See a field dog work

[CptSydor]

This might seem like a bit of a weird question. While I haven't been able to do much upland hunting since I got all my licenses, I have manged to wander around some a get a few shots off on some grouse. I've absolutely love walking around the bush and life is looking like it's going to change drastically (for the better! AKA semi-retirement in rural East Coast within a 1-2 years) to allow more opportunity. I also love dogs, have two rescue mutts now, but could see getting an upland dog when life changes.

In saying that, I'd love to see a working field dog in action. What opportunities might I have. Could I observe a field trial. Would that give me a good appreciation? I guess I could go to a game farm and use one of their dogs? This is maybe too much but would asking people to observe their hunt been too much?

Edit: I guess my major problem is I don't have any resources for mentoring in this field. Any idea's how this might start?

[welsh]

Coming out to watch a trial or test would let you see a bunch of good dogs in action and talk to a bunch of dog people. Among groups like that there are always mentors. They can put you on to good breeders & so on. Even if you have no interest in trials and tests and just want a hunting dog, I think this is a good place to start finding people. The only trick is to know when the events are being held.

I posted the link for info on spaniel events on another thread recently: http://www.cnsfta.com/

Not sure about pointing dog events but I'm sure someone will chime in.

[Sharon]

PM sent

[Steph]

You could always hook up with a local NAVHDA chapter?

[kjay]

Like others said go to a hunt test, field trial, or something similar. Lots of dog owners of all varieties at these events and for the most part you can get some good information from them, see many different breeds and speak to people that generally will have a whole lot to say about them. Pointing dog tests in the Field Dog Jr. tests you will be able to walk with a young dog and watch he/she work just have to ask the handler/owner for permission. Viszla Society of Ontario is running their fall test in Grand Valley September 13 & 14 this is a pointing dog test. I maybe putting Jim in for Field Dog Excellent, even though I said he retired in June when he got his Field Dog Title.

If you have any questions send me a pm.

Cheers,
Kris

[yellow dog]

Fisherville this weekend.

[Cass]

Take in a field trial of each - pointing, spaniel, and retriever. See what type of hunting dog fits what you want and what you like to watch

[finsfurfeathers]

Field trials are good too see what a hunting dog can do but in my opinion its like going to the Indy too see what car you want to buy. Might want to considering posting closer to sept 25 with an offer to split the gas too Hullet with and area upland hunter. Once there you will often see a variety of dogs hunting with a variety of hunters. Might find out what style suits you.

[Sharon]

Like others said go to a hunt test, field trial, or something similar. Lots of dog owners of all varieties at these events and for the most part you can get some good information from them, see many different breeds and speak to people that generally will have a whole lot to say about them. Pointing dog tests in the Field Dog Jr. tests you will be able to walk with a young dog and watch he/she work just have to ask the handler/owner for permission. Viszla Society of Ontario is running their fall test in Grand Valley September 13 & 14 this is a pointing dog test. I maybe putting Jim in for Field Dog Excellent, even though I said he retired in June when he got his Field Dog Title. If you have any questions send me a PM

Cheers,
Kris

FDX is a real test of the skills that you want a mature pointing breed to have. . Good for you for seeking that for you dog. ( I'd even like to see your dog try that level. Let me know the date and place in the Fall if you think of it.)

edited for spelling

[trkyhntr21]

There's a coverdog trial in Michigan on the 16,17th of August there is a hunting dog stake as well as Shooting dog and derby stakes should be a variety of pointing dogs in attendance amazing grounds, good dogs and great people.