The Hampshire and South West United Retriever Club held it’s annual Junior & Novice Dog/Novice Handler, Puppy & Special Puppy working test at Scovellsway Kennels by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Brown & Annie Buckley. The judges for the day were Henri Fletcher, Jean Baveystock, Annie Buckley & Ricky Ross. The prizes were generously sponsored by Skinners. 

As the first test got under way the only sound to be heard was the faint rustle of the wind through the trees. Competitors gathered under a bright sky and contemplated the day ahead. Each class held four challenging tests which included a walked up. Judge Ricky Ross was pleased with the Special Puppy and Puppy tests. “ We had a slight variation in the tests between the two. Special puppy was the same format but just tightening up the dog’s behaviour around the test and gradually increasing distances. It was good to see the dogs going well. There was a mixed bag with the handlers but generally I was very pleased with what I saw.”

Competitor Ken Green was delighted with his 2nd place in the puppy test with Autumnwillow Briar. “I always write down what the tests are, what I did and what I didn’t do and then I can recreate it when I’m at home.” 

Jean Baveystock who judged the ND/NH and Junior Handler test was delighted with the standard of dogs. “The junior handlers have been very impressive today.  It’s been a real privilege to judge them.”

It was an inspiring day for the  junior handlers who successfully completed the tests and were recognized for their professionalism throughout the day.

Trainer Henry Fletcher judged the juniors on two of the tests including a walked up. She added “The juniors were doing the same tests as the ND/NH class and they were just as good as half the class of the adults!” At the end of the day Henry kindly took the juniors through each test providing valuable feedback and guidance on their performance.

It was an enjoyable test day and as the day came to a close the judges highlighted the importance of novice handlers needing to concentrate on their ground work such as heel work and a neat delivery.

Ricky Ross added “ The next step on from the puppy class is the novice and generally handlers should be concentrating on heel work and getting the delivery tighter. Today there were inconsistencies let down around the handler with delivery. At the novice level all the dogs are so close the judges have to distinguish between dog A and dog B…if one delivers well and drops into heel you’ve got to score it higher than than dog B who delivers nicely but then bounces around. You’ve got no choice when you need to decide between A and B. Don’t give the judge the option and throw your marks away on simple heel work or delivery work.”

As the afternoon sun began to fade the URC community enjoyed a well deserved cup of tea and a variety of home made cake. Judge Annie Buckley gave some final words of encouragement in terms of reflecting on the day and evaluating the learning experience. “When you get home try to reflect on what you did well, where you had a wobble and what you need to work on with your dog. Focus on the positives and enjoy your dog. It’s an achievement making it here today and entering a working test so well done to you all.”