General Meeting

The General Meeting was called to order at 3:03 pm by NRC President Jim Cope.  A moment of silence was observed for those we have lost in the sport this past year.  Jim reported both grounds and water looked great for this event. 

Annual roll call was taken by Mitch Patterson.  A quorum was present.  2011 minutes were accepted.  The Treasurer's report was read, explained and accepted.  The decision has been made that the entry fee for the 2013 National Open will be $400 per dog.  The nominating committee presented the 2013 ballot of Officers and it was accepted. 

Next speaker was Bill Totten representing the PRTA.  The recipients of the land grants are Blue Bonnet Retriever Club, Kansas City Retriever Club, and Manitoba Retriever Club.  The Madison and Paducah Retriever Clubs had their applications held back but not rejected.  The new PRTA reps are Paul Sletten Vice President and Rob Erhardt for the Mountain Time Zone. 

Rick Dirmeyer of Eukanuba presented Jim Gonia with the portrait of the 2011 National Field Champion "Emmit".  This painting was done by Chris Chantland.  

Next Steve Carr the 2012 Field Trial Chairman thanked our set up crew.  He then thanked the landowners and the host (Red Bird Farms) for allowing us to use their land for this year's event. 

Martha Russell and FC-AFC Lil Ms. Pogo "Pogo" retrieved the starting number bumper. The trial will begin with dog number 31.  The first four rotation numbers were given. They will be 31, 57, 83, 4. 

Ginger Cope and Martha Russell (Co-Chairmen of Marshals Committee) came to the front of the room and made their announcements:

No caravan in the morning

Signs on Hwy 105, sign by the school, and a sign at the property

Before 6:30 am the front gate may be used, but  after 6:30 am the rear entrance must be utilized

Test Dog at 6:30 am

At 7:00 am first running dog (#31) Merlyn IV

Three holding blinds will be used all must be full by 6:55 am

5:45 am all workers should arrive

First series is a double and a land blind using all rooster pheasants

All callbacks will be given at both the Headquarters and Hostess Wagon

Handlers must be on the mat

No Birds: 1st; wait 6--be the 7th running dog, 2nd; wait 6--be 7th running dog, 3rd no bird; go to the end

Gun changes will be made on the same dog numbers as the rotation: 57, 83, 4

Gifts were given to this year's Judges and to the out-going president Jim Cope

All of the Sponsors were honored

The announcement was made that the 2013 National Open will be held in Cheraw,NC

The Judges for 2013 National Open will be Larry Smith, Phil Heye, Jim Cope

The Chief Marshal will be Jeff Talley

The cocktail party will start at 6:30 pm

The bitch check will be held in the parking lot immediatly following the meeting

Meeting was ajorned

SEE YOU AT THE PARTY!!!

Scratches

The scratches are #1 & #38

Bitch Check.....

.....was held in the parking lot after the General Meeting was finished.

Retriever Advisory Committee Meeting

The meeting was called to order promptly at 2 pm by Kate Simonds. At the head table with Kate sat Lisa Carrol Manager of Performance for the AKC, & Jerry Mann Director of Field Representatives for the Sporting Breeds of the AKC. They went over the Advisory Committee Report and posed a few questions to the room about EIC affected dogs and a handler's responsibilities when heat or stress become a health factor to a competing dog.  There was good feedback from the floor on these issues. 

Lisa Carroll, Kate Simonds and Jerry Man

Our next speaker was Dr.Wayne Jensen of the Morris Animal Foundation.  Dr.Jensen from the Morris Animal Foundation came to ask the help of the retriever community in the most impactful study to be done EVER in veterinary medicine. This study is called The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study this will be the largest and longest observational study ever undertaken to improve the health of our dogs.  The study will enroll up to 3,000 Golden Retrievers and will last over 10-14 years.  They are looking to enroll Golden Retrievers under the age of 2 who are healthy at the time of enrollment and have a three generation pedigree. All dogs are welcome to participate in the Canine Lifetime Health Project.  Simply register today at www.CanineLifetimeHealth.org

Dr. Wayne Jensen of the Morris Animal Foundation

Our final speaker was Scott Dewey of Retrieving Freedom who explained his new endeavor and asked for the support of the retriever community.

The Retriever Advisory Subcommittee on Rules Report for 2012

This was the information published in the Retrievers News in the October issue. In the following post we will provide additional information from the Retriever Advisory Committee meeting from this afternoon.

September 1, 2012

The Retriever Advisory Subcommittee on Rules Report for 2012

During 2011, since there were no new rules proposed we endeavored to elicit more discussion at our meetings in June and November. It became clear during those discussions that there were several points of concern from the field trial community. The Subcommittee has tried to address some of these concerns in this report.

CONCERN

We are continuing to experience confusion as to the interpretation of the rule defining the difference between an Amateur handler and a Professional handler. 

DISCUSSION

Over the past years there have been a number of enterprising individuals who have used their skills in various ways which has allowed them to produce some income from the sport of Retriever Field Trials. Many of these efforts have gone a long way in educating amateur trainers in methods of training their dogs for field trials. The subcommittee feels that people partaking in these educational tools should not be considered professionals; therefore, writing books, making videos and taking part in seminars would not classify a person as a professional. The committee believes that the clearest line that can be drawn between the amateur and the professional is the real life handling of a dog for compensation. 

That being said, we recognize that someone who instructs an individual on the handling and training of their dog(s), and is compensated for that instruction, is acting as a professional. 

Proposal No. 1

Under STANDING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE RETRIEVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE page 36

Under 3. Amateur Definition (a.) after the words “the trial in question has not” delete (a) in its entirety and insert the following: 

“received compensation from the direct training of a dog for hunting, hunting tests or field trials and/or the handling of a dog in the same, and/or the regular and systematic personal instruction of other individuals regarding the above pursuits at any level.”

Compensation as provided above is defined as money, goods or services to a person or any member of their household.

 Insert the following paragraphs for clarification:

“Any person participating in an occasional organized seminar or workshop to improve the training and handling of field trial, hunting test or hunting dogs will be exempt from the above provisions as will a person who receives payment for providing educational material, (such as books, videos, etc.), to the public on the training and handling of field trial, hunting test or hunting dogs will not be considered a Professional.”

So that 3 (a.) in its entirety will now read:

3. Amateur Definition: The following definitions and standards should be followed in determining the status of any person to be an Amateur:

(a.) For purposes of eligibility to judge under Section 3 of Chapter 14 of the Rules for Retriever trials, a person shall be considered an Amateur who, during the period of two years preceding the trial in question, has not received compensation from the direct training of
a dog for hunting, hunting tests or field trials and/or the handling of a dog in the same, and/or the regular and systematic personal instruction of other individuals regarding the above pursuits at any level.

Compensation as provided above is defined as money, goods or services to a person or any member of their household.

Any person participating in an occasional organized seminar or workshop to improve the training and handling of field trial, hunting test or hunting dogs will be exempt from the above provisions as will a person who receives payment for providing educational material, (such as books, videos, etc.), to the public on the training and handling of field trial, hunting test or hunting dogs will not be considered a Professional.

Proposal No. 2

CONCERN

In recent years uncertainty has arisen over amateur status of persons who are living with a professional as family members or who have a virtual spousal relationship with a professional although the are not legally married. Also, some individuals have expressed concern that their very close friendship with a professional might invalidate their amateur status under the present rule.

The subcommittee thus believes that a more definitive description of the family and other relationships which cause the loss of amateur status is needed.

Under 3. (c.) after the words “No person shall be entitled to status as an Amateur” delete the completion of the sentence and insert “who is residing with a professional as part of his or her immediate family or who has an ongoing intimate personal relationship with a professional beyond that of a friend or client.”

So that paragraph (c.) in its entirety will read:

“No person shall be entitled to status as an Amateur who is residing with a professional as part of his or her immediate family or who has an ongoing intimate personal relationship with a professional beyond that of a friend or client.”

The time periods for any disqualification from Amateur status
under this section shall be the same as those fixed by paragraphs
(a.) and (b.) above.”

CONCERN

The effect of a field Trial Committee refusing an entry in the Amateur stake.

DISCUSSION

In order to clarify a Field Trial Committee’s position in declining an entry in the Amateur stake, (where there is no protest), but because the Field Trial Committee feels the individual lacks Amateur status, we felt some explanatory language was necessary. 

Proposal No. 3

After 3. Amateur Definition (d.) as written add the following paragraph: 

“A Field Trial Committee’s determination rejecting a person’s Amateur All-Age entry for lack of Amateur status made solely on its own volition shall not affect that person’s Amateur status for any future trials.”

So that Paragraph 3 (d.) in its entirety will read:

(d.) The determination of amateur status under these directives for the purpose of any particular field trial shall be made by the field Trial Committee for that trial.

A Field Trial Committee’s determination rejecting a person’s Amateur All-Age entry for lack of Amateur status made solely on its own volition shall not affect that person’s Amateur status for any future trials.

Further Discussion of 3.(d.)

A person’s Amateur status may also be questioned by a person filing a protest under chapter 10, Section 1 stating the dog’s ineligibility to run in the Amateur stake due to the handler’s lack of Amateur status. If a protest is filed it precipitates a field trial committee misconduct hearing, with a full report of the proceedings sent to the AKC. The individual that is found to be a professional by a Field Trial Committee under these circumstances will remain a professional unless he appeals the decision to the AKC and secures a reversal, or fulfills the requirements outlined in paragraphs 3 (a.) and (b.)

CONCERN Layout Blinds

DISCUSSION

At our meetings we have encouraged discussion about the use of layout blinds. When a straw vote has been called the results have been about equal yes and no; however, the reasons not to use these blinds seem much more compelling to the Committee than the ability to hide a bird thrower. The chances of both dogs and bird boys sustaining a serious injury when lying in these blinds is real. The temperature turning hot puts the bird boy at high risk, as well as a dog stepping on the blind being a physical danger to both the dog and the layout blind occupant. 

There are a variety of camouflages designed for grass lands put out by sporting goods stores that could be used to conceal bird throwers in these situations.

Proposal No. 4 Layout Blinds

Under STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR NON-SLIP RETRIEVER TRIALS, No. 8, 3rd paragraph, (page 28) after the sentence ending the distinctive shape of the blind insert the following: and in no event shall gunners or throwers be instructed to lay down on the ground in layout blinds or like configurations for hiding purposes.

So that No. 8, 3rd paragraph in its entirety will read:

“Retired Guns, throwers and blind planters should be concealed by a blind that provides complete coverage, adequate space, and natural camouflage to conceal the distinctive shape of the blind and in no event shall gunners or throwers be instructed to lay down on the ground in layout blinds or like configurations for hiding purposes. The blind must be so located as to minimize the development of a trail that will lead the running dog away from the area of the fall. In no circumstances should the judges have the guns move to another position to mislead dogs in their marking. No blinds shall be placed in the field in a marking test except in accordance with the provisions set forth in this paragraph or for the purpose of protecting the running dogs from injury by unseen hazards.”

CONCERN

Excessive waits in minor stakes.

DISCUSSION

It has come to the subcommittee’s attention that the minor stakes are being shut down on a more frequent basis and for extended periods of time while they await dogs and handlers from the major stakes. Usually, this delay is caused by the major stakes’ marshal and/or judges’ insistence that their dogs run in order. That and the major stake handlers staying put with no one directing them to proceed to a shut down or soon to be shut down minor stake.

The above situations can be largely avoided under the existing rules by the Field Trial Marshal acting pursuant to Section 4(a) of Chapter 14 of the Retriever Rules (Page 18 in the Rule Book). This provision gives the Field Trial Marshal the authority to overrule the major stake judges and marshal whenever a change in the running order will affect two or more stakes. The Field Trial Marshal is tasked with communicating between the stakes. When he thus sees a looming delay in a minor stake he should step in and direct the needed minor stake handlers to leave the major stake and proceed to the affected minor stake despite this changing the running order in the major stake. 

The subcommittee hopes that awareness of and application of these provisions of the Rule Book will substantially reduce most of the minor stake delays now being experienced.

Submitted by the Retriever Advisory Committee - 

Subcommittee on Rules 

Chairman – Katharine Simonds 

Members – Bill Daley, John Goettl, Bob Kennon, Nelson Sills

At The Club

The Hostess and Merchandise Committee have set up their shop and people have been passing through all morning, picking up their Handler bags and trying on some new gear from the National Club. Brenda Little, a NRC Vendor has a new selection of mugs and jewelry...check it out! The Retriever News and MCS Photography are sitting outside under a veranda with Lake Conroe behind them.

The SET-UP takes many volunteers....

What A Cutie Pie!!

Walden Yacht Club

The Walden Yacht is the site for all of today's activities: Store, Handler Bag Pick-up, Meetings. Except for dog training, of course! NRC Mdse Store opens at 8 am....Directions:

Directions to Walden Yacht Club from Best Western Headquarters:

Take 105 West towards Montgomery

Turn right onto Walden Drive (Walmart on corner) and follow around until you can turn on Emerson--you will see yacht club sign at turn. Take left onto Melville--Melville runs into club.

We used our I-Phones and "Siri" gave us great directions...gotta love the technology!!

The Walden Yacht is the site for all of today's activities: Store, Handler Bag Pick-up, Meetings. Except for dog training, of course! NRC Mdse Store opens at 8 am....Directions:

Directions to Walden Yacht Club from Best Western Headquarters:

Take 105 West towards Montgomery

Turn right onto Walden Drive (Walmart on corner) and follow around until you can turn on Emerson--you will see yacht club sign at turn. Take left onto Melville--Melville runs into club.

We used our I-Phones and "Siri" gave us great directions...gotta love the technology!!

Its Fixed!

I believe you can now view the video

The Miracle Bug Repellent

CedarCide is an amazing product that I was introduced to by a client of mine about two years ago.  The product claims to be totally non-toxic, allergen free, and safe for pets. So I have been passing out bottles to some of the pre national training groups from outside the state who have never experienced the likes of the Texas pests. This product has saved the competing dogs from harm and allowed them to continue preparing for the National Retriever Championship....

Double Land Blind

The Gunzer group decided to do a double land blind for their second set up of the day.  The set had a blind off to the right about 50yrds through a group of trees in which a rooster pheasant was planted at the base of a tree and in no relation to the previous set of land marks. Then the handler and dog moved to a different mat for the second longer blind of about 325yrds. This second blind required the dog to cross the lines of the first short blind and the previous set of marks.  There were many great attributes to this long blind, up front the dog was required to jump a large downed tree about 65yrds from the starting point, from there the dog traveled into the valley where the lines to the previous set of marks were crossed, as the dog started up the hill side cover and the remaining flyers in the flyer crates from the hen pheasant flyer came into play in which the dog was required to maneuver threw heavy goat weed tight to the flyer station while maintaining a difficult angle along the hill side with the wind blowing scent off of the flyer crates.  The cover, scenting conditions, and visibility on the end of this blind became very tricky since there was a single hen pheasant planted for each dog from a holding blind down the hill side about 80 yrds away.  The blind planter's path and distance away was thought to be a possible factor of this blind however, the cover and visibility became the true challenges at the end of this blind.

The dog was required to jump the log on the long land blind

FC AFC Maple Creek's "Maddie" Mae & David McMahan

setting up for the long land blind

Technical Difficulties

I'm having some technical difficulties uploading videos to you tube. However, I know how to fix the issue but it will take some time. Please stay tuned as the videos are insightful.

Singles Vs Multiples

As mentioned in the previous post Andy Attar of Autumn Run Retrievers provided an explanation of why he felt some marks were more affective in training performed as a single vs putting the mark into a multiple marking situation. Many trainers share this philosophy however there is more than one way to skin a cat.  Andy's thoughts were that the handler involvement in a attempt to line a dog up for the memory mark in a multiple helped facilitate memory and takes some of the decision making responsibilities from the dog because of the ques being provided and a definite location in where the dog needs to travel to get to the bird in order to complete the mark with success.  Hence a more black & white picture in the dogs mind.  Another key factor to the ease of performing a memory mark as apposed to a well placed single is the dogs frame of mind and energy level after picking up the go bird.  Andy described that the dog maybe a bit tired and more willing to go where they are pointed thus bearing down on the memory mark and giving more effort to get to that bird.   He believes that sometimes the dogs are less likely to bear down and give more effort because of the minute handler involvement required in running a single and the responsibility being solely placed on the dog as he lets his guard down and discipline lax. Also because of the excitement level and minimal handler involvement on a single the opportunity for the handler to play on the factors of the test and the factors of mark is simply not presented. For example the ability for the handler to "No" the dog off an area or previous mark, and or false lining a dog in an attempt to play on the factor of the wind.  In layman's terms on a memory mark the handler is influential on queuing the dog where to go in order to get to the bird, on a single mark one is pointing the dog toward the field and saying there is your gun, watch the bird, now figure out how to pick up your mark.  So don't take a single mark for granted, all marks can benefit your training when put in areas the dogs instinctualy do not want to travel. This is the definition of good bird placement.  A good trainer will utilize all of these factors and continually keep the dogs mind stimulated and attitudes balanced.  Thank you Andy and all who have contributed to this blog!

Land Quad

The Gunzer group began their day by setting up in a field known as the tree pasture.  Their first test was a land quad with a hen pheasant flyer mid distance shot to the left up a hill in some descent cover, deep of this flyer and somewhat tight was a long retired gun throwing a dead rooster pheasant to the right on a side hill in heavy cover, then a shorter retired bird almost equal distance as the hen pheasant flyer was a gun station where the thrower walked out 20 paces to the right and threw a dead hen pheasant to the right in heavy cover, and the last bird was the shortest station standing out throwing (left) a dead duck pinched to the previous retired gun.  The test was performed as a quad for some, triple for others and singles for few. I arrived in the middle of the completion of the test and it was observed by Karl Gunzer of High Spirit Retrievers that the dogs who had performed the test as a multiple had a higher percentage of success to making it out to the long retired bird than the dogs who performed the triple and did the long retired bird as a single. Unfortunately, Karl was running a dog during his comment and I was unable to gather his thoughts on the reasoning behind this observation. Provided is a quick video of Karl performing the triple with Colonel. The video hopefully gives you some perspective of this effective test.  On the other hand, Andy Attar of Autumn Run Retrievers was available to provide his thoughts behind this phenomenon. I will provide Andy's thoughts in the next post.  Please note Colonel does a nice job on the triple and my phone went dead before I could video Colonel picking up the long retired single in which he also did a very nice job on.  It is also noteworthy to mention that Karl Gunzer has other dogs that he qualified for this National and felt it was proper to make mention that the credit for Colonel's titles and training go to Scott Dewey of Rock River Retrievers.  Scott Dewey as many of you know is not attending this National for he has left the field trial game to put forth efforts in an extraordinary cause.

Below is the link to Karl & Colonel's video of the Triple Land Test.  Good Job Colonel!!!

An Introduction.....

It has been brought to my attention that for a good number of folks reading this blog I have been anonymous. So let me properly introduce myself. My name is Tera Lanczak of Bay Blue Kennels, I am a professional retriever trainer that specializes in young dogs residing in Giddings, TX in the winter and Au Gres, MI in the summer.

I was honored to be invited to do this blog, and out of convenience of having the pre national groups train on my winter grounds I am able to report in detail about the pre national training.  However, this in not a one man (woman!!) operation, I will be meeting with the rest of the Retriever News team this evening to go over strategies of providing the best coverage we will be allowed to.  Tina Styan Managing Editor of R-News & Gwen Jones will be my partners in crime for the real coverage of the National beginning on Nov. 10th and dogs will begin to compete on Nov.11th.

I am not a writer, I am a horrible speller, and will probably use the rules of grammar incorrectly, although I will try to do my best to provide the info those who can not witness this event are yearning to see.  Please understand that I will not play favorites for the simple fact I personally know and greatly respect many of the contestants and passionately love all of these amazing Labradors. It may appear that there is more commentary or pictures of one group over another, this is because everything that I post I gain permission from those involved first.  Due to varying anxiety levels, time constraints, and people trying to concentrate on getting these dogs prepared for the upcoming National freedom with information may be limited and I may not be able to provide the depth I would like.  Please understand that I will not start making things up (fluff) just to provide entertaining reading and will be reporting just the facts. Enjoy the blog!!!

Day 3 Of Pre National Training

DANGER, WILL ROBINSON !!!

The fog Thursday morning was thick and visibility at 7:30 am was only about 75yards. The temp was 55 degrees with a light varying breeze out of the South Southwest. The troops in today's group included Karl Gunzer of High Spirit Retrievers, Andy Attar of Autumn Run Retrievers, Ray Voight of Handjem Retrievers, and Paul Knutson of Gunclub Labradors. The group also included some very accomplished amateurs such as Mac & Lynne Dubose, Chuck & Mary Jane Schweikert, David & Kara McMahan, Glenda Brown and Chad Baker.

Kara McMahan & Mary Jane Schweikert

Off To Work

As many of you may or may not know I am spending time reporting on the training groups, helping orchestrate the events on the ranch, and training a full string of 18 puppies under the age of 12 months.  Soooooo...... I'm taking a break to clear my head and train my pups, I will be back updating the blog late this evening. P.S. My Spell Check on this dang site is malfunctioning GRRRRRR!!!! I will edit mistakes later. Thanks for following.

Lunch Is Served



The Office

The site for the luncheon is known as The Office.  The Office was an original barn on the property converted to an office and entertaining area complete with a lime stone veranda. Here are a few photos from the feast. Enjoy!!

Howard Simson, Rob Erhardt, & Dave Rorem enjoy lunch under one of the many live oaks on the property

Terri Curtis(not shown) , Wayne Curtis, Kenny Trott, Marcy Wright, & Bill Eckett filling up on some home cooking




Linda Bogusky,Sammie Thompson, Tom Bogusky, Marjie & Chuck Mize

The Homestead Photos

Royce & Rose Witte

 

The Hospitality At The Homestead

Royce and Rose Witte started this 1000 acres cattle ranch in 1996. They have dedicated their efforts toward producing the best beefmaster pedigrees and progeny of the breed. "Making the Best Breed Better!" has been their slogan since the ranches inception in the hope to bring all of those passionate about the Beefmaster breed together.  The Witte's felt that if their neighboring rancher succeeded then the breed would succeed and the industry would flourish if all worked together.  The Witte's know excellence and strive for it in everything they do so when introduced to the training of retrievers they were fascinated and embraced the trainers as they quickly saw the philosophies of the retriever enthusiasts were similar to the philosophies they shared in the beefmaster breed. It was a perfect marriage between cattle men and retriever enthusiast.

There are several homes on the property that are rented out for the winter months for clients of Bay Blue Kennels and other surrounding trainers that visit the Giddings, TX area. The Homestead now holds several retriever events a year and have welcomed the pre national training group with open arms. Along with the Witte's, Bay Blue Kennels is proud to be a part of this growing retriever community in Giddings, TX and are honored to share this amazing area with all.

The groups training here this week have enjoyed a luncheon provided free of charge by Rose and Royce and catered with food made from the heart by Rose herself.  They are one in a million and I pinch myself quite often and Thank God everyday that I get to call these people family and call the Homestead, home.

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO TRAIN & GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!

If you would like to show your gratitude for this special showcase you may write to:
Bay Blue Kennels
C/O Royce & Rose Witte
3650 CR 118
Giddings,TX 78942
Tera's Cell 660-441-1605

Apple Pie Vs. Lima Beans

While observing and listening to discussion from those in the gallery on the water quad the question of "If you were a judge today how would you shoot the order of this quad?" Many answers were given and reasoning for the order was presented but the best analogy came from Dave Rorem of Rorem Retrievers. As stated in the previous post the test had a hen pheasant flyer as the left stand out gun station shot to the left, then a short retired dead hen thrown hip pocket to the flyer, next a long duck flyer shot to the right stand out, and the last bird was a mid distance shoreline retired dead hen pheasant (that was also a check down bird from the duck flyer) thrown to the right in some water grass. It was agreed the most difficult order would be shot from right side to the left side of the test ending with the hen pheasant flyer as the go bird. The analogy was if you had just gotten done eating a big piece of homemade apple pie would you want to then eat a plate full of lima beans? And this is how a dogs eye sees dead hen pheasants vs hen/duck flyers. Therefore, in short a mixed bag of birds can be very effective along with good bird placement in ones test.

Teacher (Bill Eckett) & Student (Lauren Hays) ponder Slider's reactions to the test

FC AFC Bayou Teche Eye On The Ball "Slider"

Alice Woodyard & FC AFC Star Spangled "Banner" Girl II

Review Of A Good Test

On March 16, 2012 South Texas Retriever Club held its inaugural field trial at its home base known as The Homestead Ranch.  The the spring Open was judged by Jason Flemming and Chuck Mize. The 4th series watermarks posed such a challenge then that the Rorem/Eckett group consensus was to run the test and practice it again. But this time with some minor upgrades. The upgrades were in the form of dead pheasants and an additional flyer station. A Water Quad with two dead retired pheasants, a hen pheasant flyer, and a duck flyer.  The order in which the test was shot varied from dog to dog such as singles for some, inside tight double checking down off a stand out gun as a very effective short retired, outside double with a duck flyer go bird that allowed the dog to square the pond and then required the dog to make a longer swim away from the test on a severe angle to pick up a dead hen pheasant. Memory, discipline in the water, angles along the pond, and the way the guns station influenced one another became a challenge not only for the dogs but the handlers too. 

 

Water Quad from STXRC Spring Trial

 

Mid distance (shoreline) retired right hand bird of the Water Quad

Wayne Curtis (aka Ol' Dead Eye #1) shooting flyer in the Quad

Kenny Trott (aka Ol' Dead Eye #2) shooting 2nd flyer in the Quad
 

 

Day 2 Of Pre National Training

The weather this week has been ideal for training cool in the mornings and warming up to mid to high 70’s in the afternoon. The wind was blowing steadily out of the east at 3-5 mph until about 4pm when it became non-existent. The late afternoon conditions made it near impossible for the dogs to dig out and scent the fresh dead hen pheasant and hen flyer pheasant in the last series for the day.

The training group we hosted today included Dave & Ty Rorem of Rorem Retrievers, Wayne & Terri Curtis of Fox Hollow Retrievers, Kenny Trott & Marcy Wright of Horsetooth Retrievers,Bill Eckett of Blackwater Retrievers, Randy Bohn of Rammin Retrievers, and Rob Erhardt of Silvertip Retrievers.  The Amateurs in the group included Tom & Linda Bogusky, Chuck & Marge Mize, Sammie Thompson, Lauren Hays, Alice Woodyard, and Howard Simson.

Howard Simson, Tom Bogusky, Ty Rorem, Linda Bogusky, Alice Woodyard, Marjie Mize, Lauren Hays, Chuck Mize

Parking Lot of the Water Quad on The Guest House Pond
 



At The Line Of The Water Triple

Jerry Patopea and FC Merlyn IV



Ray Vreeland getting a feel for the test behind the line.
Al Arthur and FC Escaleras Black Explosion"Nitro" 

Running is Ray Vreeland & Cowboy, honoring is Al Arthur & Pow, calling the dog numbers Jane Patopea gallery was Jerry Patopea



Handlers are Paul Sletten and John Stracka



a new calf nestled near the group

Freeway stretching out getting ready to go to line

Photos

I am taking and editing them all from my iphone with an injured right hand due to a dog bite. YUCK!  However, I felt you would appreciate any info from the pre-national week of training since this is said to be the most fun part of the National :) Enjoy!!!

Day 1 of Pre-National Training

Monday morning brought cool temps of 52 degrees with a light breeze out of the west.  The sun was rising in a clear sky and the dogs sounded ready to train.  The group did a set of land marks which was a quad with a hen pheasant flyer and two retired birds. The field was of ample cover of varying heights and rolling hills. For the second set the group separated and set up a water triple with two retired birds and a wiper duck flyer.  Ouch!!! The dogs had to practice discipline in the water, focus on their marks, and remember the retired guns in which the dog had to run tight to the flyer station.  The other set was a beautiful double land blind with a hidden dry pop in a field with a ton of terrain and character brought to life by the trees and mini horses.

Pre-National Training II

Good Morning!! The groups for the pre-national training began to arrive to the Homestead Ranch owned by Royce and Rose Witte on Sun. eve. On Mon. morning I had the pleasure to escort Jerry and Jane Patopea around this 1000 acre cattle ranch that Bay Blue Kennels calls its winter home.  It took us about an hour to view the entire property while Jerry munched on his breakfast. Once the group reconvened they were off to train on some great terrain and cover. The Mon. group included Al Arthur of Sandhill Kennel, Alan & Gwen Pleasant of Black River Retrievers, Paul Sletten of Pine Edge Retrievers, Jerry & Jane Patopea Utopia Retrievers, Alex Washburn, Jerry Kamphuis, Ray & Lou Vreeland, & John Stracka.  Today we are hosting the Rorem/Eckett group which is said to have 20 participants.