Leadburn Vanessa The United Retriever Club Hants & South West area held a Novice Working Test at Knowle Farm by kind invitation of Mr Angus & Mrs Jane Mann. There were 33 entries with several undertaking their first working test. The judges were Jane Mann, Isobel Whitford & Mell Brookes. The team enjoyed planning a variety of tests which included a mix of blind and marked retrieves. The location was superb and provided great opportunities for tests on water and open hilly ground. Some of the tests gave the competitors a challenge and their dogs were put through their paces as the day progressed.
Mell Brookes who judged on the day said: “I've really enjoyed the day. There was a good variety of dogs which highlighted the different standards of novice. Some of the handlers needed to concentrate on their finer points of their basics. As in delivery, keeping the dog under control once it’s come back from a retrieve and lining the dog up properly for the 2nd retrieve. Attention to detail with the basics is so important and it pays off if you get this area 100% before moving on.”
"There's never a trained dog. There's always something to work on!" says Dave England. At the end of the day the judges awarded first place to Dave England. He was delighted with the outcome and pleased with his young dog. “The tests have been quite challenging today and I’m more than happy with this young dog. There’s always something to work on. She’s a good marking dog but she needs to work on the doubles to get her up to open standards. She’ll go straight to the first one but needs to work on the second one. If you send your dog off too quickly you'll end up getting into trouble. I like to take my time and set my dog up and get her to look. Even if you win an open test I still go home and think about what I need to work on and what I can do better."
When I ask Dave if he needs anything specific for a test day he smiles. “Confidence! Knowing I’ve put the time in and done the training consistently before a test day gives me the confidence. There’s nothing that will phase me and having the dog's trust is important. We all get nervous but it gives us an edge on the day.”
When I ask Dave if he needs anything specific for a test day he smiles. “Confidence! Knowing I’ve put the time in and done the training consistently before a test day gives me the confidence. There’s nothing that will phase me and having the dog's trust is important. We all get nervous but it gives us an edge on the day.”
"You're only as good as your last retrieve!" says competitor, Mark Schiller. A two dog run-off was necessary to decide the awards of fourth and a Certificate of Merit. It was the first time for both competitors and the nerves played a big part as the long seen retrieve was in front of an audience. It was great to see both competitors working their dogs in a calm and quiet manner. Once the test was over the judges headed to the barn for the awards ceremony.
“That was sheer terror!” laughed Clare. “As I went into the field someone told me it was to decide last place!” she joked as she shook hands with Mark.
“That was sheer terror!” laughed Clare. “As I went into the field someone told me it was to decide last place!” she joked as she shook hands with Mark.
It's evident from today that the Novice Test day has enabled all competitors to share and reflect on their progress and highlight areas of development and success thanks to the support of the URC community. The day was filled with drive, commitment and sheer persistence to enjoy the challenges of a working test. A pleasure to watch and an observation of real team work between handler and dog. A truly unique bond.
Special thanks to the URC test organiser, Sarah Winter, our host, judges, helpers and competitors for making this such a successful day. As always Skinners provided much appreciated sponsorship.
Special thanks to the URC test organiser, Sarah Winter, our host, judges, helpers and competitors for making this such a successful day. As always Skinners provided much appreciated sponsorship.
Left to right: Mark Schiller, Claire Salter, Keith Manley, Jackie Davis, Dave England, Jane Mann, Isobel Whitford, Mell Brookes.
1st: Tudorcourt Corrie of Abney (Lab B)- Dave England.
2nd: Fordcopse Baillie Lab D) - Jackie Davies (and the Auro Trophy)
3rd: Lenham Solaway (FCR) - Keith Manley (and also top FCR)
4th: Cynhinfa Napoleon (Lab D)- Claire Salter.
COM - Overthwarts Olive Lab B)- Mark Schiller.
Dog the judges would most like to take home: Leadburn Vanessa - James Walsh.
Many thanks Sarah Clayton for taking the pics!
2nd: Fordcopse Baillie Lab D) - Jackie Davies (and the Auro Trophy)
3rd: Lenham Solaway (FCR) - Keith Manley (and also top FCR)
4th: Cynhinfa Napoleon (Lab D)- Claire Salter.
COM - Overthwarts Olive Lab B)- Mark Schiller.
Dog the judges would most like to take home: Leadburn Vanessa - James Walsh.
Many thanks Sarah Clayton for taking the pics!
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