Field Trial

[that a boy]

I will entering my first field trial at ;Don Elliot Puppy Classic and London Field Trial Club April 19th.

One of the stakes are for puppies only , does anyone have any advice ?
Whats the judges looking for?

[terrym]

Whats the judges looking for?

A bottle of Whiskey. Failing that cash always works............just kidding. Im sure the folks with experience here will fill you in shortly. When I did hunt tests the judges were fabulous about helping new guys.

[Sharon]

LOL very funny.

Relax and enjoy yourself. Great people , good fun.

The judge is looking for an independent dog , not one who hangs around the handler, nervous.


independent , alert, eager ( light breakfast if the puppy stake is first)

Let the dog go. Don't be calling him back or hollering "good boy" etc. Keep quiet.

Nothing wrong with introducing pup to his brace mate long before you are up. This cuts down on pup who wants to play on the field - not good.

Remember that the age span is varied ( see below, can go up to 18 months). This is why good breeders try to have pups born in January. An older pup usually has the advantage with searching / hunting desire as its had more experience on birds. Not always though. As Spence noted for an April trial, pup must have been born in 2013 , as it must be 6 months old to participate.

Judges also are affected by that "spark, special something that can't be measured or defined."



Can't resist. One of my girls at 10 months. Won that Derby stake. If my health hadn't caved in , I think she might have been a FT Champion.