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#Post#: 12--------------------------------------------------
Sage Brush Odin / Field Trial & Hunt Test Information
By: RachelJ Date: April 15, 2013, 7:17 pm
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Sage Brush Odin
FIELDMASTERS MISS BEHAVEN JH (Minnie) x FC/AFC FOXGLOVES REASON
TO BELIEVE (Cyrus)
3rd Place Amateur Walking Puppy Field Trial (12 dog stake)
3rd Place Open Puppy Field Trial (6 dog stake)
4th Place Open Puppy Field Trial (13 dog stake)
2 legs toward JH
Odin is my first hunting dog, and is practically my first dog
(my husband and I also have a Shiba Inu but she's more his dog).
I chose the GSP because of its great temperament and
versatility, and I chose Scott because I saw his compassion for
the dogs; I know my dog will be well-cared for while he is
there, and his training techniques are not going to harm my dog.
I thought I was just getting a family dog to go upland game
hunting with, but when Odin showed a lot of potential at a young
age, my husband and I became interested in campaigning him. I'm
still amazed that a dog with so much drive and energy in the
field can make a wonderful house companion (he loves to play
fetch, and he's the biggest cuddler ever).
About the AKC Hunt Test/Field Trials:
Odin runs big - really big. AKC Hunt tests are a challenge for
him right now because the courses are quite small in comparison
to field trials (and he'll frequently get off course). AKC Hunt
Tests judge a dog against a standard, while the dogs are running
against each other in Field Trials. FT's can be walking or not
(frequently not, but it often depends on the area the trial is
being held), open or amateur (open meaning anyone can enter,
amateur meaning you're not a professional (paid trainer or
handler), so you can still be an amateur if you've been training
your own dogs for 15+ years!). There are puppy stakes (6-15
months, no birds released, this is judged solely on how the dog
runs (bigger and bolder is better), keeping between 10 and 2
(like on a clock), and listens when you turn them), derby stakes
(up to 2 years old), gun dog, and all-age. There may be more,
but again, this is all new to me. Gun dogs tend to stay closer
while all-ages run really big. JH test must show good running,
hunting ability, and find and point a bird (although the point
does not have to be held for very long).
People may be intimidated by these tests and trials, but they're
both full of really great people. The JH tests seem to have
quite a few new people coming in, so you probably won't be
alone. On the other hand, field trials where walking is not
required probably have the least number of new people to the
game, and you'll meet people that have been doing this for 30+
years. However, I've found that many of them are welcoming and
will even lend you a horse; all you have to do is be friendly
and introduce yourself. You can still walk if you choose in
these trials, as the party must stay with the slowest person,
but in all reality your brace mate will probably help you find a
horse so that he/she isn't stuck going slow as well. The dogs
have a lot of fun in these games, and personally I'm happy to
take any opportunity that will make Odin a better hunter (while
getting rid of some of that excess energy!). Don't feel bad
when you screw up! - Odin has done an amazing job in the FT and
afterwards someone helpfully points out my handling mistakes
(good thing the pup doesn't care if you cost him a higher
placing!). Honestly, I signed up for my first field trial,
showed up, and asked "Ok, what do I do?". We're gearing to get
a first place once I get this all down, but until then, we're
just having fun! :)
I don't have any experience with Scott's other dogs, but I know
if you have a pup from the Minnie/Cyrus litter, you have a good
chance of doing well in these stakes. Plus you get these cool
ribbons :P
#Post#: 13--------------------------------------------------
Re: Sage Brush Odin / Field Trial & Hunt Test Information
By: RachelJ Date: April 15, 2013, 7:20 pm
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This is what a field trial on horseback looks like. Anyone can
be in the "gallery" to watch the dogs run, you just have to stay
behind the judges.
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