done in your training. Set your dog up and cast your dog out for the exercise.
The judge will stand behind you and make notes on the performance of you and your dog.
In hunting exercises the judge will walk with you and will, at times, give you directions where to go or when to stop your dog. Stay calm and allow your dog to show natural game finding ability and try not to wave your arms around or use too much whistle. Allow your dog to use the nose but don’t be afraid to step in and help if your dog struggles. When the exercise is finished, put your dog back on the lead and thank the judge.
Useful information for the format of the day
The tests are organised by the Kennel Clubs and members volunteer their spare time to run a successful day. Many hours are spent planning and preparing a working test.
You can support the club by buying raffle tickets and refreshments.
We must always remember we are extremely lucky and fortunate to be invited to some of the most prestigious estates while competing in a working test. Etiquette is therefore very important, and we must understand that the judges’ decision is final, shake their hands and win or lose graciously.
Leaving the ground early should be avoided, and it is my personal view that one should stay until the end of the day out of respect for the land-owner and your fellow competitors.
Dress code is also something to bear in mind. You should wear appropriate clothing for the shooting field. You don’t have to wear a tie, but wearing jeans, bright colours or scruffy clothing is disrespectful to our hosts. If you have tweeds or other suitable shooting clothing, not only will it be practical to wear but also smart and respectful.
Enjoy the occasion, meet and talk to other handlers, observe other dogs and embrace the experience.
Interested in working test and would like to learn more?
Lead & Listen is running some workshops aimed at Spaniel owners and we are planning to offer more in the near future.
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