Expectations for Westms HRC

[Chesapeake9487]

Originally "duxbak" I have a 8 month old Chesapeake that I bought from a breeder on this forum. Only to have the breeder get off the forum after I told her my dog has hip dysplasia/arthritis as a puppy. Now I'm the kinda guy that doesnt sell his dog or give up because of this. I have been working with my dog and using yalls ideas and training thoughts..also "waterdog". I want to get his started hr title! What can i expect from the started trial for the westmsclub? To give you an idea my dog does not know hand signals well, run doubles or heel without being told to!!(yet!!) whats gone be there? do i shoot the ducks? what are the retrieves gone be like? what if he drops the duck in front of me or i have to reach for it? I really appreciate all your help! I love training "Ruger" and I do it every afternoon or sunday i get and would love to see you guys run your dogs and see how the pros do it!

[Meeka]

No worries mate, and we are glad you'll be there!

The retrieves will not be too difficult at all. two singles on land and two on water. If you have never been to a test, here's what you do.

1 Sign up ahead of time is best, else show up and go upstairs and see Dr. Tom and sign up and pay. Have your HRC# and your dog's number handy. Tom will tell you where to go, but it'l probably not even require a re-park of the vehicle.

2. get in the crowd at 7:30-8ish where the test is set up and get welcomed by the judges and listen to the pre-test peptalk. Watch the test dog run the test and you will see exactly what to do. Then find the Marshall (person with everyone around him or her; holding a clipboard). Tell them who you are and your dog number and they will tell you where in line to get and who to run after.

3. relax and watch some of them run ahead of you and chit chat with folks.

4. When it's about time for you (about 3 dogs out) go get your dog and let it pee, make sure you are out of the way. Get in line and wait for the Marshall to call your dog# to the holding blind. Have your dog on leash and wait in holding blind. After the dog in front gets through, the judges will write for a minute, then call you.

5. Walk to the line with your dog on leash. Judges will ask if you understand the test and you ask whatever questions you have.

6. get on the bucket and get your dog ready. take the lead of and hold the dogs collar. Someone else will shoot for you. You hold the dog as the bird is thrown. After it lands, send the dog. Dog must bring the bird back to your area. Does not have to deliver to hand. dropping near you, especially at your feet is fine. But it has to be in your area. If the dog comes close - grab that bird! Grab dog by collar. Toss bird or hand to judge. get ready for next bird and redo. after second retrieve is over, put the lead on. Thank the judges and go back to the truck.

7. Then the whole deal will repeat after all the dogs have run, but will be on water, if you ran land first.

8. The retrieves will be about 40 yards, which is pretty short.

9. If you want to look at the rules, go to the HRC website.

Good luck!

[Chesapeake9487]

Man i appreciate the post! sounds like I got it somewhat in the bag. I just gotta get him tightened up on bringing to me and releasing! I have a buddy that will be coming with me...he used to help at Blue ribbon kennels in clinton. He has a 40lb. one year old fire ball where as i have a 8 month old 75lb. tank haha! Im looking forward to seeing all of you there!

[chessielover]

Look forward to meeting you there and its always a pleasure to see another chesapeake running! Your dog will do fine. One hint of advice, dogs do the darndest things at hunt test. Somehow they know that this is the one time in training that really counts and decide to go self employed! You think to yourself that there is no way your dog will have trouble at this then the dog will do something that it has never done and will probably never do again to prove you wrong! You will have a good time I can promise you that! Bring lots of warm clothes!

[chessielover]

If you are wondering, yes I learned this first hand from watching my cheasapeake, which is a water nut, somehow sink to the bottom of the lake only to come up under a pile of lilly pads and loose the mark!

[pntailhntr]

Chessielover is right on the money!! If it happens, don't lose interest, it happens to a lot of poeple and the dog will probably not do it again, but there is plenty time after the weekend to work it out of him before the next. Come and join us, IT'S ADDICTING!!! YOU"LL LOVE IT!!!

[Damn_It_Boy]

If you are wondering, yes I learned this first hand from watching my cheasapeake, which is a water nut, somehow sink to the bottom of the lake only to come up under a pile of lilly pads and loose the mark!

Dayum, I remember that. Dog jumped up like he was coming off a diving board, only to reappear a couple of minutes later. I also remember something about him pulling you to the ground in the holding blind......

[chessielover]

DIB, why you got to bring that up!

[Copiah Creek]

chesapeake9487 i will be training all next week if you want to come down ,i will set you up a started test and walk you through it , and yes i have a chessie ............also we are having a meet and greet work day on the 9th of feb. the weekened before the test ,,,,come and join us if you want .....................CC

[Chesapeake9487]

I appreciate all you guys support! Where are you located copiah creek? I may already be at mahannah that feb 9th...boss has a deercamp on mahannah. and chessielover mine is a water nut also when we pull up to the lake he just starts shaking and whining! ha

[Copiah Creek]

25 minutes south of Jackson in Crystal Springs